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Notre-Dame Mountains

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Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)

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The Notre-Dame Mountains are an extensive mountain range in southeastern Quebec, forming a northern continuation of the Appalachian Mountains in Canada. They stretch from the Green Mountains in the United States all the way to the Gaspé Peninsula, running south of the Saint Lawrence River. The range consists of a series of rolling hills and rugged peaks, with the highest point being Mount Jacques-Cartier in the Chic-Choc subrange at 1,268 meters. Geologically, the Notre-Dame Mountains are ancient, having formed between 450 and 500 million years ago during the Taconic orogeny as a result of plate tectonic collisions. The landscape is characterized by dense forests, deep valleys, and numerous lakes, making it a vital region for forestry and outdoor tourism. Historically, the mountains served as a natural barrier and later as a border region between Canada and the United States. Today, the area includes several protected zones, such as the Parc national du Bic, and is known for its diverse wildlife, including significant populations of moose and deer.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-13-12-719141817136-1-9
Rain mm6559738395117122104991149593

📋 Practical info

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Getting there
Access to the mountain range is typically gained via major provincial highways running through eastern Quebec and leading towards the Gaspé Peninsula. Various provincial parks situated within the range offer designated entrance gates and comprehensive visitor centers.
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Best season
Summer and early autumn are usually the most popular times for hiking, thanks to comfortable temperatures and spectacular autumn foliage displays. The winter season transforms the region into a destination for cross-country skiing, though deep snow can limit backcountry access.
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Terrain & paths
The terrain is defined by ancient, heavily eroded Appalachian peaks, expansive mixed forests, and deep river valleys winding between the hills. Hikers can expect to encounter a wide variety of trail conditions, ranging from well-maintained boardwalks to strenuous rocky ascents.
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What to bring
Layered clothing is crucial due to the highly variable alpine weather, accompanied by sturdy, ankle-supporting hiking boots and ample water supplies. If visiting during the summer months, potent insect repellent is absolutely essential to ward off dense swarms of black flies and mosquitoes.
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Parking
Established provincial parks and major trailheads typically offer structured parking lots, often requiring a daily use fee or a valid park pass. In the more remote sectors of the mountain range, parking might simply be informal gravel pull-outs alongside the logging roads.
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Safety
Wildlife encounters, including black bears and moose, are possible; visitors should educate themselves on appropriate wildlife safety protocols before setting out. Sudden weather changes can occur at higher elevations, making proper preparation and route planning vital for safety.
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Time needed
A standard visit ranges from a half-day hike to scenic viewpoints, up to multi-day backpacking expeditions along the extensive regional trail networks. Most casual visitors allocate a full day to thoroughly explore the trails within one of the specific provincial parks.

Geography

Coordinates
47.50000, -67.50000

Facts

  • The highest peak in the range is Mount Jacques-Cartier at 1,268 meters.
  • The mountains formed approximately 450 to 500 million years ago.
  • Jacques Cartier named the mountains in 1535 during his exploration.
  • The range spans over 600 kilometers in length across Quebec.
  • The region is a significant center for maple syrup production in Canada.
  • The range includes coastal protected areas like Parc national du Bic.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

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MataneMatane57 km · EExplore →
St. StephenSt. Stephen102 km · WExplore →
St. Andrews by-the-SeaSt. Andrews by-the-Sea115 km · NWExplore →
FrederictonFredericton116 km · NWExplore →
MachiasportMachiasport120 km · WExplore →
RimouskiRimouski121 km · SExplore →
Roque BluffsRoque Bluffs123 km · WExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Notre-Dame Mountains (4)

Graham Beach🎡 recreation

A sandy beach on a lake or river in the Dame Mountains, popular for swimming.

Théâtre Montcalm🎭 culture

A historic theatre in the Dame Mountains area, hosting performances and shows.

Feuille d'érable📍 landmark

Feuille d'érable is an attraction in notre-dame-mountains-relief-v2 depicting a maple leaf.

Gare de Saint-Quentin📍 landmark

A railway station in Saint-Quentin, serving the Dame Mountains area.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where are the Notre-Dame Mountains located?
In Quebec and New Brunswick, south of the St. Lawrence River.
Are they part of the Appalachians?
Yes, they form the northern extension of the Appalachian chain.
What activities are available there?
Hiking, hunting, fishing, and cross-country skiing in winter.
What is the highest peak?
Mount Jacques-Cartier (also part of the Chic-Choc range).
Are there lakes there?
Yes, Lake Témiscouata is one of the largest and most famous lakes.
Notre-Dame Mountains: where is it located?
Notre-Dame Mountains is located in Canada.
Notre-Dame Mountains: what is there to see?
Highlights include Graham Beach, Théâtre Montcalm, Feuille d'érable.
Notre-Dame Mountains: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Notre-Dame Mountains: why is it worth visiting?
The Notre-Dame Mountains are an extensive mountain range in southeastern Quebec, forming a northern continuation of the Appalachian Mountains in Canada.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Laval — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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A large suburban city of Montreal, forming its own island.
Gatineau — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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A city across the river from Ottawa, part of the National Capital Region.
Longueuil — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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A major suburb on the south shore of Montreal.
Saguenay — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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A city formed by the merger of several cities on the Saguenay River.
Trois-Rivières — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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A historic city at the confluence of the St.
Lévis — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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Levis sits on the south shore of the St.
Sherbrooke — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
Sherbrooke
The main city in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec.
Terrebonne — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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A growing suburb on the north shore of Montreal.
Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu lies on the Richelieu River south of Montreal.
Granby — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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Granby is a city in Quebec's Eastern Townships and a regional centre along the Yamaska River.
Drummondville — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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A city in central Quebec, known for its 'Mondial des Cultures' summer festival.
Saint-Jérôme — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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Known as the 'Gateway to the Laurentians'.
Saint-Hyacinthe — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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Saint-Hyacinthe sits on the Yamaska River in Quebec's Montérégie region.
Dollard-des-Ormeaux — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
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A multicultural suburban city on the Island of Montreal, known for its extensive parks and green residential areas.
Blainville — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
Blainville
An affluent suburban city north of Montreal.

History & landmarks

Baie-Saint-Paul — Notre-Dame Mountains (Canada)
Baie-Saint-Paul
Baie-Saint-Paul serves as the cultural center of the Charlevoix region.