International Appalachian Trail in Gaspé: walking at the end of the world

The International Appalachian Trail (IAT) is one of the world's longest continuous hikes. Linked to the famous American Appalachian Trail, it follows the Appalachian chain to its geological extremity: the Gaspé Peninsula. Its arrival (or departure!) point is at Cap-Gaspé, in Forillon National Park, where the mountains meet the sea.

What is the SIA?

Created in 1994, the International Appalachian Trail was designed to extend the AppalachianTrail experience beyond theUnited States and connect Appalachian communities across borders. Today, it crosses Maine, New Brunswick and Quebec before ending in Forillon. With 3,000 km of international routes, including 650 km in the Gaspé, it is recognized as the world's first transnational hiking trail.

L'Anse-à-Valleau: walking to the rhythm of the sea

The IAT follows the coast at L'Anse-à-Valleau. Here, you walk to the rhythm of the waves, with the sea as your companion. This stretch is one of the few in the region to offer a coastal hiking experience, between cliffs, coves and maritime vistas. An ideal area for combining fresh air and breathtaking panoramas.

Forests and valleys: immersion in nature

Heading east, the trail enters the dense forests and valleys of the Gaspé. These stretches are perfect for immersing yourself in Gaspesian nature, coming across originals or hearing migratory birds. Each detour offers a different ambience: a sunny clearing, a meandering stream, an unveiling cape.

Forillon National Park: the highlight of the IAT

Parc national Forillon is the highlight of the show. Here, the Appalachian chain ends as it plunges into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Several sections of the IAT are accessible here, ranging from short family hikes to more challenging stretches. The highlight: reaching Cap-Gaspé, literally at the end of the world, where sea and mountain meet.

Preparing your hike

Before setting off on the IAT in Gaspé, a few precautions should be taken to make the most of the experience:

• Plan your itinerary: check the duration, altitude difference and level of difficulty of your chosen section.
• Dress accordingly: the weather changes quickly, so bring layered clothing and wind protection, especially by the sea.
• Bring water and snacks: some sections are isolated and have no refreshment points.
• Appropriate footwear: opt for sturdy hiking boots, as the terrain can be rough or muddy depending on the season.
• Maps and landmarks: bring a map of the trail or use a reliable app, as some areas have limited cellular coverage.
• Seasonality: in spring, some sections may still be snow-covered or difficult to access; in autumn, the days shorten rapidly.

For preparation (maps, access, regulations, trail conditions), please refer to the official IAT-Quebec website: www.sia-iat.com/

Why hike the International Appalachian Trail in Gaspé?

The International Appalachian Trail in Gaspé is as grandiose as it is welcoming. You can hike a portion with the whole family, to introduce the younger ones to hiking, or choose a more demanding section to test your stamina and calves. Some take on the trail for a few hours, others for several days, and the most passionate go so far as to complete the entire adventure across the Gaspé Peninsula.

Walking the IAT in Gaspé is a modular and always spectacular experience. A trail that adapts to each individual, but leaves everyone with the same impression: that of having truly touched the end of the world.

‍