Charlevoix Crossing

Charlevoix

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Duration

4 to 7 DAYS

Rate

980$ +tx (146,76) : 4 days
1690$ +tx (253,08) : 7 days

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Difficulty

INTERMEDIATE / ADVANCED

January 10 to 13, 2024
March 13 to 16, 2024
March 13 to 19, 2024 (7 days)
other dates available on request

ratio: 1 guide for 8 participants

A nordic ski hike through the Charlevoix hinterland, the Traversée de Charlevoix takes one of the most beautiful wild trails in Quebec. Surrounded by peaks reaching up to 1000 meters and very wild natural environments.

For 30 years, outdoor enthusiasts from all over the world have traveled, in whole or in part, the Traversée de Charlevoix, which constitutes one of the most beautiful long hiking trails east of the Rockies. The Charlevoix Crossing is both a section of the Trans-Canada Trail and the National Trail in Quebec.

The Charlevoix crossing is an ideal trip for practicing nordic ski touring, in complete safety, supervised by a professional guide.

itinerary

DAY 1: Transport and skiing

Departure by minibus from Quebec City led by the guide towards Charlevoix. Final preparations of the backpacks followed by a demonstration of the use of touring skis by the guide. The hike begins at the entrance to the ZEC des Martres and we set off for our first kilometers on a fairly flat path to reach our Écureuil refuge (720m). Dinner, supper and overnight at the shelter.

Nordic skiing: 4.2 km – positive elevation 53m – negative elevation 50m
Road: approximately 2h30
Accommodation: Refuge Écureuil

DAY 2: Full day of Nordic skiing

After breakfast at the refuge, we will take the path following the stream and continuing through the forest, passing at the bottom of Mont des Morios. We will take a dinner break in a place sheltered from the wind with a good hot soup. Our route then goes back north to finally arrive at our Marmotte refuge. Dinner and overnight at the shelter.

Nordic skiing: 15km – positive elevation 345m – negative elevation 780m
Accommodation: Marmotte refuge

DAY 3: Full day of Nordic skiing

After breakfast at the refuge, we will follow a forest path to the Rivière du Gouffre. We will take a dinner break in a place sheltered from the wind with a good hot soup. The rest of the hike will take us to the Noyée mountain area, and then arrive at the Chouette refuge. Dinner and overnight at the shelter.

Nordic skiing: 11km – positive elevation 520m – negative elevation 270m
Accommodation: Refuge de la Chouette

DAY 4: Full day of Nordic skiing and optional return

From the refuge de la Chouette, the route goes up towards an old refuge then continues towards the highest point of the trip. Then it’s a long descent towards the Hautes Gorges de la rivière Malbaie national park. We will then arrive at the Chalet du Geai Bleu which overlooks the Malbaie River. Dinner and overnight at the shelter.
Possibility of stopping the ski trip on day 4 at the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie national park (half-crossing).

Nordic skiing: 19km – positive elevation 700m – negative elevation 1050m
Accommodation: Geai Bleu refuge
Road (4 days trip): approximately 3h to Quebec City

DAY 5: Full day of Nordic skiing

After breakfast, we leave for a day of skiing which first runs along the Malbaie River then the Chouinard Creek. At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive at the Coyote refuge for dinner and the night.

Nordic skiing: 15km – positive elevation 770m – negative elevation 400m
Accommodation: Coyote refuge

DAY 6: Full day of Nordic skiing

An easy day through snowmobile trails. At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive at the Refuge de l’Épervier for dinner and the night.

Nordic skiing: 18km – positive elevation 315m – negative elevation 410m
Accommodation: Refuge de l’Épervier

DAY 7: Return

Last day of ski touring, after a good breakfast, the crossing path joins the cross-country trails of the Mont Grand-Fond Station. Return to Quebec City, approximate arrival around 6 pm

Nordic skiing: 5km
Road: approximately 2h30 to Quebec City

the package INCLUDES
  • supervision by an adventure guide
  • ski equipment: nordic skis, ski boots, climbing skin, telescopic poles
  • camping equipment: sleeping bag, liner
  • group equipment: kitchen, thermos, first aid kit, emergency shelter, satellite telephone …
  • refuge accommodation
  • daily baggage transfer by snowmobile
  • all meals (except in the restaurant)
  • round-trip transportation from Quebec City
the package does not include
  • your personal expenses
  • your faavorites snacks
  • personal insurance
  • tip to the guide
Equipment and food

Group equipment and food will be transported by snowmobile between refuges. Bring a small backpack (maximum 40L) that can hold your belongings for the day and comfortable enough to carry all day.

Transportation
Departure is from Quebec City with a 15-passenger vehicle. Possibility of picking you up along the way. You can also go to the activity location on your own.
Weather
We believe that there is no such thing as bad weather in winter. The activity still takes place. In the event of a situation where the temperature is extreme (‑45°C) or the quantity of snow is not adequate, the activity will be postponed. In the event of heavy precipitation, the route and the hiking time may be shortened. The final decision to cancel in the event of bad weather is the responsibility of the guide or the administration of Quatre Natures.

We take the well-being of our customers seriously. This is why we follow the highest Quality and Safety standards established in the industry.

Quatre Natures is an accredited member of Aventure Écotourisme Québec.

Booking Policies

When booking, a 30% deposit must be paid by credit card (VISA, MasterCard or American Express). The balance of payment will be made 30 days before your activity.

In case of cancellation made more than 60 days before the date of your activity, your reservation will be refunded 100%. Between 59 days and 30 days before the date of your activity, 70% of the total amount will be refunded to you. No refund for a cancellation less than 30 days before your activity.

Changing a reservation : Any changes must be made by email or telephone and are subject to availability. Please contact us at reservation@quatrenatures.com or 418 271-7234.

Weather : The decision to cancel in case of bad weather is the responsibility of the guide or the administration of Quatre Natures. Under no circumstances the customer can cancel and have a refund if he does not like the weather.

* the announced duration of the activity is approximate and depends on the meteorological conditions and the group