Pic de la Tete-de-Chien Trail

Pic de la Tête-de-Chien Trail is the flagship out-and-back hike in Parc national des Monts-Valin (Quebec). Expect a moderate-to-difficult climb with rocky sections and steep grades on the ascent to the belvedere above the Saguenay River valley.

At the start, the trail leaves the Discovery and Visitors Centre and runs a relatively easy first segment toward Lac des Pères. That initial stretch is comparatively flat before the route turns into rougher hiking terrain.

Once you pass Lac des Pères, the track becomes much more rugged: steeper climbing, roots, and rocks start showing up as you grind toward the summit.

The hike terminates at a dramatic belvedere/lookout perched above the valley, giving the end-of-route payoff typical of the Monts-Valin peaks.

Route scale for planning: the hike is 7.7 km out-and-back with about 356 m of elevation gain, commonly taking roughly 3 to 4 hours on a moderate pace.

This trail is managed by Sépaq within Parc national des Monts-Valin, so treat it as a core day-hike route for the park’s summer trail network.

More information: Map, Mount Valin, Saguenay, QC - Reviews, Ratings, Tips and ..., 30 Best Stops Between Quebec City and Chicoutimi