Au Québ’s Trans Canada Trail: Winter on Sentier des Caps
The mythical Trans Canada Trail is often thought of as a long-distance adventure, a monumental route that crosses the country from coast to coast to coast. But you don’t need to go far to experience the best the Trail has to offer. Here on the Côte-de-Beaupré, we’re fortunate enough to have an exceptional stretch of the Trans Canada Trail system right in our own backyard—but we don’t always take the time to explore it to its full potential.
For example, I live near the Saint-Tite-des Caps section of Sentier des Caps and know all about what it offers during the summer, but I’ve never hiked it in the winter. All it took was a sunny day, mild weather (a rarity this winter!) and a little curiosity to remind me that you don’t have to go far to find something extraordinary.
For this short day trip, we wanted to go as far as the La Faille hut, renowned for its spectacular view of the St. Lawrence River. Getting there is a challenge, but the destination is worth the effort. We knew there was an incredible vista waiting for us at the end of the trail, which gave us just enough motivation to enjoy every kilometre along the way.
Photo credit: Au Québ
First stretch: Sentier des Lacs
The first two kilometres wind along Lac Saint-Tite through a dense coniferous forest. The setting is peaceful, almost hushed. We passed the charming Kelso and Petit lac huts, which immediately made us want to come back for an overnight adventure. Next, we crossed the frozen expanse of Petit Lac, surrounded by snow-covered trees. With the weather on our side, the scenery was almost unreal in its beauty.
This is an easy and accessible section, the perfect way to prepare for the next leg. It’s easy to see why Sentier des Caps attracts so many long-distance hikers. The infrastructure is well maintained, the markers are clear and the huts are beautifully integrated into the landscape.
After these 2 kilometres of contemplative scenery, we noticed a distinct change.
Photo credit: Au Québ
Second stretch: La Faille
We turned onto the La Faille trail to hike another 2 kilometres. As we left the lakeshore and headed into a deciduous forest, this stretch had a completely different feel. The terrain became more challenging. And at the end of the trail, we finally got our reward!
We could see not only the La Faille hut, but also the St. Lawrence River below, stretching as far as the eye could see — vast, majestic, almost hypnotizing. We were far from the crowds, far from the noise. It was just us, a light breeze, and an immense panorama.
We headed back along the same 4 kilometres, our hearts full and our cheeks flushed.
Côte-de-Beaupré’s well-kept secret
Sentier des Caps is often associated with Charlevoix, but the Saint-Tite section is well worth discovering. It’s quieter and less busy, offering impressive views and the same full immersion in nature.
Photo credit: Au Québ
More than just a day trip
Our hiking adventure was just a short section that can be done in a day. But Sentier des Caps offers so much more.
The entire system spans more than 70 kilometres and is part of the Trans Canada Trail. On the Côte-de-Beaupré en route to Charlevoix, Sentier des Caps is recognized as one of Québec’s best long-distance hiking trails. You can plan multi-day trips, sleeping in one of the nine rustic cabins along the way.
In summer and winter alike, it’s an incredible playground for anyone who loves to unwind with a long walk and a backpack.
Photo credit: Au Québ
Practical information
Complete Sentier des Caps system: Over 70 km of interconnected trails
Saint-Tite section (recommended loop):
Sentier des Lacs: 2 km
Sentier La Faille: 2 km
Return by the same route
Total: 8 km
Elevation change: Easy
Winter season: Crampons or snowshoes, depending on the weather
Accommodation: Several cabins throughout the trail system for long-distance hikes
Isabelle Leclerc is passionate about Quebec and the voice behind Au Québ. Through her inspiring stories and recommendations, she encourages Quebecers to travel differently and (re)discover everything Quebec has to offer by getting off the beaten track to visit authentic and little-known places.
Follow her at
Instagram : @au_queb
At Trans Canada Trail, we work to expand access to nature, improve visitor experience and ensure Canadians can safely enjoy outdoor spaces for generations to come. Find more Quebec hiking trails on our interactive map and sign up to Trail Talk for more Trail tales.
Main photo credit: Au Québ
