Crossed by the International Appalachian Trail, this mountain rises like an immense monolith before motorists as they enter Réserve faunique de Matane.
With a vertical drop of 747 metres over a distance of 6 km, it is one of the most demanding marked trails in Quebec.
The best part is that there are numerous waterfalls inviting you to take a dip.
The main points of interest on the Mont Nicol-Albert trail are the Cap-Chat river at the bottom, the numerous waterfalls and cascades of the spectacular Ruisseau Beaulieu and, towards the summit, numerous viewpoints as well as the crevasse and the famous ” bonhomme “.
A geological curiosity with the appearance of a human face, sculpted over time by the wind.
A rustic campsite with two camping platforms, a lean-to (shelter with three walls and a roof), a dry toilet and a water point is available at the trailhead.
How to get there
Access is from the town of Cap-Chat, by taking the road along the river to enter the Cap-Chat zec.
Turn right onto rue des Fonds just before the bridge over the Cap-Chat River.
Then follow the signs for the ZEC de la rivière Cap-Chat.
After 2 or 3 km, there will be a Y junction, so keep to the right.
Rue des Fonds will change name to Rue des Érables.
Continue towards the ZEC, 10 km from Route 132.
When you reach the ZEC, you’ll have to pay a toll at the gatehouse.
Continue on the same road for 28 km and you’ll arrive at the La Chute Hélène parking lot.
The name Nicol-Albert is said to derive from the English expression “nick of Albert”, which became Nicol-Albert in the mouths of the guides.
The English word “nick” means “notch, breach”, which corresponds to the local topography, with the Cap-Chat river separating the two mountains by a rather remarkable gorge.
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