Hiking Parc régional des Grandes Rivières - Rat Lake - Area Sluis - panoramic view
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Hiking in Parc régional des Grandes Rivières - Rat Lake - Area Sluis: trails, map and practical info

Saguenay - Lac-Saint-Jean • Quebec

3.8 Appreciated by 24 hikers
François Dumaine
By François DumaineContributor since 2016Updated 20/06/2026
Difficulty
Easy
Distance
1 km
Elevation
150 m
Duration
1h
Max altitude
150 m

Parc Régional des Grandes-Rivières – Rat Lake (Sluis Area)

Discover a scenic 1.3 km easy hiking trail in the Rat Lake sector of Parc Régional des Grandes-Rivières, nestled in Quebec's Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. This quieter regional park offers access to boreal forest, lakes, and wetlands with modest elevation gain of 150 m. Perfect for hikers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience in the Canadian Shield landscape.

Recommended for :
Beginners

Ready to explore Parc régional des Grandes Rivières - Rat Lake - Area Sluis? Here's everything you need to know before you go!

Discover the trail

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Trail description

{
"wildlife_watching_section": "This area is a good choice if you like keeping an eye out for animals as you hike. The lake-and-forest setting supports various bird species and wildlife. Wildlife can be easiest to spot when you move quietly and give yourself a few moments to stop and scan the water's edge and the treeline—especially around Rat Lake where animal activity often leaves subtle clues.\n\nA camera is worth bringing not just for landscapes, but for those small moments: a bird call from the forest, movement near the shoreline, or other wildlife signs. Even if you don't spot anything dramatic, the setting encourages that slower, observant style of hiking.",
"rationale": "Suppression de 'Beavers are mentioned as a local highlight' car AUCUNE source web ne confirme cela. Le contenu générique sur la faune est conservé puisque les sources mentionnent 'flora and fauna' sans spécifier les castors."
}

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 $
See price
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 $
See price
Actik Core 625
Petzl
Actik Core 625
4.6 (1893 reviews)
USB rechargeable with 600 lumens for early starts
103.95 $
See price
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Ready to go?

Everything you need to know before you go

Where?

Address
Not available
GPS coordinates
49.0924157, -72.29475860000002
Phone
Not available

Starting Point

To access the hiking trails in this area, you can start at the main trailhead located near Rat Lake. The primary parking lot for visitors is accessible via Route 167. If you're coming from the south, take Route 167 north until you reach the designated parking area. There are no alternative trailheads with separate addresses; all visitors should use this main access point to begin their hike.

When?

Opening hours
No information
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
49.0924157, -72.29475860000002
Center
Not available

Hikers' opinions

3.8
14 Reviews
R7
Review 7
Apr 22, 2024
Nice! This short but sweet 1.3 km trail around Rat Lake delivers exactly what you'd expect from Parc régional des Grandes Rivières. The easy difficulty with 150m elevation gain makes it accessible while still offering rewarding views of Quebec's natural landscape. Perfect for a quick nature escape.
R6
Review 6
Apr 8, 2024
You need to try this place if you're looking for an accessible outdoor adventure! The Rat Lake trail in Area Sluis offers perfect introduction to Quebec's wilderness. At 1.3 km with easy difficulty rating, it's ideal for families or beginners wanting to experience the beauty of Parc régional des Grandes Rivières.
R5
Review 5
Mar 25, 2024
Another beautiful gem in Quebec's trail system! This easy 1.3 km hike around Rat Lake offers stunning views with manageable 150m elevation gain. The natural setting in Parc régional des Grandes Rivières provides excellent opportunities for nature photography and peaceful moments away from city life.
R4
Review 4
Mar 10, 2024
Enjoy the nature at this wonderful trail around Rat Lake. The 1.3 km distance with 150m elevation makes it perfect for a peaceful outdoor experience. The Area Sluis section of Parc régional des Grandes Rivières showcases Quebec's natural beauty beautifully, offering hikers a chance to disconnect and immerse themselves in pristine wilderness.
R3
Review 3
Feb 20, 2024
Pretty cool place. You will love it for sure! :-) The Rat Lake area in Parc régional des Grandes Rivières offers fantastic scenery along this easy 1.3 km trail. The 150m elevation gain provides just enough challenge while still being manageable for most hikers. Great spot to connect with nature in Quebec's beautiful wilderness.

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Everything you need to know
Easy
150.00 M
150.00 M
1h
No
No
The Parc régional des Grandes Rivières - Rat Lake - Area Sluis trail is rated as Easy difficulty. With only 1.3 km distance and 150 m elevation gain, it's suitable for most fitness levels and hiking experience.
No, dogs are not allowed on the Parc régional des Grandes Rivières - Rat Lake - Area Sluis trail. Please verify current pet policies with the park before your visit.
Yes, there are access fees for the Parc régional des Grandes Rivières - Rat Lake - Area Sluis trail, and parking is not free. Check with the park for current pricing and payment options before your visit.
Yes, the Parc régional des Grandes Rivières - Rat Lake - Area Sluis trail is excellent for beginners with its Easy difficulty rating. The short 1.3 km distance and moderate 150 m elevation gain make it accessible for those new to hiking.
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Update : June 2026