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Best known for it's suspension bridge, the Parc de la Gorge Coaticook has a lot of interesting natural features and outdoor opportunities. The suspension bridge over the gorge is the world's longest suspended walking bridge (as verified by the Guinness Book of Records). It offers visitors a fine view of the gorge and access to some of the parks other delights. Crossing the bridge brings you to the look out or birding tower, which is one of the largest we've ever seen (and one of two in the park). Located on a hill top, it provides three separate viewing platforms with a great view of the surrounding area, particularly in the fall, when the trees are all ablaze. You'll also find picturesque and shaded hiking trails at the base of the tower, which wind their way along side the gorge and through the forests. There is also has a cave which just begs you to do a little exploring. |
| Our favorite summer time activity in the park is Mountain Biking, the trails here are some of the best you'll find anywhere. While the trails aren't nearly as extensive as nearby Bromont, they are excellently designed and maintained. In total you'll find 18.5km of mostly single track, for intermediate and expert riders. Helmets are mandatory (did we really need to tell you that). |
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A big bonus for bikers is the onsite camping, which allows you to make a weekend of it. This will give you the chance to tend to those aching muscles beside a warm fire, before having another go at the trails in the morning. The park has over a hundred sites available, seventy five of which offer services. A few of the campsites are along the Coaticook River, with some others on the edge of a stream which runs through the park. There are showers, washrooms and a snack bar for your convenience. The camping fee includes access to the gorge, a swimming pool, the hiking trails and of course the mountain biking trails. To round out the summer time activities, you'll also find horseback riding available, with rides that take you through forested trails. In the winter the park provides access to 60km of cross country ski trails, as well as 10km for snowshoeing and tubing. Rustic cabins are available to rent for an overnight stay. |
Nature and Adventure Climbers have two crags to choose from within an hour or two driving distance. Sports climbers will appreciate what is predominantly a sport climbing area at Mont Orford, which also has great bouldering at the base. Trad climbers will find over 70 routes (along with some sports routes) at nearby Mont Pinnacle, in the Baldwin area. |
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Cyclists will be pleased to know that the townships are renown for their back road cycling routes and now have an extensive system of cycle paths through out the region. Most of the designated routes as wall as all of the cycle paths make up a part of the incredible Route Verte which includes more than 2000km of cycling routes. Mountain bikers - Intermediate-Expert, Fee - The park is rapidly gaining a reputation for great mountain biking trails and for good reason. This is an excellent area to ride, well maintained and challenging. The trails range from double track to single track with lots of rollers and many technical sections. The trails are located in a hilly section so be prepared to climb, but remember every climb leads to a descent. You also have the option of taking in the trails of Mont Hereford, a short drive away, Mont Megantic in the east or the lift assisted trails of world renown Mont Bromont. |
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Hikers and backpackers - The park has 10km of trails, including a section along the river gorge that crosses the longest suspension bridge (footbridge) in the world. The trails also access a large birding and lookout tower, that provides a beautiful view of the surroundings, especially when the leaves are turning in the fall. In the area you can choose from dozens of trails and trail networks, including nearby Mont Hereford, Mont Pinnacle and for long distance hikers, the Sentier de l'Estrie (membership is required).
Camping - You'll find 91 campsites with 40 serviced along with showers, washrooms and a snack bar in the park. Some of the sites have services and a number of them are situated along the creek which runs through the park.
Horseback Riding - The equestrian centre provides trail rides in the parks 640 acres.
Winter - The park has cross country skiing, snowshoeing as well as lift served tubing area for the kids - big and small.
For information on cycling, winter activities, camping and a lot more in the surrounding regions have a look at Out-There's Eastern Townships.
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Resources Getting to the park: From Montreal take Highway 10 (the Eastern Townships Autoroute) to exit 121, follow the 55 south to exit 21 where you'll pick up the 141 heading east. When you reach Coaticook watch for the signs for the park.From the U.S. the best access is through Vermont, where you take the 91 to the 55 then take exit 21 to pick up the 141 east, which will take you into the town of Coaticook. From Quebec City follow the 20 west towards Montreal, then take the 55 south to exit 21 where you pick up the 141 east, which will bring you to the town. |
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Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook
400, rue St-Marc & 135, rue Michaud
Coaticook, Québec
J1A 2T7
