Montagne du Fort and Lac Cuillèrier area |
Open all year round |
Reservoir and islands sector |
Open mid-May to mid-Oct. |
Hiking at Montagne du Fort and Lac Cuillèrier
Up Here, We’re 500m Above It All
If you want to discover hiking in the Laurentides, the hiking trails of Montagne du Fort are perfect for exploring the region from all angles. The trailhead, which is accessible by car, is located at the foot of the Rapide-du-Fort sector and the Lac Cuillèrier sector. Please note that accessing these trails by non-motorized watercraft is also an option. Stop by the reception lodge to inquire about trail conditions and get a detailed map of the area.
Trail Names
- Baie-Durand
- Merisiers
- Katimavik
- Sommet
- Crique (formerly Desjardins)
Difficulty Levels
The hiking trails of the Montagne du Fort and Lac Cuillèrier sector are good for beginner, intermediate, and advanced hikers. The shortest trail that leads to a lookout is 1 km long. The longest is 5 kilometers. Now, we’re only talking about the hike in- not the return journey. Please plan your outing accordingly.
Entry and Season
- Free entry;
- Located 5 km from the reception lodge;
- Dogs on leashes are permitted;
- No entry after dark;
- Trails are open year-round, but not maintained in the winter.
Did you know ?
The Montagne du Fort is an impressive range in the Laurentides that has several peaks, the highest of which rises to 502 meters above sea level. Since the creation of the Park in 2008, six lookouts have been developed to offer hikers a magnificent glimpse of the Laurentians landscapes. A belvedere was built at the end of the Merisiers trail in 2008. The latter has a roof and a picnic table, and a dry pit cabinet is available near the building.
Hiking Along the Reservoir
In These Parts, The Trailhead Is a Canoe
If you want to discover hiking in the Laurentides, the trails located on the islands and along the banks of the Poisson Blanc reservoir are perfect for admiring the archipelagos and, as night falls, taking in some sublime sunsets.
The hiking trails of the island sector are only accessible by non-motorized watercraft: there is no dock at the foot of the trails. The lookouts located at the end of each course will give you a breathtaking glimpse of the reservoir and its 100 islands, and of the hills of the Canadian Shield which border this body of water.
Trail Names
- Le Chenal
- Le Cap du Sud
- L’île en U
- La Paroi Éléphant
Difficulty Levels
The hikes around the reservoir are accessible to beginners as well as intermediate hikers. The trails are short but still have a good slope, so be prepared to work those calves.
Entry and Season
- Free entry;
- Dogs on leashes are permitted on the trails;
- No entry after dark;
- Trails are closed from mid-October to mid-May.
Equipment
Whether you are going out for an hour or a full day, it is important to bring clothing and equipment that are suitable for hiking. Please consider:
- Checking the weather before leaving;
- Bringing at least 1.5 L of water per person;
- Wearing walking shoes that provide good support and good grip to avoid tumbling;
- Wearing a backpack for your gear: water containers, bug repellant, snacks, sunscreen, maps;
- Booking your watercraft to get to the trails located on the islands and banks of the reservoir.
Code of Ethics for Hikers
The cellular network is not always reliable on our trails. Be sure to plan a safe, autonomous outing, and to return home before dark. Courtesy is essential when hiking in the Laurentians: it is important to respect other users and trail signs, as well as the flora and fauna present in the area.
To fully enjoy your hiking experience, we encourage compliance with the Hiker’s Code of Ethics and Poisson Blanc Regional Park’s official regulations.