The 134 km long Parc linéaire interprovincial Petit Témis trail follows a former rail line between Edmundston, New Brunswick and Rivière-du-Loup, Quebec. This hard-packed crushed stone dust pathway is the first interprovincial cycling route in Canada, and it is open to hikers and cyclists in summer and snowmobilers and cross-country skiers in winter.

The northern section of the trail, between Rivière-du-Loup and Cabano Quebec weaves through tranquil, wild, forested hills before running along the scenic Lac Témiscouata and Rivière Madawaska. After the charming tourist village of Cabano on the shores of Lac Témiscouata the trail follows the shores of the lake for much of the way to Edmundston, featuring several wooden trestle bridges and boardwalks, as well as areas where the trail has been carved out of tall rocky cliffs. Fields and rolling hills surround the trail as it approaches the New Brunswick border. There are many rest stops along this stretch, as well as a restored train station, Halte de la Gare, in the village of Dégelis.

The Petit-Témis Interprovincial Trail is also part of the 28,000 km long Trans Canada Trail, so we explored it as part of our cross-Canada #Hike4Birds. In fact, the Petit Temis became one of our favourite sections of the Trans Canada Trail in New Brunswick. In particular, highlights for us included the perfect mix of feeling immersed in wilderness and admiring spectacular views of Lac Témiscouata while traversing easy terrain, enjoying frequent rest stops, and stopping for a delicious snack at the Cafe de la Station in Saint-Modeste.

Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or cyclist or heading out on your first outdoor adventure, this trail offers a gentle journey through diverse ecosystems, making it an ideal choice for anyone looking for a relaxed, off-the-beaten-path experience that will create a deep and lasting connection with nature.