Before you go
Trail access requires the $10 annual membership card of the Association de plein air secteur Pied-des-Monts, sold online or at the Marché des Montagnes in Notre-Dame-des-Monts. The trails are reached by a long gravel forest road and are not maintained in winter.
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
18.0 km
Trail Type
Out And Back
Elevation Gain
200 m
About Grande chute des îlets
Grande chute des Îlets is a waterfall on the Rivière des Îlets in the Mont des Morios backcountry of Charlevoix, Quebec. It is on the Sentier des Chutes, a 9 km trail opened in 2003 by the Association de plein air secteur Pied-des-Monts to show off the river's many falls and cascades. The trail passes through mature forest and an area burned in 1997.
Why This Waterfall Exists
Grande chute des îlets flows over hard intrusive rock laid down over 1.0-1.2 billion years ago. These resistant rocks form a durable ledge that water cannot easily wear away, creating the falls where softer material downstream has already eroded.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate 18.0-km out-and-back trail gains 200 metres of elevation on the way to the falls.
Trail Description
The Sentier des Chutes starts from the Lac Boudreault parking lot and follows the Rivière des Islets past a series of falls and cascades, with views of the surrounding mountains. The association lists it at 9 km with 200 m of elevation gain, rated intermediate and generally not steep. It also forms part of the 25 km Grande boucle des Morios with the Mont des Morios and Morios-Nord trails.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Grande chute des îlets?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are welcome on the Association de plein air secteur Pied-des-Monts trails.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🤑 Fee: $10.00
🏊 Is There Swimming at Grande chute des îlets?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring (late March–May) for highest flows and dramatic water volume. Early summer for easier trail conditions and full water levels. Fall for foliage colors but lower flows. Winter offers ice formations but requires winter gear and caution; many access roads may be closed or difficult.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Check with the managing park or local authority for current conditions.
Safety Information
Exercise caution around the water and on wet rocks, falls and slippery ledges are common hazards. Water flow can increase rapidly after rain or spring melt. Forest roads may be rough, muddy or closed seasonally; do not block forestry operations. Cell service may be limited, carry navigation aids and tell someone your plans. Be aware of ticks in warm months and take precautions. If bears are present in the area, make noise on approach, store food securely, and carry bear spray where legal.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the WSC gauge MALBAIE (RIVIERE) A CLERMONT (28 km away).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from mid April to early July, peaking in May.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest WSC stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Rivière-du-Loup hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
Location & Access
Getting There
From Baie-Saint-Paul, take Route 138 east to Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs, follow Rue Principale about 10 km, then turn left on Chemin du Pied-des-Monts and drive about 14 km of gravel forest road, following the Mont des Morios signs to the Lac Boudreault parking lot (47.7431, -70.5006). GPS directions are unreliable on the forest roads, so follow the signs.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Park at the Lac Boudreault lot at the end of the forest road, where the association's trails start.
Elevation
587 metres above sea level
Coordinates
47.761938° N, -70.573057° W
Visitor Tips & Gear
Buy the association's $10 membership card online or at the Marché des Montagnes in Notre-Dame-des-Monts before going. Expect a long gravel road, no cell service and no services at the trailhead.
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With 18.0 km and 200 m of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Icy conditions are common in winter — traction cleats are a smart addition.
Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket
Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.
Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag
Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.
Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)
Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.
Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof
Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.
TrailBuddy Trekking Poles
Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.
Kahtoola MICROspikes
Cult-favorite traction cleats that grip ice and wet rock — essential for winter waterfall hikes.
Where to Stay
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
Camping Pied-des-Monts
13.2 km away
Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Mont des Morios and Mont du Gros Castor, reached by the association's Mont des Morios and Morios-Nord trails, have open summits with 360-degree views. Parc national des Grands-Jardins lies to the southwest.
Wildlife
Expect typical Quebec forest wildlife: white-tailed deer, moose, beaver, small mammals, numerous bird species and potentially black bear. Be bear-aware and store food properly if staying in the area.
Cities near Grande chute des îlets
Nearby Waterfalls
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