Review of the Pekan hiking trail in Mont-Orford National Park

Name of Trail: Le Pekan

Location: Mont-Orford National Park

Access Fee: Park entrance fee 8.50$

Distance: 9.4 km (roundtrip)

Estimated Time: 3:15

Elevation: 95 metres

Level: Intermediate

Description of Le Pekan Trail

Le Pekan trail is correctly listed as being 9.4km from the start at the Centre de Decouverte le Cerisier to the Castor Refuge (return trip). But, I would actually break the hike down in two parts.

Le Pekan Trail – Part 1

The first part is from le Centre de Decouverte all the way to the intersection with ski trails 10 and 11. This first part of the trail is approximately 2.7km and is the hardest section.

Within a few meters of starting the trail you are greeted with a pretty steep climb with boulders that is very similar to the Escalier du Nord trail. Luckily the climb is not very long and I liken it to climbing very tall stairs. Even if you don’t have a lot of hiking experience you can slowly make your way to the top.

This first climb will bring you to one of two summits, Des pins hill. This summit provides a beautiful view of the river below and is a great spot to grab a snack.

As you continue on the trail you will have the option to climb to Serpentine Hill located less than 200m away. I recommend making the detour, the view is equally as nice as Des Pins hill but at a higher elevation.

Once you pass Serpentine Hill, the trail will start slowly descending and eventually you will arrive at the Vieux Camp Refuge. The Refuge is open during the day to the public and there are picnic tables and washrooms available. At this junction you can continue onwards on the Pekan trail or you can connect to the 3 Etang (Pond) trail.

If you pursue the Pekan trail, you will quickly reach another junction with ski trails 10 and 11. This would be the start of part 2 of the trail.

Le Pekan Trail – Part 2

At this point the remaining section of the trail is relatively flat and mostly gravel as you are walking on a cross-country ski trail. It is approximately 2 kms from the junction to the refuge le Castor and can be done quite quickly. The refuge le Castor offers similar ammenities to the Vieux-Camp refuge.

As this point there is the option to do the trail in reverse or to join the Route Verte follow that path back to the Discovery Centre. If you opt for the latter, the route is on gravel with some shade from the trees lining the route. There are some hills but nothing too strenuous. That option is less than 5km, making it a similar distance to returning using the Pekan trail.

Verdict

I actually really like this trail because it is not too challenging and can be done quite quickly. I also think this is a great trail if you are looking to get into trail running. It has some more technical elements but overall a fairly gentle terrain. I saw a number of families on the trail as well, making it family-friendly.

A final note, this trail is open both in the winter and summer months. Having done it under hot and snowy weather conditions I think the tail is fun to do year-round.