Hiking

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Your duty in terms of outdoor safety

For many years, Vallée Bras-du-Nord has ensured the development and accessibility of a unique territory for outdoor activities in Quebec. Beyond this mission, the Vallée Bras-du-Nord is also concerned with the safety of its users.

That's why it's important for our organization to make you aware of your responsibilities in ensuring your own safety on our territory. Your preparation is an essential step in ensuring that your activities are enjoyable and safe.

By taking part in Vallée Bras-du-Nord activities, you accept your responsibility for outdoor safety and authorize Vallée Bras-du-Nord to carry out search and rescue operations at your own expense (see details below) for yourself and the members of your group. Our staff will be happy to provide you with any information you may require on the activities you have chosen. We look forward to hearing from you.

Search and rescue costs

IMPORTANT: Costs incurred during search and rescue are the sole responsibility of the beneficiary. It is your responsibility to check with your insurer before you leave.

Search and rescue costs for the Bras-du-Nord valley were as follows:

• Human resources: 75$ / hour (triple time) / rescuer
• Gas and travel expenses for 4×4 vehicle: 0.82$ per kilometer / vehicle
• All-terrain vehicle expenses (4-wheelers and snowmobiles): 200$ / vehicle / day
• Basic administration costs: 200$

Any other costs incurred by search and rescue operations not mentioned above will also be itemized and charged to you where applicable.

Just so you know:

Outdoor activities entail certain risks. You must play an active role in managing these risks by adopting a preventive attitude.

It's your responsibility to make sure you have the skills and abilities you need, as well as the right equipment, to ensure your outdoor activities run smoothly.

The region has a number of communication and emergency access problems.

Our trails are not patrolled.

You are responsible for your own safety and that of your peers at all times.

You accept the risks inherent in hiking and snowshoeing, such as hypothermia, fractures, sprains, heatstroke, sudden allergies (plant, insect, etc.), animal encounters, insect bites and so on.

Before you leave:

Take a look at the map: features of the territory, level of difficulty of the trails, estimated duration of each hike according to season.

Always let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back.

Consult the list of recommended equipment for your activity. This list is available on the Vallée Bras-du-Nord website.

Free Ondago application

By downloading this application, you can obtain the maps of the Vallée Bras-du-Nord via your mobile device. The Ondago application uses your mobile device's GPS to pinpoint your precise location on your map. This application also works without a network, or when you don't have access to Wi-Fi or a data plan. For security reasons, we strongly recommend that you download this application.

Please note that cell phones only work at certain points on the trails; usually on the top of some mountains. In case of emergency, dial *4141 from your cell phone.

During your hike

Stay on the marked trails (red and white or blue and white)

Please note that water on the Vallée Bras-du-Nord territory is not considered clean drinking water. We strongly advise you to boil your water, bring a filter or a water purification treatment in order to treat it.

Preferably, never go into the forest alone, summer or winter.

Be extra vigilant near cliffs (falling rocks or ice can be fatal).

Snowshoeing time

In winter, several factors can influence your snowshoeing progress. At times, it can be difficult to accurately predict how fast you'll progress. On average, progress will be around 2 to 3 km/h. On the other hand, after a tasty snowfall, your progress could also be 0.5 km/h!

Factors to consider that may influence your progress time

• Trail length
• Trail gradient
• The number of people in your group (to "open" the trail in heavy snow conditions)
• Ridership on the trail: the lower the ridership, the less likely it is that the trail will be groomed.
• Physical condition and technical level of snowshoers
• Local knowledge
• Backpack weight
• Snowshoe type (width, weight, etc.)
• The type of food consumed and the walker's hydration level

For your own safety, we suggest you contact us for more information on weather conditions before you leave.

Hiking and snowshoeing

• A minimum of drinking water
  (1 to 2 liters/person/day) Water on Vallée Bras-du-Nord territory is not considered potable. We strongly advise you to boil your water, bring a filter or a water purification treatment (e.g. Pristine) to treat it).
• Snacks or another source of energy.
• Rainwear
• First aid kit
• Newsprint, firelighters and matches
  (needed at remote rest stops to build a fire)
• Comfortable backpack to carry your gear
• Walking boots or shoes
• Walking poles
  (to facilitate progress and limit injuries)
• Trail map
  (available at all Vallée Bras-du-Nord reception points)
• Repair kit adapted to your equipment
• Cell phone
  (only works in a few places on the trails; usually on the top of some mountains)
• Toilet paper
• Please bring back ALL YOUR WASTE in a garbage bag.

In winter

Be aware that you're heading out into the wilderness, and that the biggest danger in Quebec winters is the cold.

So it's a good idea to be prepared for any eventuality, especially as the climate is more rigorous and changeable in winter than in summer.

In the event of bad weather, or even an accident, you may have to stay in one place for a long time while waiting for help.

In addition, you'll need the following basic equipment:

• Mountain snowshoes (with crampons)
• Warm hiking boots
• Alternative clothing options
  (warm socks, gloves or mittens, tuque and extra layer of clothing).
• Headlamp with spare batteries
  (days are short in winter)

ACTIVITIES
where your dog is allowed (on a leash at all times)

 
Hiking, Snowshoeing, Fatbike (Grande Evasion only)

Accomodation

Where your dog is allowed

 
Campsites: Shannahan, Etsanha
Yurts: Auréole, Nymphe, Méandre, Repère, Éclipse, Phare
Shelters: La Hutte, Le Draveur, Des Falaises, Montagne Art, Orignal, Philosore, Yourte Delaney
Cottages: de la Rivière, Petit Loup, Geai Bleu

ACTIVITIES
where your dog is NOT allowed

       
Mountain biking, Canoeing and kayaking, Canyoning, Via ferrata
 
Ski Hok, Back-country skiing

Accomodation
where your dog is NOT allowed

 
Campsites: de la Vallée
Yurts: Muse, Quart de Lune
Shelters: La Clairière
Cottages: Kame, Esker, Loess

Special conditions apply to accommodations managed by private owners (Chalets et Camping Etsanha, Au Chalet en Bois Rond, Chalet Cardinal and Domaine de la Passerelle). Please contact the owners directly to learn about their policies.

Guidelines for dog owners:

Your dog must remain in the areas where it is allowed at all times.

Your dog must always be held on a leash and under supervision. The maximum leash length is 3 metres.

Your dog must not never be left alone indoor or outdoor accommodation (chalet, yurt, shelter, tent, camper or vehicle). They must be under the supervision of a responsible person at all times.

The excrement of your dog must be picked up on trails and at lodging sites. Plastic bags containing excrement must never be hung on trees or left on trails. They must be kept during the hike and disposed of properly.

A dog displaying aggressive or annoying peace of mind for Vallée Bras-du-Nord users is not tolerated.

Note : A dog owner does not respect one or more of the rules mentioned above will be refused access to the trails and infrastructure of VBN.

CAMPING AND VANLIFE
100% payable on reservation

7 days or less
before the date of your arrival:
Reservations cannot be refunded or transferred to another date.

From 7 to 14 days
before the date of your arrival:
Cancellation: 30% non-refundable
Modification: date change authorized (balance to be paid where applicable / no refund of price difference)

15 days or more
before the date of your arrival:
A full refund is granted free of charge.

YURTS AND REFUGES
100% payable on reservation

14 days or less
before the date of your arrival:
Reservations cannot be refunded or transferred to another date.

15 to 30 days
before the date of your arrival:
Cancellation: 30% non-refundable
Modification: date change authorized (balance to be paid where applicable / no refund of price difference)

31 days or more
before the date of your arrival:
A full refund is granted free of charge.

COTTAGES
100% payable on reservation

30 days or less
before the date of your arrival:
Reservations cannot be refunded or transferred to another date.

From 31 to 60 days
before the date of your arrival:
Cancellation: 30% non-refundable
Change of date authorized for the same chalet (balance to be paid where applicable / no refund of price difference)

61 days or more
before the date of your arrival:
A full refund is granted free of charge

HIKING, MOUNTAIN BIKING, RIVER
Daily hiking, mountain biking and river day passes
100% payable on reservation

No refunds or credits possible.
Date changes are allowed until 9:00 AM on the day of the reservation, provided access has not yet been validated.

EQUIPMENT RENTAL, LESSONS, GUIDED OUTINGS
100% payable on reservation

7 days or less
before the date of your arrival:
Reservations cannot be refunded or transferred to another date.

From 8 to 14 days
before the date of your arrival:
Cancellation: 30% non-refundable
Authorized date change or credit on file (balance to be paid where applicable / no refund of price difference)

15 days or more
before the date of your arrival:
A full refund is granted free of charge.

Other terms and conditions

Force majeure | Trail closures

In the event that we close our facilities due to circumstances beyond our control (weather or other conditions), no refund is possible, but a credit will be offered at the discretion of Vallée Bras-du-Nord. If one or more trails are impassable, no accommodation will be reimbursed, credited or relocated if it remains accessible (chalet, yurt, shelter, campsite).

Important

For all reservation changes or cancellations, please contact the Vallée Bras-du-Nord sales and reservations department at 1 418 337-3635. An agent will be happy to follow up your request according to the applicable terms and conditions.

Rental conditions

Security deposit: A credit card number is required upon check-in or pick-up. In the event of breakage or excessive wear and tear to the
infrastructure or equipment, or loss of equipment, your credit card will be charged for repairs or replacement. The user is responsible for the rented infrastructure or equipment during the rental period.

Gift certificates, gift packages, annual passes

non-refundable or non-exchangeable.

COVID-19 :

Should new government health measures prevent us from operating normally, you will be offered a credit to postpone your stay to the dates of your choice (subject to availability). In all other cases, our standard policies will apply.