La Matanie's coastline stretches for 75 km along the St. Lawrence Estuary; the Monts Chic-Chocs cross the region and reach elevations of more than 1,000 m. When planning your trip around Matane, these landscapes offer different experiences: the coast, mountain trails, lakes, and viewpoints. If you're looking for a hotel in Matane, first consider which activities you want to shape your stay. Options include hiking trails, public access points to the sea, and a lookout tower near Sainte-Paule.

Hiking and longer distances

The Réserve faunique de Matane covers 1,275 km² and has a network of more than 100 km of hiking trails. It also offers 13 short hikes for all levels, from easy to challenging, ranging from 4 to 17 km. You can plan among these options using two specific criteria: distance and difficulty.

The Sentier International des Appalaches – Québec (SIA-QC) runs for 650 km through the Gaspésie; more than 100 km of it passes through the Réserve faunique de Matane. The 4 to 17 km distances refer to the short hikes, while the more than 100 km refers to the SIA-QC route within the Réserve. This lets you distinguish shorter hikes from a section of the much longer long-distance trail by distance. Trail conditions and seasonal access may vary; check conditions before setting out.

Fishing in the lakes

Fishing is available in about 20 lakes in the Réserve faunique de Matane. Brook trout are found in all of them; Lac Matane also has lake trout. If you're interested in fishing, Lac Matane is therefore the lake specifically noted as having this second fish species as well. The approximate number of lakes and the distribution of fish species offer different points of reference for planning.

Coast and viewpoints

Public access points to the sea in La Matanie are signposted on site. There is parking nearby, and a descent leads to the beach. When visiting, check local parking and beach conditions.

Near Sainte-Paule, a lookout tower on a mountain near Lac à la Loutre offers wide-ranging views of wind turbines, the Matapédia Valley, and neighboring villages. The viewpoint offers a different focus from hiking trails and access to the sea: both its mountain setting and the various sights are part of the experience. You can include the lookout tower as a separate interest in your travel plans, alongside hikes or a visit to the coast.

Choose accommodation to suit your plans

When looking for a hotel in Matane, it helps to decide in advance what kind of outing you want to shape your stay. Trails vary in distance and difficulty, fishing opportunities vary by the fish species mentioned, and local conditions should be taken into account at the sea access points. This will help you weigh the different nature experiences according to your own plans.

Discover more destinations: Matane, Saint-Ulric, Sainte-Félicité, Les Méchins, Baie-Des-Sables, Sainte-Paule, Maskinongé, Portneuf.

View the broader travel overview: Quebec.