24-Hour Hike: The 5-Peak Challenge in Abitibi-Témiscamingue
May 14, 2026
Climbing five peaks in Abitibi-Témiscamingue... that's often how good ideas start.
Breakfast with friends on a Sunday morning with too much coffee and not enough food. The conversation flows freely, imaginations run wild… and before we know it, we’ve set ourselves a slightly crazy challenge: to climb the five highest peaks in Abitibi-Témiscamingue in 24 hours.
An electric car, a mobile supply station, music blasting, and off we go!
The Goal
In total, the challenge ahead of us is 25 km, 1,472 m of elevation gain, and 5 peaks to climb between sunrise and sunset (from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.).
The 5 selected peaks in Abitibi-Témiscamingue:
- Mont Dominant (8 km) – To start strong with a spectacular sunrise at Aiguebelle National Park.
- Collines D’Alembert (8 km) – A challenging climb, but so rewarding.
- Nid de l’Épervier (3 km) – Hidden in the Kékéko Hills, a little gem.
- La Kanasutorama (3 km) – Not the ski resort, the other one! The one on the YOL trail.
- Mont Chaudron (3 km) – The grand finale, the one that impressed us the most.
Preparations the day before
Before setting off, we had to think of everything: what time to start, in what order to tackle the peaks, what to pack in the mobile supply van (and not to forget the essential item: the celebratory beer for the final summit).
The day before, we settled into a cabin near the trailhead in Aiguebelle National Park.
It was a full moon and the scenery was breathtaking. We laughed, had a good meal, and then went to bed early. We had to be up at 4:45 a.m.—no time to mess around!
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1st Summit
Dominant Mountain
First, we started at Mont Dominant in Aiguebelle National Park, headlamps on and down jackets zipped up tight (it was freezing cold). Hiking at night under the stars was magical. We arrived just in time for sunrise… WOW! A breathtaking view of Abitibi-Témiscamingue. We were speechless.
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2nd Summit
Alembert Hills
No time to linger—off to the Collines d’Alembert. By then, my legs were starting to burn, and fatigue was setting in. But it was worth the effort!
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3rd Summit
Hawk's Nest
Then we head down and take a well-deserved lunch break in town. A quick bite to eat, some water, and we’re off again toward the Nid de l’Épervier in the Kékéko Hills. Of course, our legs are starting to feel the strain, but running into friends on the trail gives us a boost of energy.
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4th Summit
The Kanasutorama
On the Kanasutorama trails, we take a slightly daring shortcut (part rock climbing, part hiking), just for the thrill of it. And there, we see our final challenge on the horizon: Mont Chaudron.
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5th Summit
Mount Chaudron
We were a bit nervous about Mont Chaudron. We’d read reviews saying it was a trail that was, how should I put it, rugged. But surprise! The trail markings were spot-on, and the climb was stress-free. When we got to the top, there were already people there to watch the sunset. We found a quiet little spot to enjoy our beer.
Mission accomplished.
Pro Tip
The Accès Plein Air app is your go-to companion for hikes and all your outdoor adventures. It lists trails, maps, difficulty levels, elevation gain, and distance. It’s handy for planning your outing and knowing what to expect before you even lace up your boots.
Consulte le siteAn experience worth repeating
The 5 Summits Challenge in Abitibi-Témiscamingue is so much more than just a long hike. It’s a journey of friendship, pushing your limits, and connecting with our beautiful region. Seriously, we’re lucky to live here.
And if you think 25 km in a single day is a bit intense, know that this challenge can also be completed over 5 outings, one mountain at a time. This gives you the chance to savor each summit at your own pace and fully reconnect with nature. No matter which option you choose, this challenge is one to experience at least once.
See you on the next adventure!
