Chemin de la Réserve faunique des Laurentides — Route du Lac Jacques-Cartier Circuit
Boreal mud and moose north of Quebec City.
The Réserve faunique des Laurentides sits on the Canadian Shield plateau north of Quebec City, and the forestry roads lacing its interior are the real deal — think washboarded gravel, mud holes that swallow axles after rain, and river fords that change character every spring thaw. The circuit around Lac Jacques-Cartier is a reference point locals use: you pick up the main forestry road off Route 175, push north through stands of black spruce and jack pine, cross the Jacques-Cartier River twice, and work your way around the lake’s eastern arm past abandoned warden cabins and moose wallows that outnumber the kilometre markers. The reserve is actively managed for hunting and fishing, so expect logging trucks in season — pull tight and let them through.
This is genuine backcountry. High clearance is mandatory; a locking differential saves you on the mud climbs after July rains. The reserve charges day-use and camping fees — pay at the Portneuf-sur-Mer sector entrance or online via Sépaq before you leave pavement. Best season is late June through September; spring thaw (April–May) closes several sectors entirely. Fuel up in Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury — there is nothing inside. Cell service dies at the Route 175 turn. What you get is genuine boreal solitude, excellent moose country, and lakeside dispersed camping that still feels earned.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Difficult |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance, Overland Route |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 68 mi / 109 km |
| Duration | 2-3 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2950 ft |
| Best season | June-September |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, QC |
| Land manager | Sépaq — Réserve faunique des Laurentides |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | sepaq.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
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
Stock high-clearance 4WD is the minimum — a bone-stock Tacoma or 4Runner will get through, but low-range is non-negotiable. Skid plates are strongly advised given the rocky logging road sections and hidden water crossing approaches. A lift helps but isn't required if you're careful with line choice.
When does the trail actually open and is spring runoff a problem?
Best window is June through September. Spring snowmelt turns the boreal clay into axle-deep mud well into May, and some crossings run dangerously high. Don't push it before mid-June unless you've confirmed conditions directly with Sépaq.
Do I need a permit and is there an entry fee to access the reserve?
Yes — access to Réserve faunique des Laurentides requires a daily access fee paid to Sépaq. Purchase it in advance at sepaq.com or at the entry station. Failing to have it can result in being turned back at the gate.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The most technical stretches are the unmaintained logging spurs near Lac Jacques-Cartier where rutted clay, off-camber shelf road, and unbridged stream crossings stack up together. Water crossing depth is unpredictable after rain — some are tire-deep, others have swallowed bumpers. Have a recovery kit rigged and a co-driver or overlanding partner if possible.
There's zero cell service — how do I handle emergency communication on a 2-3 day run?
Plan as if you are completely off-grid for the entire circuit — because you are. Bring a satellite communicator (Garmin inReach or SPOT) as your only reliable emergency option. File a trip plan with someone before you leave and agree on a check-in schedule.
Trail track
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