adventure

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Hiking through the Mountains in Quebec

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From mountains to valleys and lakes to rivers, the National Park of the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie offers beautiful landscapes on the east side of Canada. 

Let's Get Started:

Le Riverain
Difficulty: Intermediate
Length: 17.4 km (roundtrip)
Time: About 4-5 hours
Height: 170 m

This scenic hike takes you through a forest, along the Malbaie River and finally to a spot that offers gorgeous views of the valley. Sit down, relax and take in the beautiful sights before you head back. 

Le Acropolis des Draveurs
Difficulty: Difficult
Length: 10.4 km (roundtrip)
Time: About 4-6 hours
Height: 800 m

This difficult trail takes you up to three different peaks of mountains! Along the way, you'll see waterfalls, wildlife and flora in an alpine environment. Once you reach the top, you'll have a 360 panorama view of the Malbaie River valley and surrounding mountains. Just keep in mind that it gets pretty windy at the top! 

Notes:

  • The park also offers kayaking, fishing, biking, wildlife viewing, hiking, boating and ice climbing. 
  • On top of camping fees, there will be a daily access fee of $8.50. 
  • There's no parking at the hiking trails, so you will need to take a shuttle to each hiking trail unless you are willing to walk it. The shuttle runs from 8am-7pm daily.
  • No dogs are allowed in the park.
  • Always have your proof of payment on hand while you're in the park. Park rangers will ask you to see it because they've previously had a lot of hikers trespassing. 
  • If you're showering in the park, it costs 25 cents/minute. 
  • It's about a 10.5 hour drive from Toronto or a 5 hour drive from Montreal. 

Happy Adventuring! 

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Arrowhead Provincial Park: Day Guide

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In the heart of Muskoka lies Arrowhead Provincial Park, a great place for an outdoor adventure year round. Head there to hike on the many trails that wind through mature forests or spend the day out on the lake. In the winter, you can cross-country ski, tube down a hill or skate on an outdoor trail. 

Let's get started!

From the Park Store, head straight through the park and past the bridge. There will be a parking lot to your left. Park there if you want to see Stubb's Falls or take the Arrowhead Lake Trail. 

The Stubb's Falls Trail: 2km/Easy/45 minutes

Just past the bridge at Arrowhead Lake, you should see the trail entrance for Stubb's Falls. It runs parallel to the Little East River through a forest. Along the way, you'll come across several different plant and bird species. Once you get to Stubb's Falls, you'll see the river rush down a rock chute before joining the Big East River. 

On a hot day, dip your toes in the water and enjoy the free flowing water. Pack a picnic lunch and relax on the rocks!

Arrowhead Lake Trail: 5.3km/Easy-Moderate/1 hour

We started from the same parking lot, but the trail can be accessed from over a dozen locations with campground roads, parking lots or cross connecting trails. This trail circles Arrowhead Lake and is perfect for hiking or biking. The trail is relatively flat, but there are some areas with steep hills. Along the way, you'll get a few chances for a great view of the lake. 

Big Bend Lookout 

From the Park Store, head straight through the park. It's a little further ways down from the parking lot for Stubb's Falls and Arrowhead Lake Trail. The parking lot will be on the right side. From here, just head towards the observation deck to see Big Bend. 

The panoramic view of Big East River provides an opportunity to see inside of a glacial delta. Look for the horizontal bands on the slope - they represent a different time period of the ancient river. 

Notes:

  • Daily vehicle permit: $14.50 
  • Arrowhead is 7 kilometres north of Huntsville: Hwy 11 Exit 226 to Arrowhead Park Road
  • The park offers hiking, canoeing, swimming, boating, fishing, biking, birding, Natural Heritage Education and winter activities. 
  • Park is open:
    •  May-October for camping, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing and day use.
    • December-March for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and tubing. 
  • There's a park store for canoe, kayak and mountain bike rentals
  • Don't forget your sunscreen and bug spray! 
  • Head there in the winter for try out their 1.3 km skating trail! 

Happy Adventuring!