Talk:International Appalachian Trail

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Ojas ckamclas ks kvns .

[edit] Access to the IAT in Quebec

I love the IAT! I've been there and have hiked for a few dozen kilometers, near Matane (QC). However, most people don't know how to access the trail in Quebec. A common misconception is that the trail is a national park (it's not!), that it is managed by Sépaq/"National Parks of Quebec" (it's not), or that the access is costly (it's not!).

The problem is that the trail crosses national parks, natural reserves and ZECs (fishing, forestry and hunting areas) on most of its length; thus, to get to the trail you have to actually cross controlled-access areas. The best way to get to the trail is to communicate with the access office in Matane. You will get a "passport" for a few dollars a day; they can fax it to you. Then you have to pay the access fees for the ZEC or for the SEPAQ-managed area (usually a few dollars). You don't actually have to pay SEPAQ for any of their services; just pay for "crossing" the park.

Daily fees aren't explicitely given on the IAT/SIA website; you have to contact the Matane office. Please note that a Passport gives you access to any segment of the trail for a given number of days, EXCEPT for the Gaspé National Park (which has restricted access). If your French is approximative, it's a good idea to contact the Matane office by e-mail first.

If you want to go hiking for more than a few days, you'd better get the "IAT Passport" (100$CDN + TX), which gives you full access through any access point, including the Gaspésie National Park.

I have added a link to the information center (located in Matane) http://www.cgmatane.qc.ca/siaiat/ Please note that the English translation is sometimes very approximative on this website. However, the information given is very thorough.

The Matane Office / IAT management is not in good terms with the SEPAQ, which is trying to bully them. The problem is that the IAT crosses SEPAQ-managed parks; they don't like having to "welcome" hikers who access "their" land but won't pay for the services they offer. Let's hope the trail will keep its independence; I wouldn't like seeing the SEPAQ taking control and bulldozing the whole trail into yet another gravel-and-stairs family ride. Not to mention the cabins and the parkings.

Please note that the IAT is named "SIA" (Sentier International des Appalaches) in French.