L’Orignac Trail
The Orignac Trail is the natural continuation of the Charlevoix Crossing and allows you to add 22km to your total Crossing and end in Saint-Siméon. The new Uapishtan refuge, built in the fall of 2024, allows you to continue your crossing in the comfort of the shelters. Three campsites are also available in the same area. Reservation and registration are required.
It is possible to do the Orignac Trail in sections as a day hike, but some accesses are difficult (forest roads). The most accessible is to do the Montagne des Taillis round trip (Orignac Center), from ÖBois Charlevoix
For more information on the possible thru-hikes routes including the Orignac Trail, consult the following pages:
The Mountains to the Sea Crossing
The Hautes-Gorges to the Sea Crossing
Day hike
Des Taillis Mountain (on Orignac Centre)
Distance (from the start of Lac Noir to the summit of Mount Taillis): 16.2 km (round trip)
Possible departure from our partners ÖBois Charlevoix (proof of payment ncessary to be allowed to park in their parking lot).
Mount Taillis is on the path of the long hiking trail of the Orignac Center, the continuation of the raid of the Charlevoix Traverse, and is an integral part of the Trans-Canada Trail and the National Trail in Quebec. This trail was designed and developed by Capital Pathway and its management is now ensured by La Traversée de Charlevoix.
The trail offers a gentle ascent to a first viewpoint, followed by a plateau where you will find a beautiful maple grove. This is followed by a much steeper ascent that will take you to the summit of Mount Taillis where, around km 10, you will have a view of the river and the Palissades Valley. The highest point of the mountain is about 350 meters further, but does not offer a clear viewpoint.
Mount Taillis is part of the Défi des 5 sommets 2024 (5 Summits Challenge). You can access the map via this link and an info sheet for the Challenge by clicking here.
Access Fee: Contribution of $10 per person (via our reservation platform)
Access Period: Year-round (orange vest is required during moose hunting season)
West (9.7km)
The Orignac Ouest trail starts from the Épervier refuge. It is the continuation of the Traversée de Charlevoix. This section offers many viewpoints on the river, especially from the first few kilometres. After passing Lac McLeod at km 9, the trail continues east with the Orignac Centre segment.
Western access: On foot via the Traversée de Charlevoix exit trail (10.9 km), via the Domaine Comporté forest road (registration required) or via the Zec Lac-au-Sable (20 km of forest road to do), roads not cleared in winter.
Eastern access: On Route 138, between Saint-Fidèle and Saint-Siméon, take Chemin Breton and drive 11 km on a forest road (not cleared in winter) to Lac Mcleod. You can park nearby along the road. The last km is very difficult for small cars.
Center (17.2km)
From the start to the west, the trail climbs to km 4, where the brand new Uapishtan refuge and 3 campsites are located. 200 metres from the refuge, several interesting viewpoints of the valley are available to hikers. Then, it heads towards the mountain peaks, passing by Petit Lac Noir, to km 10 where magnificent viewpoints of the river and the Vallée des Palissades await you as a reward. You will then descend into an old maple grove to reach the ÖBois Charlebois facilities, where it is also possible to book overnight stays or take advantage of their restaurant/bar offerings. Parking is available 750 metres from ÖBois Charlevoix.
Western access: On Route 138, between Saint-Fidèle and Saint-Siméon, take Chemin Breton and drive 11 km on a forest road (not cleared in winter) to Lac Mcleod. You can park very close to the side of the road. The last km is very difficult for small cars.
Eastern access: On Route 138 in Saint-Siméon, take Rue St-Léon then the Côte de la Jetée forest road which goes to Lac Noir with the possibility of parking in front of the trail welcome sign. You will then be a 750-metre walk from ÖBois Charlevoix, where you can also park for a contribution of $10.
East (6.2km)
From ÖBois Charlevoix, the trail heads towards Lac Noir with the possibility of making a one-km round trip on a point that advances towards the lake. Afterwards, the trail is relatively flat, it runs through diverse forests and old forest roads. It ends in the village of Saint-Siméon, behind Mont Café Bistro (318 rue Saint-Laurent).
It is possible to make a loop starting from Mont Café Bistro and turn right at km 5 to return to Saint-Siméon by the old route of the original trail.
Western access: On Route 138 in Saint-Siméon, take rue St-Léon then the Côte de la Jetée forest road which goes to Lac Noir with the possibility of parking in front of the trail welcome sign. You will then be a 750-metre walk from ÖBois Charlevoix, where you can also park for a contribution of $10.
Eastern Access: The departure is behind 318 rue St-Laurent (Mont Café Bistro)