Spring is finally here. It's the perfect season to discover nature... on foot! With the mild temperatures that make us dream of summer, the trees budding and the birds chirping, the desire to go on a spring hike is present for many, and for good reason! In this article, we offer you practical advice to prepare for your spring hikes, as well as suggestions to discover the most beautiful trails of the season. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned hiker, our guide will help you make the most of this unique season.
by the Rando Québec team
When Mother Nature wakes up, the trails rest
As you may have noticed, some trails are closed for a few weeks between March and June. It might be tempting to ignore this and still practice the activity you enjoy so much. Beware! The period of rest for the trails is not insignificant: the melting of the snow and the thaw period make the hiking trails particularly vulnerable to our steps. Respecting the closures in effect helps to :
- Preserve trail soils
- Avoid soil compaction or even erosion
- Honor the work of trail managers and volunteers
The temporary closure period varies according to total snow accumulation during the cold season, spring temperatures, soil type, type of trail development, etc. For this reason, the period varies from one location to another.
For an eco-responsible hike
Sulking in the mud? Not at all! Our beautiful province is full of trails adapted to spring hiking despite some temporary closures. For your next adventure, choose trails that are adapted to the conditions of this magnificent season. Choose surfaces that are solid and well-drained, such as gravel areas, rows, sidewalks or even forest roads. Avoid wet trails to avoid damaging nature's fragile ecosystem.
Good practices to consider
If this is not your first hike, you are probably already applying the best practices shared in the Rando Québec Hiker's Kit, which includes all the information you need to organize your next outing. Preparing for a spring hike is quite similar to other seasons, except for a few things.
Check trail conditions
It is suggested to check the trail opening and its condition. A call to the trail manager will confirm this. It is possible to obtain his or her contact information by visiting the desired file in Balise Québec, the Rando Québec trail directory. The website and social media of the place you wish to visit are also full of relevant information. Do not hesitate to consult them a few days before your outing: conditions may vary from one trail to another and change from day to day.
Equipment for a spring hike
Temperatures can vary greatly in the spring during your hiking day. It is therefore recommended to have :
- Onion skin clothing is also known as a layering system. In short, this means layering your clothing according to the weather conditions. For example, you can start with the same layers as in winter and remove peels as you progress.
- Hiking shoes or hiking boots that provide good traction on wet surfaces and are appropriate for the type of terrain you are hiking on are an essential part of your planning.
- Ankle and calf gaiters protect your pants and boots from water and mud.
- Crampons... and sometimes even snowshoes. It is not uncommon to encounter snowdrifts or icy sections at high altitudes or in places less exposed to the sun. It is better to be prepared!
- Hiking poles for better stability.
- Spare socks. They are so light to carry and could provide comfort if water were to seep into your boots.
Tips for the best hiking trip
To get the most out of your outing and enjoy it to its full potential, it is suggested to use your walking poles, especially in technical, unstable or wet sections for extra support and to reduce muscle fatigue in your lower limbs. You will see, this accessory makes all the difference! Some soils can be slippery off the trail. So avoid wet areas as much as possible and stay on well-drained trails to avoid injury. Walking around the trail because of mud will widen the trail and damage the fragile surrounding vegetation, which normally comes back to life after a long rest period.
Great suggestions for spring hikes
So, ready to go? Here are a few must-see trails to explore in the four corners of Quebec:
- Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques - Montréal
- Marais Réal-D.-Carbonneau - Cantons-de-L'est
- Boisé multiressource Von Allmen - Laurentides
- Sentier Des Passereaux - Bas-Saint-Laurent
- Parc National De Plaisance - Outaouais
- Réserve Naturelle Du Marais-Léon-Provancher - Québec
Check out the list of spring hiking suggestions on Balise Québec, the largest free trail directory in Quebec, managed by Rando Québec.
Have you ever thought about long-distance walking?
Mainly practiced on durable paths, long-distance walking is a great option at this time of year. It takes place mainly on rural areas, paths and roadsides as these circuits offer :
- Le circuit de l’Abbaye - 149 km, eight municipalities in the western part of the Memphremagog MRC, Eastern Townships.
- Chemin des Sanctuaires - 375 km: 18 or 9 days. From Montreal to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré via Cap-de-la-Madeleine.
- Notre-Dame Kapatakan Trail - 215 km : 13 days, "Petit Compostelle" of Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
Discover the directory of Quebec's paths on the site of Marcher autrement in Quebec.
The perfect time to plan your summer adventures
This is the perfect time to plan your summer adventures and routes. Have you heard about Rando Québec's 75S challenge? It's the biggest hiking challenge in Quebec... and accessible to everyone!
Take advantage of the budding season to gradually get back into shape by choosing the appropriate trails. This way, you'll be able to take full advantage of spring while thinking about summer!
To make the most of your hikes, we have selected a range of Chlorophylle clothing and equipment to take with you.
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