The Trans-Charlevoix Route is a link-up of several trails and summits accross the Charlevoix region. It is bordered to the south by the Mont Saint-Anne (just outside the geographical limit) and crossing the whole of Charlevoix all the way to Saint-Siméon. It covers the must-see, must-hike and must-climb of places, trails and summits in a as logical as possible link up. In its essence, you follow the Saint-Lawrence river from Mont Saint-Anne to Baie-Saint-Paul then circum-navigate the Charlevoix crater from Baie Saint-Paul to Saint-Simeon. Any of the trails and summits included in this route are a worthwhile objective and should be its own FKT. Furthermore, you’ll follow parts of the routes taken by ultra running events of international caliber (Harricana, QMT) which is further testament to the quality of the terrain and beauty of the region.
Length is 330km (205 miles) with 8600m (28 000ft) of gain. This route is expected to be feasible in all three styles. The length is not too long for unsupported and there are plenty of access for crew, caches, and/or towns. This allows for re-supply towards self- and fully supported styles.
Here's a granular description of the link up following the north-east direction. Worthwile trails and summits are in italic :
Starting at the base of the La Crête trail, you will summit the Mont Saint-Anne then head back down to enter the Mestachibo trail. This technical trail links up to the Sentier des Caps for some of the best views of the St-Lawrence river someone can enjoy. Exiting the Sentier des caps you’ll enter the city of Baie-St-Paul where you’ll veer north along the valley of the Gouffre river. Follow series of shorter trails up the valley and road link-ups to enter the Parc des Grands Jardins. There you will summit the Mont du Lac des Cygnes before entering the trails of the Traversée de Charlevoix. Along those trails you’ll summit the Mont du Four, Mont de la Noyée as well as adding in the Mont des Morios loop for superb views of the region. Once entering the valley of the Malbaie river, you’ll summit the Acropole des Draveurs before rejoining with the trails of the Traversée. Near the end of this trail, you’ll enter the Orignac trail that will bring you to Saint-Siméon where the route finishes : at the ferry terminal, by the beach, on the Saint-Lawrence river.
If you consider doing this route, keep in mind there are many daily access to pay for and camping is limited to sites (with reservation) on many of those trails. At the time of submitting this route, the author does not know of anyone who attempted it. Yet on a map, it is a logical link-up. As such,it is likely someone has done it in some form.
Update: major floods ripped a key bridge in the Mestashibo section. At this time, the route cannot be completed without car and/or off route navigation (which will jeopardize the trails b/c of landowners). Plus, fording the river is 100% dangerous (r2 to 4 canyon).
