Hiking the Raoul Roy Trail in Bic National Park

The short Raoul Roy trail on the far western part of Bic National Park begins at a belvedere (vista) of the Saint Lawrence River and the adjoining Appalachian Mountains. From the belvedere, the trail winds through a spruce fir forest before reaching a small platform with another enchanting vista of the Appalachian Mountains and the Saint Lawrence River. The trail continues through more spruce-fir forest before entering an early successional field that is likely maintained by occasional mowing. The composition of wildflowers in this open sunny habitat is completely different than that seen in the adjoining forest with a much higher percentage of non-native species.

Trail sign for Belvedere Raoul Roy Trail

Near the first (main) vista platform, look back (south) to see the nearby town of Saint Fabian
with surrounding agricultural fields

Hiking through the spruce fir forest on the Raoul Roy Trail

View from vista on Rail Roy trail

Bracken fern (Pteridium aquilinum) is common in this forest.
It has a global distribution and is one of the worlds most common plants.

The forest opens up into an open field maintained
by occasional mowing.

Orange hawkweed (Pilosella aurantiaca) is common

Close-up of flower heads of orange hawkweed

Spreading dogbane (Apocynum androsaemifolium) is common.
It's toxic if ingested which can be a problem for grazing animals.

Close up of flowers of Spreading dogbane

The very common oxeye daisy (Leucanthemum vulgare)

Smooth bedstraw (Galium mollugo).
Very common plant along roads and in fields.

Close-up of smooth bedstraw

Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana).
The small red fruits are edible (and very sweet)