Winter hiking in Gaspé
Winter hiking in Gaspé: accessible trails, spectacular scenery, and practical tips for enjoying the outdoors, even when the snow settles in.
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In Gaspé, winter is the ideal season for hiking. Whether you choose snowshoes, cross-country skis, fat bikes, or your own two feet, the area remains accessible and offers spectacular scenery, far from the summer crowds. Snow-covered cliffs, the winter sea, forest trails, and breathtaking views are all part of the experience.
Winter hiking in Forillon National Park
In winter, the roads in Forillon National Park are closed to motor vehicles, but the park remains accessible for winter activities. Visitors can enter from the north or south entrances, on foot or with winter equipment.
Main access points:
- South sector – Grande-Grave
Approximately 4 km one way (8 km round trip) - Northern sector – Cap-Bon-Ami
Approximately 4.7 km one way (9.4 km round trip)
These hikes offer a complete immersion in an almost deserted park, ideal for wildlife watching and contemplating the winter landscape.
Accessible winter hikes
For simple, easily accessible outings, several trails are accessible throughout the winter:
- Penouille Beach
Flat terrain, wide trail, constant view of the bay
Ideal for winter walks and contemplative outings
Trail Starting point: Cap-des-Rosiers
Length: 4 km (round trip)
- Trails in the Castor sector
Starting point: Le Castor parking lot, Cap-des-Rosiers
Length: 3 km (round trip)
Forest setting, well sheltered from the wind
- La Chute Trail
Starting point: Route 132
Length: 1 km (loop)
Waterfall partially or completely frozen depending on conditions
- La Vallée Trail
Starting point: Anse-au-Griffon
Length: 9.2 km (round trip)
- Le Portage Trail
Starting point: Anse-au-Griffon or Chemin du Portage
Length: 20 km (round trip)
Winter hike with scenic views
- Les Crêtes Trail (first lookout)
Starting point: Route 132
Length: 3 km (round trip)
This hike provides access to a spectacular viewpoint over the area. On a clear day, you can see the Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse and, in the distance, Percé Rock.
Walking in winter on the Gaspé bike path
The Gaspé bike path is accessible in winter and very popular for active walking. Well paved, it runs along the bay and offers a safe and enjoyable option for staying active, even on short outings.
Preparing well for winter hiking
Winter hiking in Gaspé is accessible, but requires adequate preparation:
- Layered clothing
- Suitable boots or crampons
- Water and snack
- Route adapted to the length of the day and weather conditions
The weather can change quickly, especially near the sea. Simple planning allows you to enjoy the area to the fullest in complete safety.
Why go winter hiking in Gaspé?
- To stay active all year round
- To discover the region in a different way
- To enjoy spectacular scenery, even in winter
- To enjoy 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 allow you to experience the grandeur of the region every day, no matter the season.
Our other activities
Discover the hidden treasures of our region.
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.
