Winter hiking in Gaspé: an active, spectacular, and accessible winter
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Winter in Gaspé often begins with a striking contrast. Snow covers the mountains, the sea freezes in places as the cold sets in, and the pace slows down. Yet for many people here, it's also the start of the winter hiking season. We adjust our schedules, add an extra layer of clothing, grab an extra hot drink... and head outside.
Contrary to popular belief, winter does not shut down the region. It transforms the experience. In Gaspé, winter hikes allow you to stay active, enjoy spectacular scenery, and discover the region in a different way, without the crowds and without the pressure.
Winter hikes in Forillon National Park: exploring the territory in a different way
In winter, Forillon National Park closes its gates. The roads are no longer accessible by car, which changes the way you approach hiking in the park. Vehicles must be parked at the north or south entrances, and exploration is done on foot, snowshoes, fatbikes, or cross-country skis.
It requires a little more planning, but access to the territory remains possible for those who take the time to organize themselves.
- Southern sector: allow approximately 4 km one way (8 km round trip) to reach Grande-Grave.
- Northern sector: access to Cap-Bon-Ami is approximately 4.7 km one way (9.4 km round trip).
These distances are an integral part of the winter hiking experience in Gaspé. You walk at your own pace, stopping to admire the scenery and listen to the wind and the silence. In return, you get to enjoy an almost deserted park, where the cliffs, the sea, and the snow take center stage, and where it is easier to observe wildlife.
💡 Practical tip: in winter, distances often take longer than in summer. It is best to allow extra time and choose a route that is suited to the length of daylight hours.
Accessible winter hikes: simple and varied options
For those who want to enjoy accessible winter hikes without having to plan a long outing, Gaspé offers several options that are easy to access and accessible all winter long.
Penouille Beach is one of the most popular spots for winter hikes. The terrain is flat, the trail is wide, and the view of the bay accompanies every step. It is a place that is appreciated as much for a leisurely walk as for a more strenuous outing.
The Banc Trail offers another beautiful option for a short and effective winter hike. The contact with water, the winter light, and the surrounding calm make it an ideal place to clear your mind.
- Departure: Cap-des-Rosiers parking lot
- Length: 4 km (round trip)
The new trails in the Castor sector offer a more wooded atmosphere, perfect for windy days. Well sheltered, they allow for comfortable winter hikes, even when the weather is more changeable.
- Departure: Le Castor parking lot, Cap-des-Rosiers
- Length: 3 km (round trip)
The La Chute trail is also accessible in winter. Depending on conditions, you can see a waterfall that is partially frozen or frozen solid, surrounded by snow and ice formations, creating a striking backdrop.
- Departure: La Chute parking lot, on Route 132 (halfway between the North and South sectors)
- Length: 1 km (loop)
The La Vallée and Le Portage trails are great additions for those who want to explore further. These winter hikes offer a good balance between physical effort and contemplation, while remaining accessible for outings lasting a few hours.
La Vallée Trail
- Departure: 1 km from Route 132, in L'Anse-au-Griffon
- Length: 9.2 km (round trip)
Le Portage Trail
- Departure: 1 km from Route 132, in L'Anse-au-Griffon, or 0.5 km from Route 132, near Penouille
- Length: 20 km (round trip)
💡 Tip: For a change of pace, alternate between trails overlooking the sea and forest trails. Two very different atmospheres in a single day.
Winter hiking with a view: gaining altitude
Some winter hikes in Gaspé also allow you to climb a little higher and enjoy spectacular views.
The round trip to the first lookout on the Les Crêtes trail, accessible directly from Route 132, is a very popular option. On a clear day, you can see the Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse on one side and Percé Rock on the horizon on the other.
- Departure: viewpoint on Route 132
- Length: 3 km (round trip)
Even in winter, this route offers impressive views of the surrounding area. The climb warms you up quickly, and the view rewards your efforts.
💡 Field tip: Lookout points are often more exposed to the wind. An extra layer in your bag makes all the difference during breaks.
The Gaspé bike path: winter walks along the water
Although it is best known in summer, the Gaspé bike path is also very popular in winter. With the right footwear, with or without crampons, it becomes a long corridor perfect for active walking or fat biking.
For many, these outings complement more traditional winter hikes. You walk at your own pace, with the bay on one side and the mountains on the other. It's a simple and effective way to stay active, even on days when you don't feel like venturing out on the trails.
It is also a place to meet people. In winter, you will encounter locals, regulars, and families. These moments are part of the hiking experience in Gaspé, rooted in everyday life.
Prepare well to enjoy winter hikes in Gaspé
Winter hikes are accessible, but they require proper preparation. The weather can change quickly, especially near the sea. The wind can make it feel colder, even on sunny days.
Layered clothing, suitable boots, water, and a snack are essential, even for a short outing. It is also important to choose routes that match your skill level and the time you have available.
This responsible approach allows you to enjoy winter to the fullest, while respecting the environment and your own safety.
An active winter, to be enjoyed to the fullest... and to live in
In Gaspé, winter is not a season of waiting. It is a time when we move differently, take our time, and rediscover the region from a different perspective.
Winter hiking in Gaspé offers this freedom: the freedom to get outside, breathe fresh air, stay active, and connect with nature, no matter the season. For some, it’s a getaway. For others, it’s a way of life. Either way, it’s a real way to experience the grandeur of nature every day, even in the heart of winter.
Gaspé sustainable destination
Sustainable development at the heart of our destination
Escale Gaspé is committed to making sustainable development a central, cross-cutting element of its strategic planning. It is aligned with Croisières du Saint-Laurent's Sustainable Development Strategy and shares its vision for the St. Lawrence destination.
The cruise industry contributes to the socio-economic vitality of Quebec and its regions, while helping to preserve and regenerate ecosystems. The St. Lawrence destination offers a human and sustainable experience with a positive impact, through the bridges we build between visitors and host communities, maritime, tourism and scientific players.
Escale Gaspé has taken action in recent years in terms of sustainable tourism development. It has equipped its cruise lodge with waste-sorting islands and a boutique showcasing local products. It also broadcasts sustainable and responsible tourism awareness content for cruise passengers, via a screen located in its pavilion.
The organization also rolled out its first-ever stakeholder consultation forum in spring 2025, participates regularly in the sustainable tourism best-practice sharing community Les Courants Durables du Saint-Laurent, and takes part in a social acceptability campaign run by Croisières du Saint-Laurent.
Destination Gaspé's brand-new, optimized website also stimulates the local economy and enhances the tourism offering by improving the visibility and appeal of local businesses. It offers a modern, engaging showcase on a centralized platform, while integrating rich content linked to local stories and the region's unique cultural events.
