Lido presents a demanding yet rewarding trad climb carved into the rugged cliffs of Parc National des Grands-Jardins, Quebec. Beginning within the shared Al Fine corner, you quickly commit to a leftward traverse into a second dihedral, where two distinct choices shape your ascent. The first path leads up a corner culminating in a sharp crux rated 5.10b just before a narrow ledge, demanding precise footwork and confident holds to surmount the roof. Alternatively, climbers can follow a broad crack on the left wall, rated 5.9 to 5.10, offering a more sustained but less intense technical challenge. This divergence invites climbers to test their preferred style while navigating a clean, steep rock face that rewards careful route reading.

Beyond the crux, the following pitches ease in difficulty but do not lose their need for focus. The start of pitch two especially requires nerve; protection is sparse and placements scarce, making the moves feel exposed despite the decreasing technical grade. The presence of old belays and outdated webbing calls for caution and the necessity to carry extra protection to supplement what is in place. The rock’s texture is solid and consistent—clear of vegetation and loose debris—enhancing trust in your placements but underscoring the seriousness of the climb.

At 365 feet spread over three pitches, Lido is an aesthetic route that challenges both physical endurance and mental grit. The climb’s steep lines create moments where you are directly engaged with the granite’s bold angles, an experience heightened by the area’s raw wilderness setting. From here, the sweeping views of Parc National des Grands-Jardins open, with boreal forests stretching beneath rock walls that dare you to find every hold and protection option.

To approach Lido, expect a brief hike on forested trails that traverse gently rolling terrain before arriving beneath the cliff band. The route orientation favors morning light, with shadow creeping up by afternoon, making earlier starts ideal for both safety and comfort. Descending involves rappelling on old yet functional fixed anchors, demanding caution and redundant checks.

For climbers planning a trip, gear up with a robust trad rack heavy on nuts and cams, especially smaller pieces to handle the tight protection spots near pitch two’s start. Extra slings and webbing are essential, given the wear on fixed gear encountered along the climb. Footwear should be snug and precise to negotiate the delicate foot jams and edges encountered in the dihedrals. Hydration and weather-awareness are crucial; Quebec’s mountain conditions can shift rapidly, and the climb offers little shelter from sudden changes.

Lido isn’t just about the technical rock; it’s a test of commitment and preparedness set against the backdrop of Canada’s vast northern wilderness. Every move is a dialogue between climber and cliff — a conversation where old hardware hints at past ascents and the recent presence of nature’s elements constantly influences strategy. For those chasing a steep trad challenge with well-earned views and a taste of remote adventure, Lido delivers a climb as thoughtful as it is thrilling.