Logo
Back to the Journey List
Download PDF (French version)

Departure
Saint-Siméon

Option 2
21 km and/or 20 km

ROUTE DESCRIPTION

For pilgrims coming from the Maritimes, the Gaspé Peninsula, the North Shore, Rimouski, or Rivière-du-Loup, there is a special way to set out on the Kapoah pilgrimage route.

Arrive in Saint-Siméon de Charlevoix via the magnificent boat crossing from Pointe de Rivière-du-Loup. Then choose one of the four (4) route options leading to La Malbaie.

Start

Quai, Route du Quai, Saint-Siméon de Charlevoix (Quebec) G0T 1X0
View on Google Maps

Finish

2A: Les Palissades de Charlevoix, 1000 Route 170, Saint-Siméon de Charlevoix (Quebec) G0T 1X0
View on Google Maps

2B: Via Club Bataram, Refuge de l’Épervier, Sentier l’Orignac, La Traversée de Charlevoix, Chemin Grand Fonds N, La Malbaie (Quebec) G5A 3G6
View on Google Maps

Distance

21 KM
20 KM

Route duration

3 or 4 DAYS

Difficulty level

MEDIUM

Elevation gain

/

Itinerary

OPTION 2:
From Saint-Siméon to La Malbaie via Les Palissades and/or the L’Épervier shelter

Option 2A: Four days

  • Drive up Route du Quai to Rue Saint-Laurent (Route 138), turn right, cross the bridge over the Noire River, then turn left and take Route 170. (1.5 km)
  • Take Route 170 (4 km) and walk along it to Les Palissades de Charlevoix (8 km), where you’ll stay (book 2 nights).
  • Then, on the third day, continue on Route 170 to the right until you reach the entrance to Club Bataram on the left. (4 km)
  • Continued from the information below: Option 2 B.

Option 2 B: three days

  • Take a taxi from the ferry dock to the entrance of the road leading to Club Bataram (17.5 km)
  • Turn left onto the public forest road toward the Club Bataram outfitter. (7 km)
  • Look for the “7 km” sign on the right along the road, and keep an eye out for the Bataram estate. Do not enter the estate; instead, turn left at the first entrance. Turn left asecond time, following the sign for “Lac aux îlots.”
  • Go straight ahead (the path on the right leads to a dead end), cross the bridge, and follow the main path. (2 km)
  • At thefirst fork in the trail, turn left, following the arrow for “Lac des îlots.” Ignore the ten or so other lakes marked on the trail.
    On the main trail, do not take the turnoffs marked: Lac des Orignaux, Lac Nancy, Site du Lac des Îlots, Lac Plongeon (boat launch), etc. Continue straight ahead at all times. (10 km)
  • After the “19 km” sign on the right along the path, you’ll come to thesecond fork in the road: do not follow the sign for Lac au Sable; instead, turn left onto Chemin Le Breton.
    When you reach a fork on the right (0.5 km). Continue on, and a few meters further on, another trail will appear on the right. Take this wide trail for about 40–50 m, and you’ll find a sign on the left for a small trail called “Traversée de Charlevoix,” which leads to the L’Épervier shelter. (1 km)
  • Otherwise, continue along Le Breton Trail. When you come to an entrance on the left leading to the Le Plongeon cabin, take the entrance on the right. (1 km)
  • Look for a red sign on the right pointing toward the nearby L’Épervier shelter. (50–60 m)
  • Reservations for L’Épervier must be made through La Traversée de Charlevoix. (418) 639-2284. You’ll be given a code to gain access inside.
  • Continued: see Departure from L’Épervier

Option 3

Practical Tips

Plan for today's drive

  • Water, snacks, and meals are available in Saint-Siméon
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Insect repellent in a generous amount

Planning for the Road Ahead

  • Water, snacks
  • Lunch
  • Lunch and dinner
  • Insect repellent in a generous amount

Other practical tips for the day

  • Plan to take the Rivière-du-Loup to Saint-Siméon ferry early in the morning so you can complete your chosen route.
  • Reservations are required
    • Option 2A: Les Palissades de Charlevoix, (418) 647-4422
    • Option 2B: the Uapishtan and L’Épervier shelters near La Traversée de Charlevoix. (418) 639-2284. You will be given a code to access the interior of each one on the selected dates.
  • Make sure you have enough mosquito repellent

Points of View

The Saint-Siméon Rest Area

If you have a little time in Saint-Siméon, you can head to the rest stop on Route 138 toward Tadoussac (a 21-minute walk) to stroll along the beach with your feet in the sand. This rest stop, located at the mouth of the Noire River, also has picnic tables. Sometimes, you might even spot a whale.

Arrival of the ferry

Tourists always enjoy watching the ferries dock as they shuttle back and forth—in about 70 minutes—between Trois-Pistoles and Saint-Siméon.

Lakes Along the Forest Trail

Along the way, pilgrims and hikers pass by and skirt lakes of various sizes that break up the monotony of the forested landscape, open up the view, and add charm to the journey.

Restaurants / Food

There are no places to eat or restaurants along this forest trail.

There is a wood-burning stove with firewood available to boil spring water and cook your dinner—and possibly your lunch for the next day. Be sure to bring matches.

Accommodations

Charlevoix Palisades

1000 Route 170
Saint-Siméon, Quebec G0T 1X0
Tel. (418) 647-4422

Book a few weeks or even a few months in advance to ensure bed availability. Dormitory (minimum 2-night stay required).

A minimum 2-night stay is required, as the dormitory is reserved for guests who spend at least one day hiking or climbing on the various rock faces.

 

L’Épervier Chalet

L’Orignac Trail
The Charlevoix Crossing
Grand Fonds N Trail
La Malbaie (Quebec) G5A 3G6

Reservations for L’Épervier must be made through La Traversée de Charlevoix.
Phone (418) 639-2284.

See the guidelines on what to bring on their website:

L’Épervier Chalet

Things to Do in Les Palissades de Charlevoix

NATURE AND THE OUTDOORS

Palissades Trails

A mountain park in Charlevoix with towering cliffs that attract hikers and rock climbers, offering a variety of trails and recreational activities such as zip-lining.

NATURE AND THE OUTDOORS

Zip Line

An activity located at the foot of a mountain that takes participants from one point to another via a cable securely stretched between the two (2) ends of the course. The speed reached at certain points gives participants a sense of athletic excitement.

A Little History

The Charlevoix Crossing

La Traversée de Charlevoix, a long-distance hiking trail that crosses this region from Saint-Urbain to Saint-Siméon—not to mention a trail leading to Mont Grands-Fonds in the village of the same name—was established in 1977. Originally designed for cross-country skiing by its founder, nature lover and passionate trailbuilder Eudore Fortin, it was adapted seventeen years later, in 1994, for hiking. Over the years, shelters have been added that serve as rest stops with wood-burning stoves for relaxation and everything needed for overnight stays, including mattresses for sleeping.

 

Photos: Veillg1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Next Stop: Departure from L’Épervier

VIEW DETAILS