Students are challenged physically, mentally and intellectually during a week-long backpacking expedition along a rugged section of the International Appalachian Trail located in the mountainous interior of the Gaspé Peninsula, Quebec, Canada, approximately 500 miles northeast of Montreal. Students learn about a broad range of ecological topics including: alpine plants and animals, anthropogenic effects on a fragile ecosystem and caribou ecology while they are surrounded by alpine tundra and spectacular views of the St. Lawrence Seaway.

At the end of the trail students are treated to a shower and one of the best French restaurants in the region. Exceptional students are also encouraged to pursue research with faculty on caribou and other topics of interest after completing the expedition.