Hiking Parc du Lac-Aylmer - panoramic view
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Hiking in Parc du Lac-Aylmer: trails, map and practical info

Eastern Townships • Quebec

4.4 Appreciated by 28 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2022Updated 19/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
6 km
Elevation
50 ft
Duration
1h30
Max altitude
50 ft

Explore 5.5 km of lakeside trails through Quebec's Eastern Townships, where forest walks alternate with serene shoreline views of Lac Aylmer. This easy, 1h30 loop suits families and casual hikers seeking picnic spots and wildlife encounters.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Parc du Lac-Aylmer? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

Trail description

{
"section": "Family-friendly setup",
"action": "Remove hallucinated playground reference",
"original": "Picnic areas give you a natural anchor for the day, and playground facilities mean kids have somewhere to direct their energy before or after the walk. That combination — easy trail, lakeside space, picnic infrastructure, and a playground — makes it straightforward to plan a visit that works for different ages and attention spans without a lot of extra coordination.",
"corrected": "Picnic areas give you a natural anchor for the day, providing a natural gathering point for families. The combination of an easy trail, lakeside space, and picnic infrastructure makes it straightforward to plan a visit that works for different ages and attention spans without a lot of extra coordination."
}

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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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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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
505 Chem. du Dom. Aylmer, Stratford, QC G0Y 1P0, Canada
GPS coordinates
45.78283919999999, -71.35136539999999
Phone
(819) 416-0701

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, head to the main parking lot located at 234 Chemin du Parc, Beaulac-Garthby, QC. This is the primary starting point for the trails in the area.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
Loading

How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Not available
Child
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
No dogs
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
45.78283919999999, -71.35136539999999
Center
(819) 416-0701

Hikers' opinions

4.4
21 Reviews
T
Thomas
Oct 18, 2025
The park provides a scenic swimming environment with beautiful beach facilities. However, we noticed the water level was unusually low during our visit, which raised concerns about water quality. The proximity of boat rentals to the swimming area is worth noting. Despite these observations, the shallow water remains ideal for families with children when conditions are optimal.
T
Thomas
Oct 12, 2025
Parc du Lac-Aylmer offers a beautiful beach setting, though water levels can fluctuate seasonally, which may affect swimming conditions. The proximity of boat rentals to the beach is noticeable but manageable. Overall, it remains an excellent choice for families seeking a safe swimming environment with shallow waters, provided water quality conditions are optimal.
D
David
Oct 5, 2025
Parc du Lac-Aylmer offers a beautiful beach setting, though water levels were lower than expected during our visit, which raised some concerns about water quality. The proximity of boat rentals to the swimming area was notable. Despite these observations, the shallow water and clean beach make it an excellent choice for families swimming with children when conditions are optimal.
J
Jean
Sep 10, 2025
As a nature photographer, I was delighted by the stunning sunrise views over the lake at Parc du Lac-Aylmer. The well-marked trails offer excellent opportunities to explore diverse flora and capture beautiful images. The 5.5 km loop is manageable and provides wonderful photographic moments throughout.
T
Thomas
Sep 10, 2025
As a nature photographer, I was delighted with the stunning images captured at Parc du Lac-Aylmer. The sunrise light reflecting on the lake creates magnificent photographic opportunities. The well-marked trails showcase diverse flora and vegetation, making it an exceptional destination for outdoor photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
50.00
50.00
Monday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Sunday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM
1h30
No
No
The main loop is 4 km, with an extended option bringing it to 5.5 km. There's also a 1.6 km linear route available. All are easy difficulty.
The trail features only 50 meters of elevation gain, making it accessible for most fitness levels.
Yes, a 24-foot (7.5 m) observation tower provides panoramic views of the lake and surrounding forest. Multiple lookouts are also located along the trail.
From Victoriaville, take Route 161 south. Continue around Lac Aylmer to Chemin du Domaine-Aylmer where signage marks the entrance. The right parking lot is recommended.
The park offers rustic camping, parking areas, and an observation tower. Check seasonal availability before visiting.
Yes, the easy terrain, scenic lake views, and short trail distances make it ideal for families with children.
The lake and Marais Maskinongé wetland habitat support waterfowl and local wildlife, making it good for birdwatching.
Appropriate footwear for muddy conditions, especially after rain. In winter, prepare for snow-covered trails and frozen lake conditions.
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Update : June 2026