The Montagne à Gros-Cacouna route

The route starts from the car park in the Gros-Cacouna marsh area, which can be reached from Route 132 via a gravel track.

(S/E) From the car park, follow the track to the left, towards the beluga whale observation site. Walk alongside the Étang de la Montagne on your right, passing an observation tower on your left.

(1) At the end of the lake, turn right onto a well-marked path. Initially, the path remains flat along the edge of the pond, but soon veers away from it and climbs quite steeply.

(2) At the junction, go straight on then turn left. Continue climbing.

(3) After about 400 m, turn sharply to the right (do not continue straight on). The forest gradually thins out, and the path now winds its way over rocks. You’ll reach the first viewpoint overlooking the St Lawrence River (where you may spot belugas).

(4) Continue along the path to the next junction.

(5) Turn right and you’ll immediately reach a second viewpoint. Retrace your steps.

(5) Follow the main path to the right. Walk for a while along the top of the “mountain”, then head back down towards the pond. The path becomes tricky with rocks and tree roots, but the most difficult sections have been fitted with steps. At the bottom of the descent, walk along the Étang de la Montagne on your left along a path that is slightly less well-marked.

(2) At the junction you passed on the way there, turn left.

(1) Join the track from the outward journey and follow it to the left until you reach the car park where you started (S/E).

Entry to the park is free.

Toilets and information boards are available at the start car park. There are no water points along the route.