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Departure
Saint-Siméon

Option 3 via Port-au-Persil
30 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
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Finish

Refuge de l’Épervier, Sentier l’Orignac, La Traversée de Charlevoix, Chemin Grand Fonds N, La Malbaie (Quebec) G5A 3G6
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Distance

30 KM

Route duration

3 DAYS

Difficulty level

MEDIUM

Elevation gain

1,300 M

Itinerary

OPTION 3:
From Saint-Siméon to La Malbaie via Port-au-Persil

  • Drive up the Quai road to Main Street (Route 138), then turn left toward the southwest. Leave the village and continue to the Port-au-Persil road (4 km).
  • Turn left onto Chemin de Port-au-Persil, which descends to the St. Lawrence River (2 km). Take a short break. Head back up toward Route 138 (2 km).
  • Turn right onto Route 138. Walk to the left until you reach Le Breton Forest Road (1.9 km).
  • Take the Le Breton trail to the junction with the L’Orignac trail. (10.5 km)
  • Turn left onto the L’Orignac trail and continue to the Épervier shelter. (10 km)
  • Day 3: See Departure from L’Épervier

Option 4

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 for the Uapishtan and L’Épervier mountain huts through La Traversée de Charlevoix. (418) 639-2284. You will be given a code to access the interior of each venue 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 to the enjoyment of 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

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

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 builder 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

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