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The International Appalachian Trail in Quebec covers over 650 km of trails. It begins in Matapédia, then heads towards the Valley to Amqui before reaching the Matane wildlife reserve. It crosses the Parc de la Gaspésie, including Monts Albert and Jacques-Cartier, then descends towards Mont-Saint-Pierre where it runs along the sea, from village to village, to Forillon National Park. Ranging from a rural setting in an agricultural environment to the steep cliffs of Forillon overlooking the sea, passing through the summits of Chic-Chocs and McGerrigle, the trail offers several possibilities for hiking. The path adapts to routes of varying duration (1 to 40 days) and difficulty (slight or steep drop).
Depending on the season, some sections can be hiked starting in mid-May, but overall the trail is accessible from mid-June to the end of October. Services for hikers and members are offered along the trail in collaboration with our partners (transportation, accommodation, guides, supplies, information, topographic maps, books, etc.).
Access to the trail is free for daily hikes in the following sections;
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Avignon
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Matapedia Valley
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Matane Wildlife Reserve
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Haute-Gaspésie
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Côte-de-Gaspe
A right of access is required in the following sections;
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Gaspesie National Park
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Forillon National Park
History of SIA
First meeting of the international committee held in Quebec, at the Gîte du Mont-Albert in the Parc de la Gaspésie.
June 16-17, 1995
The 100 km long Grande Traversée du Parc de la Gaspésie trail, which runs from Mont Jacques-Cartier to Mont Logan, was the first section in Quebec to be part of the International Appalachian Trail.
June 1995
Inauguration by Robert Rioux, president of the Cap-Chat regional committee, of the first 18 km stretch built between Mont Logan and the Cap-Chat river.
October 19, 1996
The first newspaper L'Oréade was published. It is a co-production from Quebec, New Brunswick and Maine. The name is an original idea of Mrs. Jocelyne De Champlain from Matane, Quebec. Oréade is the goddess of the mountains in Greek mythology.
In spring 1997
John Brinda is the first American to realize the distance between Key West in Florida and Cap-Gaspé in Forillon National Park.
1997
Opening by David Leblanc, president of the Matapedia regional committee, of a 15 km section.
November 11, 1997
André Fournier, president of the La Vallée regional committee, announces that the 112 km trail has been completed in his region. To do so, approximately 100 rights of way had to be signed with woodlot owners. In addition, several dozen volunteers are committed to each maintain a few kilometers of trail.
Fall 1997
With financial assistance from Emploi-Québec, SIA Québec hires Eric Chouinard, project manager as the first employee.
September 1998
MJ Eberhart, 60, becomes the second American to complete the 6,600 km distance between Key West in Florida and Cap-Gaspé in Forillon National Park.
1998
Inauguration by Jean-Claude Bouchard, president of the Matane regional committee, of a 25 km trail between Lac Beaulieu and Lac Matane.
October 24, 1998
Inauguration by Ronald Coulombe, president of the Haute-Gaspésie committee and by Patrick Golliot of a 30 km section of trail, between Parc de la Gaspésie and Mont St-Pierre.
1998
Taking advantage of International Trails Day and World Environment Day, Ronald Bujold Director, Jacques Fournier responsible for the project and Park Canada leaders inaugurated the 45 km trail, from Forillon National Park, as part of the Trail International des Appalaches in the presence of many representatives from Quebec, New Brunswick and Maine.
May 5, 1999
Inauguration of an 18 km section in the Matane Wildlife Reserve. In the fall of 1999, a 35 km section was completed in Haute-Gaspésie and 3 km in the Parc de la Gaspésie.
October 17, 1999
Jean Roy, president of the Côte-de-Gaspé regional committee, announces that a 70 km section of trail has been completed in his region.
Fall 1999
The SIA Québec begins negotiations for the signing of a memorandum of understanding with the SEPAQ to establish infrastructure including shelters in the Matane wildlife reserve.
January 2000
SIA Quebec hired the architect firm Jean-Claude Bouchard of Matane to prepare plans and specifications for the construction of infrastructure in the Bas St-Laurent and the Gaspé Peninsula.
January 2000
Under the responsibility of Frank Wihbey from Maine, Suzanne Belley from New Brunswick and Jocelyne De Champlain from Quebec act as co-authors for the production of an English-French glossary specific to hiking.
March 2000
The SIA Quebec hired Johanne Blais as coordinator and 11 employees, as well as the rental of a carpentry workshop to pre-fabricate a shelter, information halts, signage and other infrastructure for the trail in the Bas St-Laurent.
March 2000
Jean Roy, president of the Haute-Gaspésie regional committee, submitted to the CRCD Gaspésie and Iles-de-la-Madeleine, a request for financial assistance of $ 1,280,900 to finalize the development of the trail, the construction of 8 shelters, 4 information stops, 11 wilderness campsites, signage and other infrastructure for the trail that covers a distance of 378 km in the Gaspé area.
March 2000