Mount Jacques-CartierAbout Mount Jacques-Cartier
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.
Nearby Attractions to Mount Jacques-Cartier
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.
Weather & Climate near Mount Jacques-Cartier
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.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | - | -22° - -12° | -27° | 133 mm | - | - | 5.7 m/s | - | - |
| February | - | -21° - -12° | -26° | 95 mm | - | - | 5.8 m/s | - | - |
| March | - | -16° - -6° | -20° | 110 mm | - | - | 5.9 m/s | - | - |
| April | - | -9° - 0° | -11° | 93 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
| May | - | -3° - 7° | -2° | 95 mm | - | - | 4.6 m/s | - | - |
| June | - | 4° - 15° | 8° | 122 mm | - | - | 4.3 m/s | - | - |
| July | - | 9° - 18° | 13° | 136 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| August | - | 7° - 17° | 12° | 124 mm | - | - | 4.0 m/s | - | - |
| September | - | 1° - 11° | 3° | 119 mm | - | - | 4.5 m/s | - | - |
| October | - | -5° - 3° | -6° | 115 mm | - | - | 4.9 m/s | - | - |
| November | - | -11° - -4° | -14° | 146 mm | - | - | 5.0 m/s | - | - |
| December | - | -19° - -10° | -23° | 133 mm | - | - | 5.5 m/s | - | - |
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.