Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park covers over 233 square kilometers in the Capitale-Nationale region of Québec, within the Charlevoix World Biosphere Reserve. The park is named after the Malbaie River Gorge, which features some of the highest cliffs east of the Rockies, carved by glaciers and water erosion. The landscape is marked by deep valleys, sharp rock faces soaring up to 800 meters, and dense boreal forests of spruce, fir, and maple. This park lies within the Laurentian Mountains and preserves diverse ecosystems including mixed-wood forests and rich wetlands. Its waterways support brook trout and Atlantic salmon. Wildlife includes moose, black bear, lynx, beavers, and over 90 species of birds, making it a critical habitat for both terrestrial and aquatic species. Visitors are drawn to the park for extensive hiking, including paths that traverse rugged crests and river valleys, along with opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and wildlife observation. The park is also a winter destination offering snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Notable features include the towering cliffs of the Malbaie River Gorge, panoramic lookouts such as the Acropole des Draveurs, and calm lakes tucked within the forest. The park's establishment in 2000 supports conservation efforts and maintains a balance between visitor access and ecosystem protection, making it a premier destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking remote and striking natural settings in eastern Canada.
