Matane: Coast, Mountains and Hiking Trails

La Matanie brings together two distinctive landscape features: the coast at the mouth of the St. Lawrence River and the heights of the Monts Chic-Chocs. Its coastline stretches for 75 kilometres. The Chic-Chocs cross the region and reach heights of more than 1,000 metres. These landscapes offer different points of focus for planning your trip to Matane. First, consider whether you would like to plan mainly coastal experiences, hikes or viewpoints. This also gives your vacation rental search a specific starting point.

Experience the Coast and Mountains

Public access points to the sea in La Matanie are signposted locally. There is parking nearby, and a path leads down to the beach. Check parking and beach conditions locally before planning your visit. This lets you plan a trip to the water as part of your day without conflating the coast with the region’s hiking and viewpoint options.

Hiking and Fishing in the Réserve faunique de Matane

The Réserve faunique de Matane covers 1,275 km² and has a network of more than 100 kilometres of hiking trails. In addition, 13 short hikes are offered for all ability levels, from easy to challenging, with trail lengths ranging from 4 to 17 kilometres. This range gives you specific points of reference for choosing hikes by length and level of difficulty. Trail conditions and seasonal access may vary; check both for the hike you have planned.

Fishing is another activity available in the reserve. Fishing is permitted in around 20 lakes. Brook trout are found in all these lakes; lake trout are also found in Lac Matane. If you plan to fish, this gives you a clear distinction between the lakes: Lac Matane is the named lake with both fish species, while brook trout are found in the other lakes described.

The Sentier International des Appalaches – Québec (SIA-QC) offers another perspective on hiking. It runs for more than 650 kilometres through the Gaspésie, with more than 100 kilometres passing through the Réserve faunique de Matane. These distances provide a useful benchmark for planning: the SIA-QC’s long-distance route contrasts with the 13 shorter hikes within the reserve, which range from 4 to 17 kilometres. This can help you decide whether to consider a single shorter hike or a section of a much longer route.

Views near Sainte-Paule

Near Sainte-Paule, an observation tower stands on a mountain close to Lac à la Loutre. From there, you can see wind turbines, the Matapédia Valley and neighbouring villages. This viewpoint brings together a variety of sights in one panorama: technical installations, a valley and the surrounding villages. It adds a distinctive perspective on the landscape to the coastal and hiking experiences.

Find a Vacation Rental to Suit Your Plans

When searching for a vacation rental in Matane, it helps to first decide what kind of trip you want. Would you like to plan time for hiking, fishing, coastal access points or a viewpoint? Then tailor your search to the specific location of the accommodation and your own travel plans. This keeps your vacation rental search connected to the experiences you actually want to focus on.

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