Mont Orford is one of Montrealers' favorite camping destinations. There are 334 campsites in the Stukely sector, 40 with services. The Fraser sector has 99 campsites. Both sectors have sites on, or just above the water .You'll also find showers, toilets, a snack bar (Stukley), canoe rentals (Stukley). in the campgrounds. There is no road across the park connecting the campgrounds (you have to go around the park by car to reach the Fraser Sector from Lac Stukley)   
 

There are two backcountry campgrounds in the park with several sites available in each. You'll have to backpack your equipment in to reach them of course.

The Sentier de l'Estrie, which cuts through the park will allow you to hike an out and back and make a weekend of it. (if you have a car shuttle you can head out north or south to sites further along the trail, or to the trails end). Fee based membership is required to use the trail. With your membership, you'll also receive the detailed trail maps and descriptions. Contact the trail club through the their web site at Les Sentiers de l'Estrie.

Over 75 km of hiking trails are available for day hikers. These range from some tough climbs to easygoing smooth paths. The following are a few of the hiking trails we've tried:

Colline des Pins Trail - Easy 1.5km

This is a short pleasant loop trail that travels to Le Vieux camp and a chain of 3 small lakes, then goes back along Etang aux Cerises (marsh).

Le Grimpeur Trail - 8km one way, Difficult

Sentier des Cretes - 6km one way, Difficult This is a demanding trail that starts at the summit of Mont Orford and meanders through the forest of the park summiting Mont Alfred Desrochers along the way, and ends up at the end following the ski/hike trail to the community center at Lake Stukley.

Sentier du L'erabliere Trail - 1km

Easy This is a small loop trail in the Lake Stukley Sector, that climbs Colline du Campeur and brings you to a small pond where you're likely to see wildlife and many different bird species.

The park has an excellent climbing site on the far side of the mountain. This is a sports climbing area with routes which are comprised of mostly 5.10 and above, ranging all the way up to 5.14d. You'll find good bouldering at the areas base as well. There is a wilderness campsite nearby on the Sentier de l'Estrie but you must be a member of the organization to use it (which is a good option if you plan to visit the area a lot). Front country camping is available in the park but on the other side of the Mountain. To get to the climbing area from Montreal take highway 10 southwest into the Townships and get off at exit 115. Head west on the 112 (away from the park) and approximately three quarters of a kilometre from the exit you'll fine Motel au Rond Point where you can get food, lodging and parking. There is still a good hike ahead of you which is mostly uphill so be prepared. Consult with Orford Park for detailed information on the area.

Note: Climbing is inherently dangerous. Make sure you have the proper training, knowledge and equipment before you attempt any climb. Take advantage of guides and instructors and hone your skills in one of the areas gyms to ensure your abilities are up to snuff. Never climb alone.

The Montagnarde rail-trail runs through the park providing an easy couple of hours of bike riding. The trail starts in Stukley South and ends in Magog a total distance of over 50km (the park section is significantly shorter) and it connects into the broader Eastern Townships network which is hundreds of kilometres in length.

Orford hasn't any rivers running through the park but paddlers can do some lake canoeing on Lac Stukley and Fraser, both of which have front country camping along the lakes and easy canoe access. The park has canoes for rent at Lac Stukely.

The park's cross country ski area has 13 groomed trails, with a total length of 47km for classic and skating enthusiasts. There are several trails for snowshoers as well. Finally the park has excellent snowboarding/downhill skiing in the winter. With a 540m vertical, three mountains, dozens of trails and two snow parks, you've got it all. In the winter their is a new trolley shuttle between the ski hill and the picturesque town of Magog, just to the south. In the fall the ski hill puts on La flambee des couleurs Mont Orford, which is a celebration of fall colours.For more information on the ski hill and golf course have a look at their website at Ski Mont Orford

 
 

 
   

Resources

From Montreal take highway 10 (the Eastern Townships Autoroute) to exit 118 (Magog-Orford) follow the 141 north into the park. Fraser Sector: From Montreal take Highway 10 to exit 118 then head north on Alfred-DesRochers to the 220 where you head west into the park. From the U.S. the best access is through Vermont, where you take the 91 to the 55 then head towards Montreal on the 10 and watch for the park signs. From Quebec City follow the 20 west towards Montreal, then take the 55 then head towards Montreal on the 10 and watch for the park signs.

  


Tourism

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Official Site

Related Links

 


Mont Orford Park
3321, chemin du Parc
Canton Orford, Québec
J1X 7A2

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