Hiking

Equipped with your binoculars and a camera, you are ready to explore an island. Your senses are assaulted by the thousand hues of the flowers, by the grace of the seabirds and by the towering immensity of the cliffs and monoliths.

Hiking is possible on wooden boardwalks or on the shore, around the islands. There are close to 80 km of hiking trails distributed over 9 different islands. You will be discovering the seashore, the heart of the islands, the woods, the barrens and the peat bogs.

Before all of this unrestrained beauty, keep in mind that certain areas are particularly fragile, to the point where even the slightest human activity can have grave consequences on their ecological integrity. Stick to the paths or the shoreline. Know how to observe without causing disturbance. Respect the code of ethics for seabird observation.

Adopt appropriate and respectful behaviour: Nature will thank you for it.

Major Hiking Sectors

Watch where you step !

Hiking Sectors

Name	Island	Number of km / duration	Type	Level
Shoreline hike	Grosse île au Marteau*	4.1 km / 1 hour 30 minutes	Loop	Intermediate
La Lumière Trail	Petite île au Marteau	1.1 km / 30 minutes	Linear	Easy
Shoreline hike	Île du Havre	17.2 km / 8 hours	Loop	Intermediate
Campanules Trail	Île du Fantôme	0.7 km / 25 minutes	Linear	Easy
Poète Jomphe Trail	Île Niapiskau	0.3 km / 15 min	Loop	Easy
Samuel Trail	Île Niapiskau	4.4 km / 2 hours	Linear	Intermediate
Les Falaises Trail	Île Quarry	1.2 km / 45 min	Loop	Easy
Le Petit Percé hike	Île Quarry	3.8 km / 2 hours	Loop	Intermediate
Les Cypripèdes Trail	Île Quarry	10.8 km / 5 hours	Loop	Intermediate
Anse des Érosions Trail	Île Quarry	0.6 km / 15 minutes	Linear	Easy
Shoreline hike	La Grande Île	27.2 km / 12 hours	Loop	Intermediate
Shoreline hike	Île Nue de Mingan**	9.0 km / 4 hours	Loop	Easy
Hike on trail	Île aux Perroquets**	0.3 km / 10 minutes	Linear	Easy

* As of July 1st only. Book now with boat operators as the number of authorized hikers is limited. Note that a section of Grosse Île au Marteau's shoreline is not accessible in order to assure visitors security and to protect nesting birds from disturbances. 

** Book now with boat operators as the number of authorized hikers is limited.

Some Tips

For your safety and in order to protect natural resources, you should take note of the main regulations applicable in the park reserve.

The islands are only accessible by boat. For individuals who do not own a boat, it is strongly recommended to make an early reservation with local boat operators, recognized by Parks Canada (transportation fees will apply). See the list of maritime transport services.

Make sure that you are aware of the hours of high tide, since certain areas can only be crossed at low tide. Details are available in the reception and interpretation centres on the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve of Canada.

Be aware that at low tide, water and seaweed on the rocks create slippery conditions.

Falling rocks are a hazard near the cliffs. When possible, keep a safe distance, avoid walking beneath overhanging rocks and do not stop at the base of cliffs.

Climbing the monoliths is dangerous and prohibited.

Make sure you have an adequate communication device. Cellular coverage is limited in the park.