Hiking Centre Plein Air Bec-scie - panoramic view
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Hiking in Centre Plein Air Bec-scie: trails, map and practical info

Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean • Quebec

4.7 Appreciated by 17 hikers
François Dumaine
By François Dumaine • Contributor since 2016 • Updated 23/06/2026
Ready to go See map
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
42 km
Elevation
79 ft
Duration
10h30
Max altitude
200 ft

Explore the dramatic Mars River Canyon and cascading waterfalls on this easy 41.5 km network with 200 m elevation gain near La Baie in Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean. Over 30 kilometers of well-maintained trails wind through lush forests along the scenic Rivière-à-Mars.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Centre Plein Air Bec-scie? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

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Trail description

Trail network and route options

Centre Plein Air Bec-Scie offers over 120 kilometres of well-maintained trails. In summer, the centre features 8 km of groomed mountain bike trails and a 2.7 km hiking trail called Le Canyon. For those interested in fatbiking, there are 4.2 km of dedicated fatbike trails (Le Ruisseau 2.2 km and La Rivière 2 km). The trails are designed to suit all skill levels, so you're not locked into one type of experience.

Recommended gear for this trail

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Elixir Tour Mid WP
Salomon
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Waterproof mid-height boot ideal for rocky terrain
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Daylite Plus 20L
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Lightweight and versatile for day hikes
109.99 $
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Wide Mouth 1L
Nalgene
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4.8 (12540 reviews)
Unbreakable and BPA-free — a hiking essential
23.11 $
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Best Value
Trail Ergo Cork
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Comfortable cork grip for long ascents
69.99 $
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Actik Core 625
Petzl
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4.6 (1893 reviews)
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
7400 Chemin des Chutes, La Baie, QC G7B 3N8, Canada
GPS coordinates
48.3039946, -70.98808500000001
Phone
(418) 697-5132

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails, head to the main trailhead located at 7400 Chemin des Chutes, La Baie, QC G7B 3N8. This is the primary starting point where you can find parking facilities.

When?

Opening hours
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 – 10:02 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
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
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
48.3039946, -70.98808500000001
Center
(418) 697-5132

Hikers' opinions

4.7
8 Reviews
ER
Emma R.
Sep 15, 2023
My family and I hiked at Centre Plein Air Bec-scie late in the afternoon, and the evening light made everything look magical. The trail was easy enough for our kids to navigate, and we saw a variety of wildflowers along the way. It was a very pleasant experience for a family outing!
JM
John M.
Jun 10, 2023
The atmosphere is peaceful, perfect for those who love to unwind in nature. I went for a weekend hike and encountered a family of deer. The trails are well-maintained, and the views of the surrounding forest are simply serene. Highly recommend for a relaxing day in the woods!
ST
Sarah T.
Mar 20, 2023
I tried snowshoeing at Bec-scie in early March. While the trails were marked, some areas were quite icy, making it a bit challenging. It was less crowded than I expected, which was nice, but I think I'd prefer a different season for my next visit!
WK
Wayne Karim
Dec 28, 2018
The staff was amazing. The trails were perfect (though sometimes a little steep). I had a great time!
JA
Jennifer Anderson
Nov 28, 2018
U have to do a 2.8 km trail to get to the waterfall but the trail is mostly all flat and linear so no climbing! It was a smooth hike and the view was worth it

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
79.00 m
200.00 m
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 10:00 – 10:02 PM
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
10h30
No
No
The Centre Plein Air Bec-scie trail is rated as Easy difficulty, making it suitable for hikers of various skill levels. With a moderate distance of 41.5 km and 200 m of elevation gain, it provides a manageable challenge without being overly strenuous.
The Centre Plein Air Bec-scie trail covers 41.5 km in total distance with an elevation gain of 200 m. This combination makes for a substantial but accessible hiking experience.
No, dogs are not permitted on the Centre Plein Air Bec-scie trail. Please plan accordingly and make alternative arrangements for your pets when visiting this hiking area.
Access to Centre Plein Air Bec-scie requires a fee, and parking is not free. Be sure to budget for both trail access and parking costs when planning your visit.
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Update : June 2026