Chemin Forestier de la Zec de la Rivière-Sainte-Anne — Portneuf Plateau Interior Circuit
Quebec City's secret backcountry — don't tell everyone.
Less than 80 kilometres northwest of Quebec City, the Zec de la Rivière-Sainte-Anne manages a serious chunk of Portneuf Plateau country that most people in the provincial capital don’t know exists. The forestry road network here follows the Rivière Sainte-Anne drainage upstream through a series of gorges and lake basins — the canyon section near Lac Châtillon is legitimately dramatic, with road cut into cliff-edge above the river, and it demands full attention. The circuit covers roughly 110 kilometres and passes Lac Bleu, Lac des Deux-Montagnes, and several unnamed ponds where moose sign is everywhere in September. Logging traffic is real on weekdays — pull wide and be patient.
Difficulty is moderate to difficult depending on recent precipitation. Clay and silt soils in the lower sections turn into serious wheel-spinning mud after rain; the upper granite plateau sections drain faster but offer ledge climbs and loose rock. A capable 4WD with high clearance handles this in dry conditions; add recovery gear and a compressor for shoulder season work. ZEC access requires a pass — purchase at the Sainte-Christine-d’Auvergne entrance or online. Best season is July through September; black flies are apocalyptic in late May and June, which is your fair warning. Fuel in Portneuf or Saint-Raymond before entry. It’s a proper overnight loop that rewards anyone willing to bypass the obvious tourist circuits around Quebec City.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed, Rock |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109.4 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2280 ft |
| Best season | July-September |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock 4WD high-clearance |
| Nearest town | Saint-Raymond, QC |
| Land manager | Zec de la Rivière-Sainte-Anne / Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs du Québec |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | reseauzec.com |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail without modifications?
Yes, a stock 4WD high-clearance vehicle like a Tacoma or 4Runner is the minimum and will get through under normal conditions. The rocky sections and water crossings don't require a lift, but low-range and decent all-terrain tires are not optional — all-seasons will get you into trouble on the wet Shield rock.
When does this route open and close for the season?
July through September is the reliable window. Spring breakup leaves the forestry roads badly rutted and sometimes gated until early summer, and early snowfall can hit the Portneuf Plateau by late October. Don't count on anything before Canada Day weekend.
Do you need a permit to drive through the Zec, and is there a fee?
Yes — access to Zec de la Rivière-Sainte-Anne requires a Zec access pass purchased through the Réseau Zec system (reseauzec.com). Fees apply per vehicle per day and cover road and wildlife territory access. Pay before you go; there's no fee station inside and rangers do patrol.
What's the hardest section of this route and what should I actually expect?
The interior plateau segments push through rutted logging corridors with embedded Shield rock and blind drainage crossings — nothing that'll flip you, but enough to demand attention and a slow pace. The water crossings are the real variable: after rain they can reach 18–24 inches and have slippery rock beds, so scout on foot before you commit.
Is there any cell service on this trail, and how far is the nearest gas from the trailhead?
There is zero cell service once you leave the Saint-Raymond area — plan for 68 miles of complete comms blackout. Fill up in Saint-Raymond before you head in; it's the last reliable fuel stop and you'll want a full tank plus a jerry can for any extended exploration off the main circuit.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.