The Quebec National Trail





Friendly group on the Mestschibo

West Path
Click here to enlarge map 		   
East Path
Click here to enlarge map
Division: The MESTASHIBO TRAIL
Length : 12,5 kilometers
Estimated time : 3 to 5 hours.
Category: intermediate/advanced
Class: difficult
Vertical drop : 260 meters
Signalisation: Transcanadian
Indications: Red and white
Usage: Pedestrian, free access
In operation: All year long
Contact us !

Map available at grocery store, near the church of Saint-Ferréol ($2)
 
TRAIL DESCRIPTION :

The Mestachibo trail links the Saint- Ferréol-les-Neiges church to the Jean-Larose waterfalls which is at the bottom of Mont-Sainte-Anne Resort. «Le Mestashibo» follows the course of the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord river  for most of its length. It gives access to majestic sights in a natural area previously inaccessible.

The views are, like the trail, very hilly and will allow you to discover a mature tree population, many landslides and cliffs. At mid-course, two belvederes await hikers, which give a breathtaking view of the canyon and the river rapids. In addition, two suspended bridges, of a length of 70 meters, will help you cross the Sainte-Anne river.

The trail can be done both ways. From the church of the village of Saint-Ferreol-les-Neiges, you are going down the river. From the base of Mont-Sainte-Anne, you are going up the river.

Since the trail is quite inaccessible, VTT or mountain bikes cannot have access to it, which is excellent for your tranquillity.
 

The Mestachibo in the Fall

 

 The palisade's belvedere overlooking the Ste-Anne River, snowshoeing  Small rapids, view from one of the bridges of the Mestashibo trail  Mid-trail in the Mestashibo  View from one of the belvederes on the Ste-Anne River  One of the 2 suspended bridges over the Mestachibo
Lonely hiker into the Ste-Anne's River Valley Second bridge in Winter for snowshoers Belvedere view in the Mestashibo trail in the fall First bridge with Fall Foliage around the Mestashibo

 

 

Advice to hikers:

Even if this trail has been carefully designed to facilitate your hiking, you must be in good physical shape to enjoy it.

  • Please keep in mind that the 3 to 5 hours mentioned above is a one-way evaluation! You have to multiply by 2 if you want to come back to your starting point! If you make it one-way, consider how you will go back to your starting point. A taxi service is available at: 418-827-5521
  • Hiking boots and poles and strongly recommended.
  • If you have equilbrium problems, the 2 bridges in the middle of the trail can be a difficult experience. They are very secure and most people use them. But, consider turning back if it is the case.
  • We strongly recommend to take a morning start for tat trail because of afternoon light problems. Depending on time of the year, darkness can come early in the afternoon. And remember that the valley is much nicer in the morning because of the angle of the sun.
  • Never get in the trail alone. Let some people know where you are going.
  • Access is free from the parking lot of the church of the village of Saint-Ferreol-les-Neiges. You can also park at he base of the Resort or leave directly from your lodging place if located nearby.

 Rules. 

  • Always stay in the main trail. Remember that you are walking on private land, and owners deserve their privacy.
  • Always keep dogs attached. Please respect wild animals.
  • Bring back any trash.

It is strickly forbidden:  

  • To hunt, go camping along the trail, light fires.
  • To cut or break any part of nature, trees, plants, etc.
  • To drop any human product
  • To disturb or feed any animal or bird.
  • To displace any fence or trail indication.

 Emergency: 

Phone number to call in case of emergency : *4141
 

  • "You are in the Mestashibo trail"

  • "You are in the village of Saint-Ferreol-les-Neiges"

  • Check for the closest kilometer indication to report it.

Cellular telephones may not work at the river level. Wait until you are in the higher sections of the trail.

·        Please use emergency exits in case of emergency only!

 Practical advice:

  1. Make sure you do not leave without a map of the trail. The map can be found at Mont-Sainte-Anne information center or at your hotel in the vicinity of the trail.
  2. Do not hesitate to bring enough light food and water.
  3. A First Aid Kit may be very useful in case of emergency


GENERAL INFORMATION:

Telephone : 418-822-3578
                    1-877-611-6145


Emergency:
 Telephone : (418) 998-3139
Postal address:
30, Ste Marguerite
Beaupre, Quebec
G0A 1E0