“The better organised you are in the simple things, the more spontaneous and free you can be in the more important things.”
​-Brian Tracy

Staying Connected
Canada is behind when it comes to sim card plans for visitors. They are harder to find and a lot more expensive than basically anywhere in the world. If you have someone you know in Canada, it's worth going for a tablet sim card. This basically gives you internet without the calling minutes. You pay per usage, the trap is that you need a Canadian address. That's when your friend comes handy.

​On this hike you will have cellphone reception close to towns, on some roads, and  exposed peaks. Expect no cellphone coverage anywhere else.

Permits
The Quebec section of the IAT needs a permit. The GR-A1 Passport ($340 CAD in 2020) includes the access to the trail and overnights at wild campgrounds or some of the cabins they have on the trail (if no reservations were made).

This price doesn't cover the entry fees and overnight fees of two national parks you will be crossing:
1. Parc national de la Gaspésie
2. Forillon National Park

For more info on the GR-A1 Passport take a look at the IAT-Quebec website.

Camping
Wild campgrounds and occasional cabins are spread along the trail. It is theoretically not allowed to camp outside of these locations. If you do end up having to camp, always respect the land and practise Leave No Trace principles. 

Food and Water
Food: On average you are looking at 70km between sections. Some are around 20km others above 250km. For more information, visit Resupply Plan.

Water: Water is not an issue on this trail, I only carried 2L of water for almost the entire trip. Creeks and water sources are abundant, you should always treat your water.

Trail
For some reason, I found the first section (close to Matapédia) to be less well-marked than the rest of the trail. In general, this trail is well marked and they even have some Kms marker (in case of emergency).

Wildlife
Black bears are a thing in Gaspésie, take your precautions about it. You most likely won't be sighting one, but better safe than sorry.

Mosquitoes and black flies are abundant in the springs. I highly recommend bringing a sort of bug cover for the night. During the day, wear long sleeves and pants, have a good walking speed. If you tend to have little patience with bugs bring a head net or bug repellent.

Direction
Should you go Eastbound or Westbound? I recommend going Eastbound (starting in Matapédia and finishing in Gaspé). Why? First of all, Matapedia is probably one of the less beautiful parts of the hike (nonetheless pretty). Also, the tip of Forillon National Park ends right at the sea which makes it more of a finish line.

FAQs
Q: Is the IAT a good trail for a first thru-hike?
A: Absolutely, any thru-hike will have its challenges, but there are a few things that make the IAT Quebec a great first hike.
  1. There are some backcountry huts. Which can make your hike more enjoyable and safer.
  2. It is remote while always sort of accessible for a quick exit.
  3. You don't have to post any food boxes. 
Q: Is it easy to find gas for my cooking stove?
A: Sorry, I'm a stoveless hiker so I wasn't looking for some. I can tell you that most villages you will encounter are small, so finding canisters might require you to hitch to a bigger town.
Q: What were the hardest sections?
A: Definitively the section from Saint-Vianney to Mont-Saint-Pierre which includes Le Parc de la Gaspésie.  It's the longest section (252km), the one that has the most elevation gain, the wildest part, and also one of the prettiest.

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