Amqui: Bridges, River and Trails

Amqui brings together visible railway history and distinctive river crossings with waterside trails and routes in Parc régional du Lac-Matapédia. Two very different bridges tell the story of the town’s development, while the described routes range from an easy 1.4 km loop to trails with uphill sections. When choosing a vacation rental in Amqui, you can therefore decide whether to focus your stay more on culture and the town centre or on hikes by the lake.

Bridges and structures along the Matapédia

The covered Pont de l’Anse-Saint-Jean was built in 1931 at the mouth of Lac Matapédia, where it flows into the Matapédia River. It can be crossed on foot or by bicycle; cars cross in alternating directions. Pont Beauséjour has a different history: the town of Amqui acquired it in 2005, restored it and moved it to its current location over the Matapédia, at the entrance to Parc Pierre-et-Maurice-Gagné. This bridge is accessible only on foot or by bicycle.

The Passerelle J.-Napoléon-Pérusse in the town centre offers another perspective on the river. It spans the Matapédia and connects two pedestrian areas. From the footbridge, you can see the river and the church in Amqui. This lets you discover river crossings, the town centre and historic structures as different aspects of the area, without combining them into a single route.

The railway station also reflects Amqui’s transport history: the Intercolonial Railway built it in 1904; in 1919, the railway company became part of Canadian National. Maison Odilon-Vallée is a recognized historic monument. It is located at 154 boulevard Saint-Benoît Ouest.

Hiking and time by the water

In Parc Théodore-Gagné, formerly Parc de Pompes, a 5 km fitness loop follows a stream. The route includes a difficult climb, a dam and footbridges along the trail. The park provides access to the Sentier international des Appalaches; in winter, this trail can be explored on snowshoes. If you plan your outings by distance, elevation and season, you’ll find practical pointers here to help organize your days.

In Parc régional du Lac-Matapédia, Le Promontoire is an easy 1.4 km loop. The park also has easy to moderate hiking trails with steep sections and views of Lac Matapédia and the Matapédia Valley. The options range from a short loop described as easy to trails where climbs are part of the hike.

Four spots along the lakeshore—la pointe Fine, le dépôt à Soucy, l’ancien chalet à Soucy and la baie à Charlie—are intended for hiking, relaxation or photography. Swimming is prohibited at these locations, and they are unsupervised. Plan your time there accordingly, and distinguish these lakeside spots from the hiking trails in the regional park.

In the town centre, Parc Pierre-et-Maurice-Gagné lies on the Matapédia River. It has a paved bicycle path along the river and water features. The park is also accessible in winter: the town clears a walking path of snow. If you’re looking for accommodation in Amqui, these different interests may help you choose your outings—from the town centre and its riverside paths to hikes in Parc régional du Lac-Matapédia.

Planning your stay

The Amqui tourist information office provides bilingual information on transport, accommodation, activities and attractions in the Matapédia region. It can help with trip planning and reservations. Cyclists can also use the bicycle service station there, which has a charging station and repair stand.

You can also include other places in your trip planning: Val-Brillant, Causapscal, Routhierville and Sayabec.

For the broader travel overview: La Matapédia.