Hiking Parc De La Gorge De Coaticook - panoramic view
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Hiking in Parc De La Gorge De Coaticook: trails, map and practical info

Eastern Townships • Quebec

4.6 Appreciated by 23 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2016 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
19 km
Elevation
78 ft
Duration
5h15
Max altitude
169 ft
Dogs
Allowed

Explore the Eastern Townships' signature gorge via 18.5 km of easy trails and North America's longest pedestrian suspension bridge. This 5h15 loop through lush forest and dramatic viewpoints sits just south of Coaticook, near Sherbrooke.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Parc De La Gorge De Coaticook? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

3 community photos

Available trails

Trails Distance Elevation Duration Difficulty GPX
3.5 km 84 m 54min Beginner
3.5 km 26 m 49min Beginner
8.5 km 152 m 2h Advanced
Click a trail to see it on the map

Trail description

The Gorge Itself

The centerpiece of the park is the gorge — a narrow, steep-walled canyon cut by the Coaticook River. The walls rise sharply on both sides, and the river runs far below, giving you that mix of exposure and awe that makes gorge hiking so compelling. The rock faces are draped in moss and ferns, and the sound of rushing water follows you along most of the trail network. It's the kind of terrain that feels earned even when the walking isn't technically difficult.

The park is also home to the longest suspended footbridge in North America. Crossing it is a highlight for most visitors — the bridge sways gently underfoot, the gorge opens up below you, and the scale of the whole thing hits you in a way that photos don't quite capture. It's not a white-knuckle experience, but it does get your attention.

Services and amenities

Parking Icon Parking
Reception Icon Reception
Toilet Icon Toilet
Belvedere Icon Belvedere
Lodging Icon Lodging
Refuge
Bridge Icon Bridge
Interpretation Center Icon Interpretation Center
Picnic table Icon Picnic table
Camping Icon Camping
Rustic camping Icon Rustic camping

This information may vary by season.

Recommended gear for this trail

LGPO Pick
Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
Elixir Tour Mid WP
4.5 (2847 reviews)
Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
203.38 $
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Daylite Plus 20L
Osprey
Daylite Plus 20L
4.7 (3215 reviews)
Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Most Popular
Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
Wide Mouth 1L
4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
Black Diamond
Trail Ergo Cork
4.4 (1456 reviews)
Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
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Affiliate links — LGPO may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
400 Rue Saint-Marc, Coaticook, QC J1A 2R9, Coaticook, QC J1A 2M3, Canada
GPS coordinates
45.1449532, -71.7978861
Phone
(888) 524-6743

Starting Point

To access it, take exit 21 off Highway 55, then take Route 141 south to Coaticook and follow the signs.

When?

Opening hours
From the beginning of May to June 23: 10 am to 5 pm June 24 to early September: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early September to late October: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
$ 8
Child
$ 4.75
What to bring?
Gear
Download the PDF checklist
Water & food
2L minimum
No water point on the trail
Bring energy snacks for a 4h+ hike
Good to know
Park rules
Dogs allowed
Safety
Download the GPX before you go
Limited cellular coverage on the trail
Slippery after rain
Be careful on rocky sections
In an emergency
Emergency
911
Parking GPS
45.1449532, -71.7978861
Center
(888) 524-6743

Hikers' opinions

4.6
10 Reviews
S
Sarah
Feb 15, 2026
The suspension bridge crossing was spectacular, though a bit intimidating at first. The trails are well-marked with excellent signage, and there's a beautiful observation tower offering panoramic views of the valley. The park is clean and well-maintained throughout, with helpful staff at reception. However, some trail sections became challenging to follow due to confusing bike path intersections.
M
Michael
Nov 8, 2025
Enjoyed hiking the gorge trail with my family - manageable even with young children. The suspension bridge is definitely the highlight, and the forestry tower provides amazing views. The trails wind through diverse forest landscapes with interesting historical remnants of old mills and dams. Great value for the entrance fee and perfect for a day trip from Montreal or Sherbrooke.
E
Emma
Sep 22, 2025
What an incredible natural wonder in the heart of Eastern Townships! The gorge is surprisingly deep and dramatic for such a small town setting. We spent about 2.5 hours exploring all the trails, including climbing the wooden tower for breathtaking valley views. The interpretive panels along the way taught us about local wildlife and geology. Highly recommend bringing a camera!
D
David
Aug 17, 2025
Pleasant walk through forested terrain with the famous suspension bridge as the main attraction. The trail network offers good variety from easy to moderate difficulty levels. However, some sections need better trail marking as we got confused with mountain bike paths several times. The park facilities are excellent with clean washrooms and a well-stocked visitor center.
J
Jessica
Jul 3, 2025
Beautiful autumn colors made our visit truly memorable. The suspension bridge crossing was thrilling - you can feel it sway slightly when others walk across. Trail conditions vary from easy forest paths to steeper sections requiring proper hiking shoes. The gorge itself is quite impressive with interesting rock formations and old dam structures visible along the river.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
78.00 m
169.00 m
From the beginning of May to June 23: 10 am to 5 pm June 24 to early September: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Early September to late October: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
5h15
Yes
No
8.00 $
Yes
Parc De La Gorge De Coaticook offers scenic belvederes, an interpretation center to learn about the gorge's geology and ecology, picnic areas, and multiple trail options. The park also features the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in North America, which spans 169 meters and hangs 50 meters above the Coaticook River, providing stunning views of the gorge and natural landscape.
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Top 10 best hiking in Eastern Townships
Our ranking based on hiker reviews

Hiking near Sherbrooke

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Update : July 2026