Explore Scenic Hiking Trails in Québec With Your Dog

Discover breathtaking mountain summits, dramatic coastal cliffs, hidden waterfalls, ancient forests and unforgettable adventures across Québec.

Québec is one of Canada's most spectacular hiking destinations, offering a remarkable blend of rugged mountains, dramatic river valleys, pristine boreal forests and some of the country's most beautiful coastal landscapes. While many visitors think first of Old Québec City or Montréal, outdoor enthusiasts know that the province truly shines once you leave the cities behind.

Stretching from the Appalachian Mountains in the south to the rugged Chic-Choc Mountains of the Gaspé Peninsula, Québec offers thousands of kilometres of hiking trails for every experience level. You'll find gentle forest walks beside crystal-clear lakes, challenging alpine climbs above the treeline and dramatic lookouts overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River.

For dog owners, Québec is an incredible province to explore together. Many regional parks and trails welcome leashed dogs, allowing you to discover forests filled with wildlife, peaceful mountain lakes, colourful autumn landscapes and panoramic viewpoints that feel completely untouched.

Whether you're planning a weekend escape, a cross-country road trip or simply searching for your next unforgettable adventure, these ten trails represent some of the very best Québec has to offer.

Before leaving home, always verify current trail regulations, wildlife advisories and seasonal closures. Many Sépaq parks now permit dogs on designated trails while others maintain restrictions to protect sensitive wildlife habitats.

Our Paw Rewards Adventure Ratings

1. Acropole des Draveurs

Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park

6

If there is one hike that defines Québec's mountain landscape, it is Acropole des Draveurs.

This demanding climb has become one of the province's most photographed hiking destinations, and for good reason. Rising more than 800 metres above the Malbaie River valley, the summit provides one of the most breathtaking viewpoints anywhere in Eastern Canada.

The trail begins quietly beneath a dense canopy of maple, birch and spruce before gradually becoming steeper. After the first kilometre you'll quickly realize why hikers speak of this trail with equal parts admiration and respect. The climb becomes relentless, gaining elevation through switchbacks, rocky staircases and exposed granite sections.

Fortunately, every difficult step is rewarded.

As the forest begins to thin, the first panoramic viewpoints appear, offering glimpses into the enormous glacier-carved valley below. Continue climbing and eventually you'll emerge above the treeline where enormous rock outcrops provide nearly uninterrupted 360-degree views across Charlevoix.

On a clear autumn morning the entire valley explodes with colour. Endless forests transition from emerald green to brilliant shades of crimson, orange and gold while the winding Malbaie River glistens hundreds of metres below.

Dogs that are comfortable hiking long distances over rocky terrain absolutely thrive here. While there are no technical climbing sections, the trail is physically demanding and requires good fitness for both dogs and owners. Bring plenty of water, especially during summer, as exposed sections can become surprisingly warm.

Paw Rewards Rating

Best Season: September and early October for spectacular fall colours.

Paw Tip: Begin hiking shortly after sunrise to avoid crowds and afternoon heat.

2. Mont Albert Loop

Gaspésie National Park

6

Few hikes in Eastern Canada feel as wild as Mont Albert.

Unlike traditional mountain hikes that simply climb to a summit before descending, Mont Albert takes hikers across an enormous alpine plateau unlike anything else in Québec. The landscape feels almost Arctic. Windswept tundra replaces forests, low alpine vegetation stretches to the horizon and the surrounding Chic-Choc Mountains rise dramatically in every direction.

The journey begins through peaceful boreal forest where streams tumble beside the trail. Gradually the trees disappear and hikers suddenly find themselves standing on exposed serpentine rock that was once part of Earth's mantle millions of years ago.

The scenery here changes completely.

Instead of towering forests, you'll discover wide open alpine landscapes where caribou have historically roamed and golden eagles occasionally soar overhead.

Dogs absolutely love the variety of terrain. Open spaces provide endless opportunities to explore while owners are treated to some of Québec's finest mountain scenery.

Because weather changes quickly at elevation, hikers should carry extra clothing even during summer. Fog, wind and sudden temperature drops are common.

The descent follows an entirely different route, creating a full loop that constantly introduces new scenery throughout the day.

Paw Rewards Rating

Best Season: July through September.

Paw Tip: Carry extra water for your dog—the exposed alpine plateau offers very little shade.

3. Mont Tremblant Summit Trail

Mont-Tremblant National Park

5

Mont Tremblant is famous around the world for skiing, but during hiking season it transforms into one of Québec's finest mountain destinations.

The summit trail winds steadily upward through mature hardwood forest before opening onto sweeping viewpoints overlooking hundreds of lakes scattered throughout the Laurentians.

Unlike many steep mountain climbs, the ascent feels gradual enough that experienced hiking dogs can comfortably enjoy the entire journey.

Autumn is where this trail truly becomes magical.

The Laurentian Mountains erupt into vibrant shades of scarlet, orange and brilliant yellow, creating one of Canada's greatest fall colour displays.

Along the way you'll encounter rocky lookouts perfect for rest breaks, photography and simply appreciating the enormous wilderness surrounding the park.

This trail offers an excellent balance between accessibility and reward, making it one of Québec's most popular hiking destinations for visitors wanting spectacular mountain scenery without committing to an extremely technical climb.

Paw Rewards Rating

Best Season: Mid-September through October.

4. Les Loups Trail

Jacques-Cartier National Park

5

Les Loups is one of those rare hikes that continually surprises you.

The trail begins quietly beneath towering conifers before climbing steadily toward dramatic viewpoints overlooking the spectacular Jacques-Cartier Valley.

What makes this hike so enjoyable is its constant variety.

You'll pass rushing streams, dense forests, moss-covered boulders and rocky overlooks before finally reaching sweeping panoramas where the winding Jacques-Cartier River appears far below.

Because much of the trail remains shaded, it's particularly enjoyable during warmer summer months when dogs appreciate the cooler temperatures beneath the forest canopy.

Wildlife sightings are also common. Keep an eye out for white-tailed deer, red foxes and countless bird species throughout the park.

Paw Rewards Rating

5. Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes

Grands-Jardins National Park

5

Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes perfectly captures everything hikers love about Québec.

Beginning in peaceful boreal forest, the trail steadily climbs toward one of Charlevoix's finest viewpoints. As elevation increases, twisted spruce trees begin giving way to exposed rock and expansive alpine scenery.

Reaching the summit feels like standing on the edge of the world.

Below, endless forests stretch across ancient meteorite-shaped mountains while distant lakes shimmer beneath the changing light.

This is one of the best places in Québec to appreciate the province's immense wilderness.

Dogs with moderate hiking experience handle this trail very well, particularly during cooler spring and autumn months.

Bring a camera.

You'll use it constantly.

Paw Rewards Rating

 6. Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix

Saint-Tite-des-Caps

6

If you're looking for one trail system that perfectly captures the rugged beauty of Québec's Charlevoix region, Sentier des Caps deserves a place at the very top of your list. Unlike a single destination hike, this network of interconnected trails allows you to tailor your adventure, whether you're looking for a relaxed afternoon walk or a full-day mountain expedition.

The trail begins beneath towering maple and birch forests before gradually climbing through mixed woodland toward a series of spectacular lookouts overlooking the St. Lawrence River. Every few kilometres the scenery changes. Dense forests give way to rocky escarpments, quiet ponds appear unexpectedly between ridges, and panoramic viewpoints reveal one of Canada's most beautiful river valleys stretching toward the horizon.

Autumn transforms this trail into something extraordinary. Charlevoix's hardwood forests become an ocean of brilliant reds, oranges and yellows, making this one of Québec's premier fall hiking destinations. Even in summer, cool forest canopies provide welcome shade for dogs during warmer afternoons.

The varied terrain makes this an engaging hike for adventurous dogs. Gentle forest paths transition into rocky ridges, fallen logs become natural obstacles to explore, and countless scents keep curious noses busy throughout the journey. Wildlife is abundant, so maintaining leash control is essential, particularly during spring and early summer.

Unlike many famous hiking destinations, Sentier des Caps still feels wonderfully uncrowded outside peak autumn weekends. There are numerous places to stop for lunch while overlooking the St. Lawrence, making it easy to slow down and truly appreciate the landscape rather than rushing toward a summit.

Paw Rewards Rating

Best For: Fall colours • River views • Full-day adventures

Paw Tip: Bring a lightweight blanket and enjoy lunch at one of the many scenic overlooks—you'll want to stay awhile.

7. Mont Ham

Eastern Townships

6

Mont Ham has quietly become one of Québec's favourite mountain hikes, and once you reach the summit it's easy to understand why.

Unlike many mountain climbs that save all the scenery for the very end, Mont Ham offers frequent openings through the trees that build anticipation with every switchback. The trail steadily climbs through peaceful Appalachian forest before suddenly emerging onto broad granite slabs with uninterrupted 360-degree views across the Eastern Townships.

The summit is enormous, giving both hikers and dogs plenty of space to explore safely while enjoying the scenery. Rolling mountains stretch endlessly into the distance, interrupted only by winding rivers, quiet farms and tiny villages nestled among the valleys below.

For photographers, sunrise and sunset are particularly spectacular. Soft golden light spills across the Appalachian Mountains while morning fog often settles into the valleys, creating an almost dreamlike landscape.

Because the trail is well maintained and relatively short compared to many summit hikes, Mont Ham is an excellent choice for dogs building confidence on mountain terrain. Moderate elevation gain provides enough challenge to feel rewarding without becoming overwhelming.

If you're road-tripping through southern Québec, this is one trail that absolutely deserves a detour.

Paw Rewards Rating

Best For: Families • Day trips • Scenic photography

Paw Tip: Visit during weekdays whenever possible to enjoy the summit with fewer visitors.

8. Mont Chocolat

Mont-Mégantic National Park

Mont Chocolat combines everything outdoor enthusiasts love about Québec's Appalachian region—beautiful forests, rewarding viewpoints and an incredible sense of wilderness.

The trail begins gently before gradually climbing through mature hardwood forests that become especially beautiful during autumn. As elevation increases, glimpses of the surrounding mountains begin appearing through the trees until finally opening onto sweeping rocky viewpoints overlooking Mont-Mégantic National Park.

One of the unique aspects of hiking here is knowing you're exploring one of the world's largest International Dark Sky Reserves. While the trail itself is a daytime adventure, many hikers choose to stay nearby after sunset to experience some of Canada's clearest night skies.

Dogs generally find this hike very enjoyable thanks to its varied terrain and frequent shaded sections. During spring and early summer, wildflowers line portions of the trail while birdsong fills the forest canopy overhead.

The summit isn't crowded, allowing plenty of room to relax, enjoy lunch and soak in the panoramic scenery before beginning the descent.

Paw Rewards Rating

Best For: Stargazing trips • Mountain scenery • Autumn hiking

Paw Tip: Pair your hike with an evening visit to the Mont-Mégantic Observatory for one of Québec's most memorable outdoor experiences.

9. Cap Bon-Ami Trail

Forillon National Park

6

Few places in Canada combine mountains and ocean quite like Forillon National Park.

Cap Bon-Ami showcases this spectacular contrast better than almost anywhere else in Québec. The trail follows dramatic coastal cliffs overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, where crashing waves meet rugged shoreline and seabirds soar overhead.

Every viewpoint seems more impressive than the last.

On clear days, deep blue water stretches endlessly toward the horizon while green mountains rise sharply behind you. During migration seasons, lucky hikers may even spot whales offshore while enjoying lunch from one of the scenic lookouts.

Dogs that enjoy ocean breezes, open spaces and coastal adventures absolutely love this trail. The cool maritime climate also makes hiking comfortable throughout much of the summer.

Unlike many inland hikes, Cap Bon-Ami constantly changes as sunlight reflects differently across the ocean throughout the day. Morning offers soft golden light while late afternoon creates dramatic contrasts between sea, cliffs and sky.

Paw Rewards Rating

Best For: Coastal scenery • Whale watching • Photography

Paw Tip: Bring binoculars—you may spot seals, seabirds or even whales from several viewpoints.

10. Mont Gorille

Parc régional du Massif du Sud

Mont Gorille remains one of Québec's best-kept hiking secrets.

Far less crowded than many of the province's famous destinations, this trail rewards those willing to venture slightly off the beaten path. Beginning beneath dense forest, the trail gradually climbs toward impressive granite outcrops overlooking the Appalachian Mountains.

The peaceful atmosphere is perhaps its greatest strength.

Instead of sharing viewpoints with dozens of other hikers, you'll often enjoy entire sections of the mountain almost completely to yourself. Birds, squirrels and the occasional white-tailed deer provide much of the day's entertainment.

The summit offers spectacular panoramic views stretching across southeastern Québec, particularly beautiful during autumn when forests explode with vibrant colour.

For adventurous dogs, Mont Gorille is a dream. Soft forest paths, rocky viewpoints and cool mountain air make this one of the province's most enjoyable day hikes.

If your goal is discovering somewhere that still feels wonderfully undiscovered, Mont Gorille belongs on your hiking list.

Paw Rewards Rating

Best For: Hidden gems • Quiet hiking • Weekend escapes

Hidden Gems Worth Discovering

Even beyond these incredible trails, Québec offers countless adventures waiting to be explored.

• 🏔️ Mont Xalibu (Gaspésie National Park) — A spectacular alpine hike offering dramatic views across the Chic-Choc Mountains with significantly fewer visitors than neighbouring Mont Albert.

• 🌊 Les Graves Trail (Forillon National Park) — An unforgettable coastal walk featuring rugged cliffs, sea stacks, wildflowers and frequent whale-watching opportunities.

• 🌲 Parc régional de la Forêt Ouareau — A network of waterfalls, suspension bridges and peaceful forest trails perfect for adventurous dogs.

• 🍁 Mont Sugar Loaf (Parc des Appalaches) — One of southern Québec's finest autumn hikes with panoramic Appalachian views.

• 🦌 Mont Brassard (Réserve faunique Mastigouche) — A quiet wilderness trail offering exceptional chances to spot moose, deer and other wildlife.

Hiking Safely With Your Dog

Before setting off on any Québec adventure:

• 🐾 Keep your dog leashed where required by park regulations.

• 💧 Carry more water than you think you'll need, especially on exposed summit trails.

• 🐻 Be alert for black bears, moose and other wildlife.

• 🥾 Mountain weather changes quickly—pack extra layers, even during summer.

• 🩹 Carry a canine first-aid kit and know your dog's limits.

• 🪨 Take extra care on wet rock and exposed cliff sections after rain.

• 🌲 Leave no trace and help preserve Québec's incredible natural landscapes for future adventurers.

Plan Your Next Québec Adventure With Paw Rewards

Every trail tells a story.

Whether you're climbing above the Chic-Choc Mountains, wandering beneath ancient forests, discovering hidden waterfalls or standing atop coastal cliffs overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence, every adventure becomes another chapter in your dog's lifetime journey.

With the Paw Rewards app, you can:

• 🐾 Discover dog-friendly hiking trails across Québec and Canada.

• 📍 Find nearby waterfalls, parks, beaches and scenic lookouts.

• 🎯 Complete Paw Quests while you explore.

• 🏆 Earn Treats for every adventure.

• 📸 Capture your favourite moments and build lasting memories.

• 🇨🇦 Create your dog's personal adventure story—one trail at a time.

Québec's mountains, forests and coastlines are waiting. Grab the leash, pack the treats, and start your next unforgettable adventure together.