L'Initiation stands as a milestone in Quebec’s climbing history — the very first route established in Grands-Jardins back in 1970. This extensive journey, stretching 1,000 feet across ten pitches, offers a diverse mix of straightforward climbing and moments that demand attentive footwork and steady hands. The rock here is solid and textured, providing reliable holds and memorable movement, evoking a hands-on connection with the granite face.

Starting at the base, you will surmount an overhang before moving right toward a dihedral that introduces you to the rhythm of the climb. The opening pitch, rated 5.6, hints at technical promise with subtle, less obvious moves; from then on, the route settles into mostly 5.4 terrain, allowing climbers to focus on flow and protection placement rather than intense difficulty. However, don’t underestimate the challenge of consistent route-finding and efficient gear placement, especially as the climbs become more sustained higher up.

Bolted anchors with rappel rings mark the route throughout, but they’re primarily placed with descent in mind. This means that on several pitches, particularly in the upper sections, you should be ready to rig your own trad belays; a mix of cams, nuts, and slings will be your best tools. Communication can grow tricky on the route—the pitches often demand longer belays or more compact rope management to maintain contact, so prepare for calls that might get lost to wind or distance.

The climb weaves through varied terrain: pockets and cracks, slabby sections, and vegetated breaks where bushes make an appearance, softening the granite's edge and creating unique obstacles. Notably, on pitch three, you'll climb up through pockets and small trees, enjoying brief moments beneath the open sky before the wall tightens again. On pitches six through eight, expect a 30-meter left traverse followed by a ramp that bends right and climbs over a small headwall — a passage that balances exposure with protection and rewards smooth climbing.

Beyond the technicalities, L'Initiation unfolds in a pristine stretch of Parc National des Grands-Jardins, renowned for its mix of wilderness and accessible adventure. From the final bolted anchor, the summit doling out panoramic views extends beyond just the cliffs, urging climbers to pause and take in the broader sweeping vales of Quebec’s rugged north. Yet, heed caution: the summit above is not an easy stroll—the bushwhack is tedious and steep, so it’s best to enjoy lunch and the vistas from the established anchors.

Gear-wise, this classic calls for a robust rack emphasizing .4 and .5 BD cams along with pink and red tricams. These sizes fit well into the horizontal cracks that punctuate the route and give ample options for secure placements. Bolts offer reassurance, but the essence of L'Initiation is its trad spirit—placing gear with confidence and trusting in your well-practiced anchors.

This route is suited for climbers comfortable with multi-pitch, traditional terrain who want a blend of historical significance and solid climbing. The approach is manageable from the park’s access roads, with some bushy sections but generally straightforward hiking to the base. Weather conditions vary through the seasons, with late spring to early fall offering the best window to climb—ice and snow can linger early on, and wet rock creates unnecessary hazards.

Bring plenty of water, wear footwear that provides grip on slab and crack, and prepare for cooler temperatures at the top, where wind is more pronounced. For communication, consider radios for longer belays, and always plan for daylight contingencies since some pitches can run longer than expected.

L’Initiation doesn’t just offer climbing; it delivers a lesson in tradition, patience, and the evolving human experience with the mountain. Your journey here will be as much about reading the rock and engaging your gear as it is about soaking up the serene wildness of one of Quebec’s storied climbing destinations.