Mount Jacques-Cartier

Mountain Quebec's highest mountain in Gaspé Peninsula

Mount Jacques‑Cartier sits in Gaspésie National Park as one of Quebec’s highest summits; visitors come for alpine tundra walks, caribou sightings and long ridge hikes in the Chic‑Choc Mountains.

Main image

Mount Jacques-Cartier rises to approximately 1,268 metres and is the highest peak of the Chic-Choc range within Gaspésie National Park in Quebec. It is known for its alpine plateau, subalpine tundra vegetation, and wildlife, in particular summering caribou.

Hiking routes lead to the summit plateau and offer panoramic views over the Gaspé Peninsula. Trails and visitor facilities in the park provide access for day hikes and overnight trips, and the area is valued for its intact high-elevation ecosystems.

The mountain has long been part of the protected lands of Gaspésie National Park and is managed for conservation and recreation. Its summit areas are used seasonally by caribou and offer characteristic highland environments uncommon elsewhere in southern Quebec.

Geographically it sits in the Gaspé Peninsula in eastern Quebec within the boundaries of Gaspésie National Park, and regional towns such as Sainte-Anne-des-Monts and Murdochville serve as common access points.

  • Regional high point: Highest peak of the Chic-Choc Mountains within Gaspésie National Park, with an elevation around 1,268 metres and significant subalpine habitat.
  • Wildlife: Important summer feeding grounds for a remnant southern herd of woodland caribou, making wildlife viewing a key draw in the warmer months.

What to See #

  • Summit plateau: An exposed summit plateau at about 1,268 metres that supports subalpine tundra and is a known summer grazing area for woodland caribou within the park.
  • Trailheads and access: Park trailheads and visitor facilities at lower elevations that provide the main access routes to the mountain's summit area and surrounding peaks.
Mount Jacques-Cartier
48.9882, -65.9483

How to Get to Mount Jacques-Cartier #

Mount Jacques-Cartier lies within Parc national de la Gaspésie. The nearest service town is Sainte-Anne-des-Monts (about 1-1.5 hours by car). From Route 132 and park roads follow signs to the Le Mont-Albert sector; the most common approach starts at the Mont-Albert campsite and follows park trails to the summit boardwalk (trail distance roughly 8-10 km round-trip depending on route).

Tips for Visiting Mount Jacques-Cartier #

  • Walk the short summit boardwalk early in the morning to catch the caribou and avoid mid-day visitors.
  • If hiking from the Le Mont-Albert campground, allow 3-4 hours round-trip on the standard trail.
  • Bring insect repellent in summer-black flies can be persistent on sheltered trails.

Best Time to Visit Mount Jacques-Cartier #

Summer and early autumn are the best times for hiking and wildlife viewing; winter access requires snow equipment and experience.

Summer
June-August · 5-20°C (41-68°F)
Longest daylight and wildflower blooms; best time for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Autumn
September-October · -5-10°C (23-50°F)
Crisp air and spectacular fall foliage; mosquitos thin out and vistas sharpen.

Weather & Climate near Mount Jacques-Cartier #

Climate

Mount Jacques-Cartier's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -22°C to 18°C. Abundant rainfall (1421 mm/year), wettest in November, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
18°
Warmest Month
-22°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of -12°C and lows of -22°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-22° -12°

Weather

133 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -21°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

-17°
Feels Like Freezing
-17°C
Temperature
-21° -12°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
5.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -16°C. Significant rainfall (110 mm).

Comfort

-11°
Feels Like Freezing
-11°C
Temperature
-16° -6°

Weather

110 mm
Rainfall
5.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is freezing with highs of 0°C and lows of -9°C. Regular rainfall (93 mm).

Comfort

-5°
Feels Like Freezing
-5°C
Temperature
-9°

Weather

93 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

95 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 4°C. Significant rainfall (122 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
15°

Weather

122 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
18°

Weather

136 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (124 mm).

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
17°

Weather

124 mm
Rainfall
4.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (119 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

119 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -5°C. Significant rainfall (115 mm).

Comfort

-1°
Feels Like Freezing
-1°C
Temperature
-5°

Weather

115 mm
Rainfall
4.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -11°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (146 mm).

Comfort

-7°
Feels Like Freezing
-7°C
Temperature
-11° -4°

Weather

146 mm
Rainfall
5.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is freezing with highs of -10°C and lows of -18°C. Significant rainfall (133 mm).

Comfort

-14°
Feels Like Freezing
-14°C
Temperature
-19° -10°

Weather

133 mm
Rainfall
5.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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