Set against the raw backdrop of Quebec’s northern granite, Détour à Becosse delivers a tight, physical 30-foot climb that tests both endurance and gear placement skills. The route begins with a leftward traverse along a clean crack that demands steady hands and focused movement. Midway, a square block offers a brief, well-earned pause, affording you a moment to steady your breath before the effort ramps up. Transitioning to the right, the crack narrows as you move into more technical terrain marked by crimps and an undercling that calls for precise body tension. Notoriously pumpy, this climb challenges your ability to sequence movements without losing momentum, especially as protection opportunities become scarce and tricky. Fortunately, a glue-in bolt waits at the top to protect the final reach, but most of the route depends on micro-stoppers, aliens, and tricams for security — gear placements that require a keen eye and steady hands under pressure.

Approaching this line means embracing its demanding nature and respecting the delicate balance between climbing efficiency and cautious gear management. The granite under Quebec’s often cool skies has a subtle roughness that offers friction, but the route’s sustained nature ensures the forearms quickly remind you of every move. Climbers should come prepared to engage fully — there’s little room to rest beyond the mid-climb block, and the rating (5.11a R) reflects both technical difficulty and runout sections. This translates into a climb that is not only about physical strength but also mental focus.

Located roughly 30 minutes outside the small communities clustered around Abitibi-Témiscamingue, this route is part of a growing network of traditional climbs in the Dalquier region. The granite walls open to stark skies and whispering forests, lending the climb a quiet presence punctuated by the occasional cry of distant wildlife. Access trails are modest but straightforward, winding through mixed conifer stands and occasionally crossing low, rocky outcrops before arriving at the base.

In preparation, climbers should bring a complete rack emphasizing small pro and micro cams — pieces that fit subtle constrictions rather than wide cracks dominate this climb’s protection opportunities. Weather here can cool down rapidly, so layering is key, especially in shoulder seasons. Morning starts offer the best combination of temperatures and light, as the face holds sun well into midday but can become warm during summer afternoons. Expect a descent on foot along a short scramble and forested trail, making sure to pack your approach shoes for stability and comfort.

Détour à Becosse stands out as a compact but intense climb, blending demanding crack techniques with the psychological edge of sparse protection. For seasoned trad climbers looking to push pump endurance while dialing skill with micro gear placements, this route offers a compelling taste of Quebec’s northern alpine edge.