Gaspésie National Park
We drove to Gaspésie National Park
and stayed in the only hotel within
the park: the 4-star Gite du MontAlbert. Renovations and upgrades to
all the guest rooms were just
completed. My room included a
swishy bath and sleek modern styled
furniture. Dinner in the classic alpine
lodge became a gourmet feast, far
above what one might expect in a
National Park. I’d drive out of my
way to dine there again.
Next morning, we set off early to
hike Mont-Albert, the most
challenging trail in the park. Yours
truly, a Florida grandma used to flat
terrain, found herself huffing and
puffing up the 18% rocky grade. I
made it to the scenic overlook, then
descended and hiked easier paths to
American Lake for some panoramic
photos. Very glad I did, as my fellow
hikers climbed above the tree line to
the summit, and then took a round
about course, not returning to the
hotel until 8pm.
My host promised I’d see moose if I
ascended yet another trail. Once
again, my heart rate accelerated, but
not from moose. Disappointed, I
continued down the circular course,
until lo and behold, Zoe spied a few
of those big creatures hiding in the
bushes as if they were playing a
game of Where’s Waldo.
Hiking and camping enthusiasts will
rave about Gaspésie National Park as
it fulfills their adventurous needs.
Even I was enthusiastic about the
crisp, clean air, dense pine forest and
mossy ground cover. Honestly, the
trails are enchanting, but you need
to be in good shape.
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