The 7 best hiking destinations for this summer

For those trying to climb the most beautiful peaks in Quebec and the northeastern United States, here are the best destinations to plan your summer vacation.

In Quebec

1. The Summit Route – Eastern Townships

Departure for the Eastern Townships where the Route des Sommets, 193 km long, crosses 17 peaks popular with regular hikers. You can tackle Mount Ham, at an altitude of 713 m, where the 360° panoramic view is simply incredible, Mount Gosford, which dominates the south of the region at an altitude of 1193 m, or Mount Saint -Joseph, with its small chapel at the top.

On the Mont-Mégantic national park side, which is part of the Route des Sommets, there are 40 km of hiking trails in two different sectors.

2. The Laurentians

Closer to major centres, the Laurentians stand out by offering a range of trails for all levels, without having to travel too far. Between national parks and nature reserves, there are more than sixty hiking destinations, most of them well maintained with quality infrastructure. You will also be close to spas, many restaurants, microbreweries, accommodations and much more.

Examples? Mont-Tremblant national park, Val-David-Val-Morin regional park or even the L’Interval cooperative (where Mount Kaikoop is located).

3. Charlevoix, between river and mountains

Charlevoix charms every time with its enchanting landscapes between river and mountains. Whether you are a hiking enthusiast or a novice, this beautiful region of Quebec offers you more than 600 km on 90 trails between dense forests and panoramic peaks, whatever your level.

The Hautes-Gorges-de-la-rivière-Malbaie national park invites you to climb “the highest walls east of the Rockies” where you will face significant elevation changes, but above all, spectacular views. It is also in this park that the popular Acropolis des Draveurs hike is located. The Grands-Jardins national park allows nature lovers to discover very different flora and fauna due to its latitude. It is called the “islet of the Far North of Quebec”.

4. The high peaks of Gaspésie

Gaspésie should be at the top of your bucket list of hiking destinations. With around twenty peaks of 1000 m or more, and the crossing of the International Appalachian Trail (GRA1), you will have no shortage of mountains to conquer. The region includes the famous Monts Jacques-Cartier and Albert, in addition to magnificent hiking trails in Forillon National Park, the UNESCO Global Geopark of Percé and Mont Saint-Joseph to name a few.

In the USA

Cross the border and discover the beautiful peaks that the New England states offer. New Hampshire, Vermont, New York… you’ll find fabulous mountains to climb without going too far from home.

5. Le New Hampshire

The classic, but difficult, hike in New Hampshire is undoubtedly Mount Washington at almost 1917 m above sea level. It impresses with its alpine zone, but also surprises for its changeable weather. Once at the summit, if you feel like continuing the adventure, set off on the Traversée des Présidentielles. This is a 35 km trail with 2700 m of elevation gain in the White Mountains where the peaks of Mounts Adams, Jefferson, Monroe, Madison, Eisenhower, Pierce, Jackson and Webster await you with breathtaking views. For experienced hikers only!

6. New York State

We go to New York State to climb the 2^e The highest mountain in the Adirondacks, Mount Algonquin at 1,599 m above sea level. Two other peaks over 1,200 m are also within reach of experienced hikers: Wright Peak and Iroquois Peak.

Don’t worry, there are several beautiful, easier hikes where forests, waterfalls and wildlife can be observed, including the Adirondack Park, Letchworth State Park or Taughannock Falls State Park, to name a few.

7. Vermont

The Green Mountain range presents numerous hiking opportunities for all levels. Vermont has hundreds of kilometers of trails and 5 peaks over 1200 m.

Perhaps the most enjoyable hike is Camel’s Hump, at 4,000 feet (1,244 m), which is a bit easier to access than some of the other peaks. In fact, if you take a detour via the Alpine Trail, you can see the remains of a B-24 plane that crashed on the mountain during a training exercise during World War II.

Vermont also has the oldest hiking trail in the United States, The Long Trail, created more than 100 years ago and 438 km long. It is also part of the International Appalachian Trail.