Winter Hikes in Gaspé
Winter hikes in Gaspé: accessible trails, magnificent landscapes, and practical tips for enjoying the outdoors, even when the snow settles in.
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In Gaspé, winter is an ideal season for hiking. Whether snowshoeing, walking, cross-country skiing, or fat biking, the area remains accessible and offers magnificent landscapes, far from the summer crowds. Snow-covered cliffs, a winter sea, forest trails, and impressive viewpoints are all part of the experience.
Winter Hikes in Forillon National Park
In winter, Forillon National Park roads are closed to vehicle traffic, but the area remains accessible for winter activities. Travel is possible from the north or south entrances, on foot or with winter gear.
Main Access Points:
- South Sector – Grande-Grave
Approximately 4 km one way (8 km round trip) - North Sector – Cap-Bon-Ami
Approximately 4.7 km one way (9.4 km round trip)
These hikes offer a complete immersion in a nearly deserted park, perfect for wildlife observation and contemplating the winter landscape.
Accessible Winter Hikes
For simple and easily accessible outings, several trails are open all winter:
- Penouille Beach
Flat terrain, wide trail, constant bay views
Ideal for winter walks and contemplative outings
- Bank Trail
Start: Cap-des-Rosiers
Length: 4 km (round trip)
- Beaver Sector Trails
Start: Le Castor parking lot, Cap-des-Rosiers
Length: 3 km (round trip)
Wooded setting, well sheltered from the wind
- The Falls Trail
Start: Route 132
Length: 1 km (loop)
Waterfall partially or completely frozen depending on conditions
- The Valley Trail
Start: Anse-au-Griffon
Length: 9.2 km (round trip)
- The Portage Trail
Start: Anse-au-Griffon or Portage Road
Length: 20 km (round trip)
Winter hike with viewpoints
- Les Crêtes Trail (first lookout)
Start: Route 132
Length: 3 km (round trip)
This hike offers access to a spectacular viewpoint of the area. On a clear day, you can see the Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse and, in the distance, Percé Rock.
Winter walking on the Gaspé bike path
The Gaspé bike path is accessible in winter and very popular for active walking. Well-maintained, it runs along the bay and offers a safe and pleasant option to stay active, even during short outings.
How to prepare for winter hiking
Winter hikes in Gaspé are accessible, but require adequate preparation:
- Layered clothing
- Appropriate boots or crampons
- Water and snacks
- Itinerary adapted to daylight hours and weather conditions
The weather can change quickly, especially near the sea. Simple planning allows you to fully enjoy the area safely.
Why go winter hiking in Gaspé?
- To stay active all year round
- To explore the region differently
- To enjoy breathtaking landscapes, even in winter
- To experience the outdoors without the crowds
In Gaspé, winter doesn't put the region on hold. It transforms it.
Winter hiking is one of those must-do activities that allows you to experience the magnificent every day, no matter the season.
Our other activities
Discover the hidden treasures of our region.
Gaspé: A Sustainable Destination
Sustainable development at the heart of our destination
Escale Gaspé is committed to making sustainable development a central and cross-cutting element of its strategic planning. It aligns with Cruise the Saint Lawrence's Sustainable Development Strategy and shares its vision for the Saint Lawrence destination.
The cruise industry contributes to the socio-economic vitality of Quebec and its regions, while also participating in the preservation and regeneration of ecosystems. The Saint Lawrence destination offers a positive-impact, human, and sustainable experience, building bridges between visitors and host communities, maritime, tourism, and scientific stakeholders.
Escale Gaspé has taken action in recent years regarding sustainable tourism development. It has equipped its cruise terminal with waste sorting stations and a boutique showcasing local products. It also broadcasts educational content on sustainable and responsible tourism for cruise passengers via a screen located in its terminal.
The organization also launched its very first stakeholder consultation forum in spring 2025, regularly participates in the sustainable tourism best practices sharing community 'Les Courants Durables du Saint-Laurent', and is involved in a social acceptability campaign led by Cruise the Saint Lawrence.
Destination Gaspé's brand new, optimized website also helps stimulate the local economy and enhance the tourism offering by improving the visibility and attractiveness of local businesses. It provides a modern and engaging showcase on a centralized platform, while integrating rich content related to local stories and the region's unique cultural events.
