"La Corvée offers a focused trad climb featuring a sustained crack and manageable overhang, perfect for those advancing their natural pro skills. Situated near Quebec City, it blends reliable rock with an approachable wilderness setting."
La Corvée stands as a solid single-pitch trad climb offering a straightforward yet engaging route for climbers seeking a crisp crack system in Quebec’s rugged outdoors. Set in the Upper Center sector of Vieux-Stoneham, this 200-foot route unspools over two main sections that demand careful gear placements and an eye for natural protection. The climb begins by following a clear break in the rock, guiding you to a bolted anchor after roughly 25 meters. This initial stretch, rated around 5.6, allows you a steady introduction to hand jams and secure foot edges as the rock’s texture ranges from smooth slabs to slightly featured cracks. As you move into the second segment, the route narrows and tests your technique with a moderate 5.9 crack, peppered with a subtle overhang that pushes your climbing tempo and body positioning. The split rock challenges you to maintain calm and precision while placing natural protection, with opportunities to supplement your anchor on a nearby vertical slab to the left, where ropes can be lowered safely via top-rope setups ranging from 5.9 to 5.11. The quality of the gear placements, combined with the route’s sustained rhythm, makes this an excellent choice for climbers eager to sharpen their crack climbing skills in an environment that balances accessibility with a touch of wilderness grit. Surrounding the climb, the landscape invites a subtle dialogue with the forested slopes and cool breezes that sweep across the Charlevoix region. Moderate approach trails reward preparation and attention, while the region’s latitude ensures comfortable climbing conditions most of the year. Whether you’re dialing in trad techniques or simply savoring a clear line up quartz-granite walls, La Corvée delivers a spirited and practical outdoor experience.
Rock here is generally solid, but some sections near the overhang show flakes—place protection carefully and inspect placements before trusting. The descent is simple, but wet conditions can make approach trails slick and increase risk of slips.
Start early to avoid afternoon sun on the main wall, which faces east.
Approach trail is moderate but can be slippery after rain—wear sturdy boots.
Bring extra slings for anchors, as bolts are limited but well-spaced.
Check weather forecasts carefully in shoulder seasons; the rock cools quickly.
Natural protection is essential to safeguard each pitch, with solid placements available in the crack and more cautious options on the slab left of the main route for top-roping. Bring a full trad rack and extra cams for the wider sections.
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