Canadian Trails
The International Appalacian Trail, Gaspé, Que.
When mentioning the Appalachian Trail (AT), most people think of the 3,500-kilometre route that runs along the spine of the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern United States from Georgia to Maine. The AT increased its fame in 2015 when ultramarathon legend Scott Jurek set the fastest known time on the trail, and Bill Bryson’s bestseller A Walk in the Woods was made into a movie. What most people don’t know is that from its terminus at Mount Katahdin in Maine, the trail continues north another 3,000 kilometres and is known as the International Appalachian Trail ( iat), an unofficial extension that winds its way through all of Atlantic Canada.
Almost a quarter of the iat, 650 kilometres, is in the Gaspé Peninsula of Quebec. It runs through the Matapédia Valley, the Matane Wildlife Reserve and the Parc National de la Gaspésie along the Chic-Choc Mountains, before following the seaside through many villages and finally ending at the peninsula’s easternmost point, Cap Gaspé in Forillon National Park.
Parc National de la Gaspésie features some of the most remote sections on the International Appalachian Trail, where black bear and moose sightings are common as well as Canada’s only woodland caribou herd south of the St. Lawrence.
Mont Jacques-Cartier at 1,268 metres is the highest peak on the entire iat, and should not be missed. With its base practically at sea level, it is very impressive how long and steep it is to the summit. While many day trippers take advantage of trail access to within a short hike of the summit, trail runners will want to take in the full experience that features boulder hopping, gorgeous alpine and a healthy dose of scree. The effort is worth it as views on Mont Jacques-Cartier are spectacular overlooking the surrounding peaks. Weather can change quickly in this region, so best to be prepared with extra gear and keeping an eye on the forecast before heading out.
Access to some of the higher peaks in the area is surprisingly easy with many shuttles allowing you the opportunity to get to some of the most rugged areas without needing to travel too far. This allows you more time to run the higher peaks and thoroughly enjoy more of the running experience that you’re looking for. With the large number of shelters and tent platforms scattered along the trail, this is an ideal destination for trail runners who wish to fast-pack or do hut-to-hut runs over multiple days.
While the higher peaks of Parc National de la Gaspésie feature some great climbs and beautiful mountain views, the section through Parc National Forrillon travels through dense boreal forest over rolling terrain. The views on a clear day are spectacular, with the opportunity to see bears, sea birds and seal colonies. As the land and trail narrows down at the tip of the park, you are surrounded by water and it gives the feeling of being truly at the end of the world.
Aside from the vast wilderness areas along the International Appalachian Trail, the trail and mountain running community is realizing what a unique area this is to hold races with Sky Running events now being held at Mount Albert within Parc National de la Gaspésie.