Mont du Lac des Cygnes Trail

Mont du Lac des Cygnes Trail is a day-hike to a summit on the rim of the Charlevoix crater inside Parc national des Grands-Jardins. The outing is curated as a “famous hike” and is typically described as an intermediate to challenging climb with steep, rocky sections and a significant elevation gain (480 m).

Route length is about 8.6 km round trip with a common 4–5 hour time window for the round trip. Plan on a continuous uphill until the summit push, with the descent generally following the same trail.

The standard start is from the Grands-Jardins service/visitor area on Route 381 (Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes service centre area). The first part runs through forest; it starts relatively gentle and gradually tips steeper after about 1.5 km.

As you gain altitude, the trail becomes more technical, with narrower rocky switchbacks that can require hand support over larger rocks. Expect the terrain to feel more “mountain-like” than the forest access section.

Higher up, you reach a rocky plateau area before the final ascent. From the summit zone, you’re at 980 m altitude and the views are framed as a 360-degree look over the crater landscape and surrounding mountains.

The last approach includes a relatively short but steep climb on wooden stairs to reach the alpine plateau/summit. After the peak, return is the same route back down, with the descent noted as tougher on knees; trekking poles are commonly helpful for stability.

More information: Lac-des-Cygnes Hike (The Ultimate Guide) - Authentik Canada, Lac-des-Cygnes Hike (The Ultimate Guide) - Authentik Canada, Mont Du Lac Des Cygnes: Trail Map & Photos - Charlevoix