Trail Profile: Sentier
Louise-Gasnier
Explore the Charlevoix region of Quebec on this family-friendly Trail section in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François. This 7.7-kilometre trail takes you on a lovely, forested journey and features great views, a well-marked trail, and even suspension bridges over the Du Sault River!
For those of you looking to take your little ones on a hike in the area, rest assured that while the trail is not stroller-friendly, it’s suitable for enthusiastic preschool and school-aged hikers, with moderate ascents and descents and no steep drop-offs. If you’re looking to extend your adventure, Sentier Louise-Gasnier connects with Sentier Gabrielle Ouest on one end and Sentier Gabrielle Est on the other, both of which offer more challenging hiking options with several viewpoints en route.
What we love about this Trail section
• Great family-friendly wooded trail with year-round activities
• Very cool suspension bridges en route, safe for younger hikers
• Located in a beautiful part of Charlevoix, only 15 minutes by car from cafés, restaurants and beaches in Baie-Saint-Paul
Hiking and snowshoeing await
The Sentier Louise-Gasnier has three access points: start out from rue du Fief at the junction with Highway 138, or if you’re looking for a shorter hike, head out from a parking lot at the midpoint of the trail, 2.5 kilometres along the route from the first. Hike or snowshoe along a well-marked, forested trail that takes you on a few ups and downs as you hike down to cross the Du Sault River, then back up to take in the extraordinary views of the surrounding mountains along the way.
A 360-degree-view from suspension bridges on the trail
A major highlight of the Sentier Louise-Gasnier are two suspension bridges that take you across the river. Each one is secure and fenced, and they offer exceptional views of the surrounding water and trees. If you’re lucky enough to be in the area in the fall, the colours are a sight to behold.
Head to Baie-Saint-Paul or Petite-Rivière-Saint-François for a post-hike treat
Known for its abundance of art galleries and beautiful views, Baie-Saint-Paul is worth a stop if you’re in the area. Stroll down rue Saint-Jean-Baptiste and grab a coffee, or stop at Boulangerie Les Bonyeuses for a delicious lunch. Charlevoix is known for its cheese, so stock up – you’ll be glad you did!
If you’re looking for a fun stop closer to the trail, head to Parc des Riverains in Petite-Rivière-Saint-François – about a 5-minute drive from the Trail – where you’ll find a playground, beach and snack bar that’s open in the summer months, and where you can enjoy truly stunning views of the Saint Lawrence River and the surrounding landscape.
Thank you to MRC de Charlevoix and Sentiers Québec-Charlevoix
Our sincere thanks go out to MRC de Charlevoix and Sentiers Québec-Charlevoix for their dedication to the region’s trails, including Sentier Louise-Gasnier. Thank you!
