If you're looking for a perfect half-day hike in the beautiful Charlevoix region of Quebec, La Chouenne Trail should be at the top of your list. It's got everything outdoor lovers and photographers dream of: vast mountain views, peaceful calm of nature and an easy to moderate short trail.
In my quest to discovering more of the hiking trails in the province of Quebec, I discovered La Chouenne only recently and it certainly has a special place in my heart (and in my photography portfolio!). If you're in the process of planning your upcoming outdoor adventures, let me tell you why you need to add La Chouenne to your hiking bucket list.
Trail Details
- Location: Grands-Jardins National Park (about 1.5 hours north east from Quebec City)
- Distance: 4.8 km round trip
- Elevation Gain: About 250 meters
- Time: 2 hours total
- Difficulty: Moderate
La Chouenne trail starts from the Parc National des Grands Jardins visitor's center. Always make sure to check the trail conditions on the SEPAQ website before heading out for your hike.
Photography Tips for La Chouenne
As a photographer, La Chouenne checks all the boxes for landscape photography: dramatic peaks, endless skies, and beautiful natural light. The summit is pure magic: a rocky, open space that gives you a 360-degree view of the Laurentian Mountains, with glimpses of the St. Lawrence River on clear days. It's easily one of the best spots in Grands-Jardins National Park for photographers and hikers alike.
Here are a few tips if you're planning to bring your camera up there:
- Go for golden hour: Sunset casts the most incredible warm tones across the rocky summits. It’s absolutely worth it and could equally be good at sunrise.
- Bring a wide-angle lens: The panoramic views deserve to be captured in full glory!
- Tripod recommended: If you have a lightweight portable tripod make sure to bring it with you, especially if you're shooting in low light.
- Don't avoid the clouds: Cloudy days can give you moody, textured shots that feel different from the classic blue-sky look.
Fun fact: One of my best-selling Charlevoix prints was taken right from La Chouenne’s summit during a moody June evening. You can check it out here!
Hiking Tips for La Chouenne
- Wear good hiking boots: The trail gets rocky and steep near the summit.
- Check the weather: the weather in the mountains can change quickly and it can be windy, especially up high.
- Start early or late: Beat the midday crowds and catch the best light.
- Bring layers: Even in summer, it can get chilly at the top.
- Don't rush: Take your time and soak it all in—it’s a short hike, but every view is worth a pause.
Between the moderate effort, panoramic summit views, and sunset light potential, La Chouenne trail is easily one of the best hikes in Charlevoix. Whether you are out to discover new trails or you want to capture the most magical light in the mountains, add this one to your bucket list - it's the kind of place that sticks with you long after you've left.
Happy hiking !