Parc national des Grands Jardins
The Parc des Grands Jardins is managed for the Government of Quebec through SEPAQ, the Quebec Outdoor Establishments Corporation. The Parc des Grands Jardins is located in the Charlevoix tourist region and covers an area of 310 km². It is part of the core area of the Charlevoix World Biosphere Reserve (UNESCO). The size of the spruce trees and the lichen carpet found there led vacationers at the beginning of the century to nickname this region the Grands Jardins. This northern vegetation, a taiga composed of black spruce and lichen, normally found only beyond the 52nd parallel, serves as a refuge for caribou, which were reintroduced in the late 1960s. Thus, many refer to the Parc des Grands Jardins as a replica of Quebec's Far North.
The area, which is still frequented by fishermen (around 60 lakes), increasingly attracts hikers, campers and vacationers who appreciate the magical setting of this enchanting park. The chalet accommodations and the 4 campsites available allow you to enjoy this exceptional site and practice the activities offered. In summer, alone or in a group, you can practice rock climbing, trout fishing, hiking (34 km), canoeing and kayaking (9 km). Wildlife observation, especially caribou, and flora observation are gaining popularity among the thousands of visitors who access the site each year.
It is important to know that the territory of the Parc des Grands Jardins encompasses several types of ecosystems; it includes deciduous forest, alpine vegetation and taiga. The La Taïga trail, which is set up in a conservation zone, is offered to visitors as a guided hike. In the summer, the Parc des Grands Jardins offers discovery activities with a naturalist guide that delight nature lovers. You can discover the misfortunes and benefits of forest fires and learn more about the black bear and the caribou. The Mont du Lac des Cygnes trail (8 km) is undoubtedly the favorite trail for hikers because this summit, one of the most impressive in Charlevoix, offers an exceptional view of the Charlevoix astrobleme and the Laurentian massif. The Charlevoix crater, caused by the fall of a meteorite 350 million years ago, is the 3rd largest in Canada. Now accessible to all during the winter, visitors can enjoy snowshoeing (55km), cross-country skiing (48km) and ice fishing (on the ice).