Surrounded by boreal forests, rocky ridges and deep rivers, Canada will make its debut in the Golden Trail World Series (GTWS) on July 5. After an opening block of races in Europe, Québec Mega Trail, the beast of the East, will host the third stop of the season, marking the championship’s first-ever appearance on Canadian soil.
The race unfolds across distinctive and captivating landscapes, shaped by a striking geographical contrast: a mountain that is both accessible and defined by a vast, majestic southern boreal forest. Set on Québec’s most frequented trail network, Québec Mega Trail offers a legendary course that has played a defining role in the history of Canadian trail running, firmly establishing the Côte-de-Beaupré as the epicenter of the sport in the country.
Held from July 2 to 5 in Beaupré, just 30 minutes from Québec City, Québec Mega Trail is a true trail running festival. Spanning four days, the event features eight races ranging from 6 to 135 kilometers, alongside a dedicated race for children. To celebrate its GTWS debut, the event will introduce a brand-new 30-kilometer course in 2026 around Mont-Sainte-Anne, an iconic destination not only for trail running, but for its outstanding and diverse outdoor sports offering year-round.
THE ULTIMATE PLAYGROUND FOR TRAIL RUNNERS
With 1,450 meters of elevation gain, the 30 km course blends technical trails, steep descents, and single-track sections, framed by panoramic views of the Laurentian Mountains and the Jean-Larose falls. The race begins with a demanding opening segment, where much of the elevation gain is concentrated across a double ascent and descent, immediately testing athletes’ climbing strength and descending skills. The second half drops down the mountain’s northern face, leading runners into a wild, immersive forest environment.
“You need to have almost every qualities of a strong trail runner to perform well on this 30 km course”, explains Jean Fortier, founder and race director of Québec Mega Trail. “Very few races in the world offer such a pronounced contrast between mountainous and maritime atmospheres”. Here, success is not just about physical fitness, but also about mastering the technical terrain. “You have to climb well, manage descents, have strong technical skills, and be able to open up the pace when the terrain allows”, he adds
The story of Québec Mega Trail began in 2012, when Fortier moved to Mont-Sainte-Anne, a place he describes as a true “playground” for trail running. The inaugural edition, building on the earlier Trans-Vallée event that laid the groundwork for Québec Mega Trail, featured a rolling and varied 25-kilometre course, designed to be accessible to both trail and road runners. Over the years, the event has grown into an increasingly international race, while remaining deeply rooted in its local community.
“Joining an international circuit like the Golden Trail World Series marks a major milestone in the Québec Mega Trail’s development, confirming its credibility and quality on a global scale”, Fortier explains. “It will significantly increase our visibility, attract elite international athletes, and position Québec as a must-visit trail destination. Beyond visibility, it will also bring greater organizational rigor while pushing us to raise our standards”.
WHEN NATURE, HISTORY AND SPORT CONVERGE
One of Mont-Sainte-Anne most defining characteristics is its remarkable geographic contrast. Iconic landmarks such as the Sentier des Caps in Charlevoix or the spectacular Jean-Larose falls perfectly illustrate the region’s unique blend of vertical relief, water, and dense forest. Within just a few kilometers, the terrain shifts dramatically from open, panoramic summits to wild, enclosed valleys, creating an ideal playground for technical and demanding trail running.
Beyond its natural setting, the region is deeply rooted in history. The Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Basilica stands as one of North America’s most important pilgrimage sites, while the surrounding area was among the first territories settled in New France. Over time, it has evolved into a major tourist destination for skiing, mountain bike, sky and trail running, where spiritual, agricultural, and sporting heritage coexist in a way that is truly unique.
Québec Mega Trail is the first of three new venues to join the Golden Trail World Series this season. This July, it will bring together the world’s top trail running athletes, marking another milestone in the series’ continued international expansion. “Joining the Golden Trail World Series happened quite naturally, in line with the positioning we have always envisioned for the Québec Mega Trail: an event with a strong identity, deeply rooted in its territory, yet with a clear ambition to shine on the international stage”, Fortier ends
