Three mountains, The Dome, Mont Original, and Mont St. Michel, combine to form a breathtaking loop in the ZEC des Martres, a pristine land preserve neighboring Hautes Gorges and Grand Jardins National Parks in Quebec, Canada. The ZECs set aside to provide Controlled Exploitation Zones for hunting, fishing and outdoor activities.
They’re generally located on state lands and administered by non-profit organizations and have an incredible amount of territory to explore. Adam checks out one of the huts that’s part of the Charlevoix Traverse in Quebec. We hiked the loop counter clockwise for a steep, rugged climb reminiscent of the Adirondacks.
After gaining most of the hike’s elevation in roughly a mile, the trail leveled out, and we eventually walked onto a lookout above the Dome’s cliffy face. Here, expansive views of the valley and surrounding peaks made it easy to imagine glaciers and ice caps reshaping the land. Remnants of a campfire rested on the ground, and I imagined what it would be like to see the view at sunset.
Would the light reach the distant ponds, set like jewels in the high valleys between the peaks? Back on the main trail, we were treated to gorgeous views at the shores of Lac du Gros Ruisseau, a pond nestled below cliffs and forests at 2800 feet of elevation. The high elevation ponds and lakes in the Charlevoix region add incredible beauty to the hikes. Lac du Gros Ruisseau sits at 2800 feet on the ridge between The Dome and Mont Original and Mont St.
Michel in the Charlevoix region of Quebec We waded through “fields” of wild blueberries on the climb to Mont Original. The summit of Mont Original opened up views of neighboring Mont St. Michel and Grand Jardins National Park.
Here the sun was bright and wild flowers and blueberry bushes swayed in the breeze. I paused to sample several on the way down; we were on a bit of a schedule since it was our day to drive home, so I tried not to stop too much. The climb to Mont Saint Michel brought more views of lakes, rugged cliffs, and lush forests.
At the summit, we caught a glimpse of several people most likely hiking the Charlevoix Traverse, a 57 mile hut to hut hike through the region; outside of that little pocket of humanity, we saw nothing but blue lakes, velvety green forests, and rambling summits. The terrain was, once again, unlike any I’ve seen, and I can’t recommend it highly enough. This area of Quebec is full to the brim with hikes, Class 4 roads, fishing, remote camping, and well-maintained national park campgrounds.
We thought the language barrier might be difficult to navigate, but the people we met were happy to help us and were overjoyed that we’d come to explore their beautiful country..
