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National park · Baie-Saint-Paul, Quebec
Grands-Jardins National Park
A national park in Quebec on the plateau above Baie-Saint-Paul, with taiga and boreal forest, lakes and the trail to Mont du Lac des Cygnes.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Grands-Jardins National Park
Les Grands-Jardins National Park sits on the Laurentian plateau about 40 km from Baie-Saint-Paul. The landscape feels like the far north: taiga of black spruce and lichens, scattered lakes and rounded mountains, at an elevation where winters are long.
The most popular trail climbs Mont du Lac des Cygnes, about 9 km round trip. From the summit you can see the Charlevoix meteor crater, with the Baie-Saint-Paul valley and the St. Lawrence River beyond. There are shorter trails, lakes for paddling and seasonal fishing. Caribou have been reintroduced to the region but are rarely seen.
The park is managed by Sépaq, Quebec’s parks network, and charges an entrance fee. Check the season dates and current rates.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day to a full day.
Best time
June to October; early fall is best for the forest colors seen from the summit.
How to get there
By Route 381, about 40 km from Baie-Saint-Paul, roughly a 45-minute drive to the Mont du Lac des Cygnes sector.
Tip
Do the Mont du Lac des Cygnes trail in the morning: wind and cold on the summit tend to increase in the afternoon.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Grands-Jardins National Park
What is the best-known trail in Les Grands-Jardins?
The Mont du Lac des Cygnes trail, about 9 km round trip, with a view of the Charlevoix crater.
Is Les Grands-Jardins far from Baie-Saint-Paul?
About 40 km, roughly a 45-minute drive.
Is Les Grands-Jardins open in winter?
Parts of the park receive visitors in winter for snowshoeing and Nordic skiing. Check current conditions.