DAY ONE →
Start the next STEP of your life at McGill on the right FOOT as you ride the bus headed to Forêt Ouareau National Park, Secteur du Massif. When you arrive, eat a quick lunch before setting out on a fifteen kilometer-long section of the Sentier National, a legendary trail from Ottawa to New Brunswick, spanning 1650 kilometers across Quebec*. After ascending and descending two peaks, arrive at Lac du Castor and set up camp in some of Quebec’s most pristine wilderness. Enjoy a delicious dinner and spend the evening bonding with your new hiking buddies over games and stories, and fall asleep beneath the stars as you indulge in a well-deserved rest.
* a shorter option is available for less experienced hikers if requested.
DAY TWO →
OPTION 1:
Wake up early and excited for more hiking! Quickly make and eat breakfast before continuing on the Sentier national. Look back at your campsite as you rise above the cliffs that dominate the north side of the lake as you trudge onward towards Lac en Coeur. Eat lunch at the lake and return back to camp as the sun begins to set. Reunite with those who stayed at camp and exchange stories of your adventures.
OPTION 2:
Take a chance to rest by waking up later and spending the morning doing some light exploring around the lake. Get inspired as you watch rock climbers ascend cliffs by the lake as you eat lunch. Play games and chill around camp with other weary hikers. As the sun begins to set, reunite with those who stayed at camp and exchange stories of your adventures.
After cooking and eating dinner, gather around a crackling campfire and indulge in some good-ol’ smores-making. Stargaze and go for late-night swims in the lake, making unforgettable memories with your fellow companions. Sleep well because tomorrow will be another day of walking.
DAY THREE →
Watch the sunrise over the lake on your last bittersweet day in the wilderness. Break camp, pack up, and make breakfast as you prepare for your final steps in the park. Hike along the gentle Riviere du Nord towards the camping group, reminiscing over your triumphs with your new friends. Rendez-vous with the camping group and exchange stories of your adventures as you wait for the bus to take you to the next chapter of your life at McGill with your new outdoor pals and unforgettable memories!