Line © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), checked by Global Adventurer.
The walk
From the shuttle stop at Le Pin-Blanc, the trail climbs east through forest to a first belvédère (lookout) and a stream crossing, then north up the ridge, largely on steps, to Sommet no 1. It follows the open crest over Sommet no 2 to Sommet no 3, signed 1,048 m, where the trail ends. Return the same way.
It is 11 km there and back with 811 m of ascent; allow about 5½ hours. The grade is Hard: a relentless climb, much of it on steps. SÉPAQ rates it very difficult.
The trail closes after Thanksgiving Monday, 12 October 2026, until June 2027. From 1 September set off by noon and leave Sommet no 3 by 3:30 pm in September or 3 pm in October; a warden sweeps the trail. The exposed summits are usually 5 to 10 °C colder than the valley. Keep to the roped line. Black bears live here. Adults pay a daily access fee; under-18s go free with a free access authorisation.
Park at the Félix-Antoine-Savard centre at the entrance, reached from Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs. On shuttle days cars may go no further: the free shuttle runs 6 km to the trailhead, at weekends and holidays, 8 am to 6 pm, until 12 October 2026. Dogs may not ride it. Otherwise drive to the small car park by the stop.
Route drawn by Global Adventurer along OpenStreetMap paths (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL), with figures worked out from it. Check the forecast and the ground on the day: paths change.
Good to know
- The Malbaie river runs here through a deep glacial valley walled by some of the highest cliffs in eastern Canada
- The trail climbs to three bare summits; the third, at 1,048 m, looks straight down into the gorge and along the river
- The summits carry rare arctic-alpine plants, so the park keeps walkers to a roped line
- Walkers park at the Félix-Antoine-Savard centre at the park entrance, reached from Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, and ride the free shuttle 6 km to the trailhead
Getting there
Start: Acropole-des-Draveurs trailhead, park shuttle stop. 47.87645, -70.48145
Directions to the start
Paths change, and the weather decides the day. The line and figures come from OpenStreetMap and our own checks; take a map, check the forecast, and turn back if it isn't right.