This is a journal about the Parcs régionaux MRC Matawinie Sept-Chutes (Sept Chutes Regional Park in the Matawinie "county") It's a mouthful, so let's just call it Sept Chutes, which means Seven Waterfalls.
I didn't actually count the waterfalls in this park but there are multiple sections of cascading water including a fairly significant fall close to the main road, draining into the Rivière Noire called Chute Voile de la mariée - Bridal Veil falls. I guess it's a popular name for falls in French also!
Sept Chutes is one of many outdoor destinations in the Matawinie county Regional Parks systems. The Matawinie is part of the Lanaudiere region of Quebec. Parcs régionaux MRC Matawinie is one of my favorite go-to destinations for outdoor excursions. It's not very far from Montreal, most destinations are about 1.5 hours drive from our home. The region includes a variety of beautiful parks with a year-round access for hiking, cross-country skiing, (some back-country skiing), snowshoeing, backpacking, camping, canoeing, backcountry refuge rentals etc.
Some of my favorite destinations in the Matawinie are:
- the municipale region of Saint Donat, see this journal: https://outsideways.com/journals/first-backcountry-ski-saint-donat-quebec/ (Saint Donat is one my absolute favorite areas because all trail access is free, unlike the Matawinie Regional Parcs, which all charge an access fee.)
- Foret Oureau, see this journal: https://outsideways.com/journals/backcountry-ski-trip-foret-ouareau/
- Sections of the Sentier National, especially around Refuge Swaggin, see these journals: https://outsideways.com/journals/the-swaggin-trail/ & https://outsideways.com/journals/birthday-in-the-woods/
- Parc des Chutes-Dorwin
As of my first trip to Sept Chutes I am adding that destination to the top of my favorites for this area.
Sept Chutes has lots of water features with 2 lakes, waterfalls and cascades; it has hiking loops of various distances to satisfy beginners to experienced hikers (some sections are rather gnarly and require rope holds); and it has some of best views this region has to offer.
My introduction to Sept Chutes was a very mild November day. Damien and I thoroughly enjoyed our hike around Mont Brassard. Along with hundreds(?) of other Quebecers out enjoying the unseasonably warm weather in our pandemic fall.
In fact, this is one of the most populated hikes I've ever done in Quebec. Could have been the gorgeous weather, pandemic cabin fever and/or the ease of access to Montreal.
Either way I will be returning to this Parc again and want to have an on-going journal of my adventures here.
#parcsregionauxmatawinie
#lanaudiere
