By Berne Browdy

Twenty-five miles southeast of the town of Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, on Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula, the Chic-Choc Mountains are home to one of the most unique hut-to-hut backcountry hiking and ski touring experiences in eastern North America. Protected by the 310-square-mile Parc National de la Gaspésie, the Chic-Chocs boast 18 backcountry huts situated at various locations throughout the park, a long stretch of the International Appalachian Trail and 120 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails that wind through deep woodlands.

These shelters—a mix of cabins, huts and lean-tos—can be reserved for overnight stays. Pack a sleeping bag, and it’s possible to make a multi-day circuit of the park, skiing from hut to hut. One of the tallest peaks in eastern Canada, 4,167-foot Mont Jacques Cartier is just one of the range’s 25 peaks that exceed 3,280 feet.

The Price Tag: Huts run $15-$19 per night per person: cabins are $30 per night per person. 800-665-6527; www.sepaq.com.

Last Updated: Feb 24th, 2006 - 14:18:11
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