Hiking the International Appalachian Trail
Access fee: Entry fee required for Forillon and Gaspé parks.
Nearest town: Matapédia, Amqui, Mont-Louis, Grande-Vallée, Gaspé, QC
Website: International Appalachian Trail | Sentier International des Appalaches (Quebec)
Points of interest: Parc de la Gaspésie | Forillon National Park
Lodging: B&Bs are available at a few towns along the trail.
Camping: Shelters and campsites are found at several points along the trail. Fees are charged for campsites and shelters in Parc de la Gaspésie
Tourism info: Association Touristique de la Gaspésie publishes a free booklet with listings of accommodations (rated 1 to 5 stars) and attractions.
Trail: The International Appalachian Trail wends its way for almost 1,100 km from the terminus of the Appalachian Trail at Mt Katahdin in Maine to the tip of the Gaspé peninsula. From Matapédia on the Quebec/NB border the IAT strikes eastward for more than 600 km across the Chic-Choc range and along the northern coast of the Gaspé.
Caution: Much of the trail in Quebec goes through remote wilderness areas and is therefore recommended only for experienced hikers with good naviagtion and survival skills. Several days of supplies will have to be carried for the longer sections between towns.
Getting to the trails: Via Rail offers service from Montreal to several points in the Gaspé, including Matapédia, Amqui and the town of Gaspé. Orleans Express operates bus service to many towns along the coast.
Weather forecast: Gaspé
The above information was last reviewed and updated: June 11, 2009
