This 1073 km trail links Mount Katahdin in Maine with Forillon National Park of Canada. From Matapédia, it follows the valley to Amqui. We cross the Matane wildlife reserve. Then on to Parc national de la Gaspésie, where we climb Monts Albert and Jacques-Catier, both over 1,000 m high. After that, the route moves on between several small villages. The 645 km route ends at Cap-Gaspé, the tip of Forillon Park, after crossing the latter.
The 106 km stretch through the Matane wildlife reserve passes several peaks approaching 1,000 m in altitude. The highest and most popular, Mont Blanc at 1,065 m, is accessible via the trail of the same name. The fairly constant gradient over 8 km makes this an intermediate-level trail. The IAT between Collins and Matawees traverses alpine tundra, skirting the edge of a cliff that drops a few hundred metres into a river bed. The trail to Mont Nicol-Albert (890m) climbs 747 m in a short distance, making it one of the steepest marked ascents in Quebec. More experienced hikers will discover magnificent viewpoints, waterfalls and cascades.
There are several access points to the trail, including one to the Matapedia Valley and one to Réserve faunique de Matane. To access the trail from Cap-Chat, from Highway 132, take the road that runs along the Cap-Chat River for 38 km. The entrance is about 100 m past the Bascon stream.
Leashed dogs allowed, except in Parc National de la Gaspésie.
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