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Parc national du Mont-Mégantic: Where Earth Meets the Stars

Discover a unique blend of nature and science at Parc national du Mont-Mégantic, home to a world-class observatory and stunning dark skies.

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Parc national du Mont-Mégantic, in Quebec's Eastern Townships, is a unique destination blending outdoor adventure with scientific discovery. Home to the Mont-Mégantic Observatory and a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, the park offers hiking, camping, and unparalleled stargazing opportunities.

A brief summary to Parc national du Mont-Mégantic (provincial park)

Local tips

  • Purchase your daily access right online in advance, especially during peak season, to ensure entry.
  • Bring appropriate footwear and clothing for hiking, as trails can be steep and weather conditions can change rapidly.
  • Consider visiting during the Mont Mégantic Astronomy Festival in early July for naked-eye observations through the observatory telescope.
  • Take advantage of the free electric vehicle charging stations available in both the Observatoire and Franceville sectors.
  • Check the Sépaq website for trail conditions, closures, and special events before your visit.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Montreal, take Highway 10 East to Exit 143, then Route 112 East to East Angus. Continue on Route 253 South to Cookshire, then Route 214 East to Bury and Scotstown. From there, stay on Route 214 and turn right onto Chemin de Franceville for the Franceville sector. For the Observatoire sector, follow the signs from Notre-Dame-des-Bois. Parking is free. Note that the Observatoire road is closed to vehicles in winter.

  • Public Transport

    There is no direct public transportation to Parc national du Mont-Mégantic. The most practical option is to take a bus from Montreal to Sherbrooke, then drive to the park. Alternatively, Navette Nature offers a transportation service from Montreal to the Observatoire sector. Check their schedule and book in advance. Bus fare from Montreal to Sherbrooke is approximately $40.

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Discover more about Parc national du Mont-Mégantic (provincial park)

Parc national du Mont-Mégantic, established in 1994, protects the natural characteristics of the border mountains region. Located in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec, the park spans four municipalities and is adjacent to the Samuel-Brisson Ecological Reserve. The park's mission is to preserve this unique mountainous area, offering a blend of natural and astronomy-related activities. The park is divided into two main sectors: Observatoire and Franceville. The Observatoire sector is known for its high elevation and access to the Mont-Mégantic Observatory, the most powerful astronomical observatory in eastern Canada. The Franceville sector offers a different landscape with diverse hiking trails and the spectacular Franceville rock crest. Mont Mégantic itself is the geographical center of the park. Its summit hosts the Mont-Mégantic Observatory, a major research facility. The ASTROLab, at the foot of Mont Mégantic, serves as an astronomy activity center with multimedia exhibits. The park is recognized as an Important Bird Area, hosting over 120 bird species. Visitors can enjoy over 50 km of hiking trails, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and camping. The park offers various accommodation options, including campsites, huts, and ready-to-camp tents. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy wonderland, offering opportunities for torchlight skiing and snowshoeing. The park's history is intertwined with the development of the Mont-Mégantic Observatory in the 1960s and 70s. The observatory inspired the park's theme, "From the Earth to the Stars". Today, Parc national du Mont-Mégantic is a popular year-round destination, attracting outdoor enthusiasts and astronomy lovers alike.

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