“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
Mobile Data: 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. These give 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 in handy.

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

Wifi: Most towns you will come across will have some sort of coffee shop or restaurant with Wifi.

There and Away
Flight: Montreal will be your cheapest option for incoming flights.

Matapédia, Québec: There are a couple of ways to get to Matapédia. The first is by train, the company is called VIA Rail. The second is by Bus with Orléans Express.

Cap-Gaspé, Québec: There is no transportation here. The closes transportation hub is Gaspé (where the same trains and busses apply). From Cap-Gaspé to Gaspé, you are looking at 40km. You can walk or hitchhike (this part of Quebec is quite hitchhiking friendly I had no trouble getting a ride).

Permits
The Quebec section of the IAT needs a permit. The GR-A1 Passport ($340 CAD in 2020) gives 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 while the longest is 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 but 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 S.O.S Kms marker (in case of emergency).

Wildlife
Black bears are a thing in Gaspésie. You most likely won't be sighting one, but better safe than sorry. Take the bear country hiking precautions.

Mosquitoes and black flies are abundant in the springs. I highly recommend bringing some bug protection for the night. During the day, wear long sleeves, pants and 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 at Matapédia and finishing at 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.
  • There are some backcountry huts, which can make your hike more enjoyable and safer.
  • It is remote while always sort of accessible for a quick exit.
  • 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 (see what I eat here), 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, and the wildest.

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