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Grands-Jardins National Park adventures

Grands-Jardins National Park Adventures

Grands-Jardins National Park is a vast wilderness area in Quebec known for its rugged landscapes, boreal forests, and diverse wildlife, offering a variety of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.

76,000 acres
Acres Protected
62 miles
Miles of Trails
Approx. 30,000
Annual Visitors
1981
Year Established

About Grands-Jardins National Park

 

Grands-Jardins National Park is located within the Charlevoix region of Quebec, Canada, covering a predominantly boreal ecosystem characterized by coniferous forests, wetlands, and alpine tundra. The park spans rolling hills and mountainous terrain, with steep ridges and valleys shaped by glacial activity. This remote park lies within the Laurentian Mountains, featuring a mix of spruce, fir, and birch trees that support a rich wildlife community including moose, black bears, lynx, and numerous bird species such as the spruce grouse and boreal chickadee. The park was established in 1981 to protect the region's unique ecological characteristics and geological formations. Visitors come for a wide range of outdoor pursuits from summer hiking on more than 100 km of trails, to winter snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Notable landmarks include the scenic Mont du Lac des Cygnes, known for its panoramic views, as well as the open tundra environment at higher elevations where rare alpine flora thrive. Grands-Jardins also preserves old-growth forest areas with giant black spruce, offering quiet nature observation spots. The park balances wilderness preservation with visitor access through rustic campgrounds, well-marked trails, and interpretative programs that highlight local flora, fauna, and indigenous cultural history. Its appeal lies in its extensive natural habitat, opportunities for solitude, and diverse seasonal landscapes that transform from vibrant boreal greens in summer to dazzling autumn foliage and snowy winter scenes.

Highlights

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Mont du Lac des Cygnes viewpoint with panoramic vistas

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Boreal forest ecosystem with old-growth black spruce stands

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Extensive network of hiking and cross-country ski trails

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Tundra and alpine environments at higher elevations offering unique flora

Notable Natural Features

Mont du Lac des Cygnes

A prominent mountain peak offering sweeping views of Charlevoix landscape and the St. Lawrence River.

Boreal Forests

Extensive stands of black spruce and fir including some ancient trees provide habitat for diverse wildlife.

Alpine Tundra Zones

Rare fragile ecosystems found at the park’s highest elevations with specialized plant species.