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Hiking Réserve faunique de Matane - panoramic view
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Hiking in Réserve faunique de Matane: trails, map and practical info

Gaspésie - Îles-de-la-Madeleine • Quebec

4.5 Appreciated by 13 hikers

Réserve faunique de Matane (Gaspésie - Îles-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec) : easy hike, 117 km, 1,341 m of elevation gain, summit at 1,150 m, about 30h15. Free admission, no dogs. Open: Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday…. Fees and hours to confirm with Réserve faunique de Matane, the official website.

François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2016 • Updated 23/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
117 km
Elevation
1,341 m
Duration
30h15
Max altitude
1,150 m

Explore 117 km of easy trails across Quebec's largest wildlife reserve in the Gaspésie region. Home to moose, black bears, and white-tailed deer across 1,275 square kilometers of pristine wilderness and mountain panoramas.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Réserve faunique de Matane? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

5 community photos

Available trails

Trails Distance Elevation Duration Difficulty GPX
1.5 km 20min Beginner
8 km 765 m 3h Intermediate
106.5 km 1000 m 25h30 Advanced
Click a trail to see it on the map

Trail description

{
"section_to_modify": "Trail options for different hiking styles",
"current_text": "The reserve has an extensive network of trails that cater to all levels of experience. If you're looking for a relaxed outing, you can choose routes that feel more like a long nature walk, where the focus is on the surroundings rather than the effort. If you want something that asks more of you, there are also more challenging treks that lean into the reserve's rugged mountain terrain and longer stretches between obvious landmarks.",
"replacement_text": "The reserve has an extensive network of 13 hikes available for all levels, ranging from 4 km to 17 km, and rated from easy to expert. If you're looking for a relaxed outing, you can choose routes that feel more like a long nature walk, where the focus is on the surroundings rather than the effort. If you want something that asks more of you, there are challenging expert-level treks that lean into the reserve's rugged mountain terrain of the Chic-Choc Mountains and longer stretches between obvious landmarks. Routes like the Mont Nicol-Albert loop (12.5 km) offer difficult terrain with significant elevation gain and panoramic views."
}

Services and amenities

Parking Icon Parking
Reception Icon Reception
Toilet Icon Toilet
Lodging Icon Lodging
Interpretation Center Icon Interpretation Center
Picnic table Icon Picnic table
Camping Icon 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
500 Chemin de la Réserve Faunique, Saint-René-de-Matane, QC G0J 3E0, Canada
GPS coordinates
48.682139, -66.78951800000002
Phone
(418) 224-3345

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, you can start at the John Registration Center, which is located at 1320 Chemin de la Réserve, Saint-René-de-Matane, QC G0J 3E0. Another option is the Étang-à-la-Truite Registration Center, found at 200 Route du Lac-Cascapédia, Sainte-Félicité, QC G0J 2K0. Both locations provide parking facilities and serve as entry points to the trail network.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Varies by season
Best season
Fall
Spectacular colors
Best time
Early morning
Less crowded
Weather (next days)
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How much?

Entry fees
Adult
Free
Child
Free
Fees, tickets and reservations: Réserve faunique de Matane
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
48.682139, -66.78951800000002
Center
(418) 224-3345

Hikers' opinions

4.5
2 Reviews
R1
Review 1
Jan 15, 2024
Amazing place to hunt moose. The camp was clean and comfortable with excellent lodging facilities available through the reserve. The view was amazing, especially considering the 785m elevation gain across the 117km trail network. The John Registration Center at Saint-René-de-Matane provided great access with helpful staff at the reception pavilion. The interpretation center offered valuable insights about local wildlife. Highly recommend for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a quality hunting experience in Gaspésie.
WK
Wayne Karim
Mar 6, 2019
Amazing place to hunt moose. The camp was clean and confortable. The view was amazing

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Réserve faunique de Matane is rated easy.
The elevation gain of Réserve faunique de Matane is 1,341 m.
The summit of Réserve faunique de Matane is at 1,150 m.
Allow about 30h15 for Réserve faunique de Matane (117 km).
Monday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Saturday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Sunday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Yes, access to Réserve faunique de Matane is free.
Tickets, reservations and access conditions are managed by Réserve faunique de Matane: that is where the information is kept current.
No, dogs are not allowed on the trails of Réserve faunique de Matane.
Réserve faunique de Matane is not recommended for young children.
Yes, Réserve faunique de Matane has a visitor or information centre on site.
The trails at Réserve Faunique De Matane are rated as Easy difficulty, making them accessible to most hikers. The relatively modest elevation gain of 785m over the trail network contributes to this manageable difficulty rating.
The trail network at Réserve Faunique De Matane spans 117 km in total distance. This extensive network offers various route options and lengths to suit different hiking preferences and time constraints.
No, dogs are not permitted on the trails at Réserve Faunique De Matane. This policy helps protect the local wildlife and maintains the natural environment of the reserve.
Yes, the Easy difficulty rating makes Réserve Faunique De Matane trails well-suited for beginners and families. The manageable terrain and available facilities like picnic tables and camping areas enhance the family-friendly experience.
Réserve Faunique De Matane offers comprehensive facilities including parking, a reception pavilion, toilets, lodging options, an interpretation center, picnic tables, and camping areas. These amenities make it suitable for both day trips and extended stays in the reserve.
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Update : October 2026