Station touristique Duchesnay

Skiers appreciate the top-notch trails of the Station Duchesnay. They are well maintained and patrolled. Free for our overnight guests (room or cabin).

A network of 47.5 km of linear trails divided into circuits:

• 35.5 km for classic skiing
• 12 km for skate skiing

Services available:

• 4 wood-heated huts
• Well-equipped ski centre
• Equipment rental
• Ski school

Period: The cross country ski centre and rental center will open on Saturday, December 15, 2012, weather permitting

New, season 2012-2013 (in French only)

Map of trails, season 2012-2013 (in French only)

Season pass contract (in French only)

Hus-ski cross country skiing club (in French only)

New!

Two attractive and affordable formulas: the season pass and a booklet of 10 day passes that you can share are valid in the Sépaq network’s 7 cross country skiing centres. Find out more

Delve into nature and enjoy our 30.5 km of marked snowshoeing trails. A warming hut awaits you on one of the trails. For an evening escapade, you can take our lighted hiking trail (1 km). Free for our overnight guests (room or cabin). Snowshoe rental included with vacationing package (room).

Map of trails (in French only)

Each year we make a skating rink. People of all ages love to go skating in Duchesnay's forest setting. Free for our overnight guests (room or cabin). Skate rental included in vacationing package (room).

Kids and adults adore our snow-tubing hill! It's near the Horizon Lodge and the sugar shack. There's no chair lift, so, along with fun, you'll also get more exercise! Free inner tube loans for our overnight cabin or vacation package guests (room).

Ice fishing is available in Baie de Duchesnay. With family or friends, tantalize speckled trout and smallmouth bass, among other fish species.

This activity is offered in conjunction with Association chasse et pêche Catshalac.

For information, call Odette Paré, 418 875-0357

Station touristique Duchesnay is near a major trail operated by the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec.

If you would like to try this activity, contact our partner Dion Moto (1 866 683-2711, extension 0). Snowmobiles can be rented by the day or half-day.

More experienced drivers will appreciate taking a break at the Station to warm up, have a meal or enjoy a cozy overnight stay. The Station has a place to store snowmobiles for the night.

Map of nearby trails (in French only)

This old form of transportation is an increasingly popular activity in Québec. Witness the teamwork of the musher and his dogs while exploring the forest. This unique outing is the result of a partnership with Aventure Inukshuk.

nformation: 418 875-0770

Have you heard of Hok skis? This versatile gear combines the qualities of cross country skis and snowshoes. They are almost exclusively used off track. The bottom of the ski is partially covered with a climbing skin for uphill traction. It also has a universal binding that fits several kinds of boots. Hok skis are very easy to handle and are therefore perfect for beginners. They allow faster off-track displacement than snowshoes. Experience this new snow toy invented by a Quebecker, which was inspired by a thousand-year-old activity practiced in the Altaï Mountains.

Video (in French only)

New 2012-2013: 2 Hok skiing off-track area.

Map of Hok skiing off-track area limits (in French only)

The Tyst Trädgård - Jardin de détente Scandinavian Spa is on the Duchesnay grounds by Lac Saint-Joseph. It offers a relaxing break in an enchanting setting. Alternate between hot and cold water: sauna, whirlpool bath, cold water basin and waterfall... Or have a massage in a room with your choice of ambiance. See our packages with accommodations. Offered in collaboration with a partner.

Period: open year-round except December 25, 2013 and January 1, 2014

Information: 418 875-1645

A pathfinder course with GPS. Introduction to orienteering and navigation with this equipment. Discovery of control points and 2 km of off-trail hiking through the forest. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule (to come)

Have fun with family or friends. There's no lack of games at Duchesnay: croquet, shuffleboard, lawn bowling, badminton, volley-ball, horse shoes... Inside, you'll also find: billiards, ping-pong, table soccer and board games. Free access for guests staying at the Station (room or cabin). Equipment loan included.

Enjoy your favourite boating activities on Lac Saint-Joseph, a big lake. Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, rabaskas and S.U.P. board are available for rent. Free for cabin and vacation package guests (for 2 h at a time, a limited number are lent out). Rates and operating periods for rental.

Period: June 22 to September 1, 2013

*Subject to change depending on the weather

The station offers 25.7 km of easy-going hiking trails. You'll make many discoveries in the forest, such as rock shelters, a geological phenomenon that fascinates young and old alike.

Map of trails (in French only) (pdf: 491 KB)

Kids and adults love Lac Saint-Joseph. The sandy beach is ideal for games and relaxation (the playgrounds are marked off). Safety assured: supervised swimming area. Private beach, for clients with accommodations only.

Periods: June 23 to September 1, 2013

*Subject to change depending on the weather

NEW! The Gyropod is a one-place electric vehicle consisting of a platform on two wheels and a vertical shaft topped by a handlebar. It is better known by its brand name: Segway. Station touristique Duchesnay has purchased a dozen Segway x2 all-terrain models. Try them on a long guided hike in the forest. A simple, ecological and original way to get around…with a little practice!

Details:

• Instructions: 15 minutes
• Guided hike: 1 hour
• Price (before taxes): $49/h
• 16 years old and over
• Reservations recommended: 418 875-2711 

Period: May 26 until the end of October, 2012 (depending on weather conditions)

Guaranteed fun for people of all ages! Find the centre of the wooden labyrinth and the exit, and get hints along the way by answering questions during an educational and humorous rally. It's 275 one-way doors! This 1 ½ h activity is accessible to the mobility-impaired. Package available for school groups. Offered in collaboration with a partner.

For information:
418 875-0770
www.aventureinukshuk.qc.ca
info@aventureinukshuk.qc.ca

Periods:

• May 18 to June 23, 2013: Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• June 24 to August 30, 2013: Every day, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• August 31 to October 6, 2013: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

This tree-top adventure can be found right here at Duchesnay. Four circuits are available, with a total of 72 stations that have progressive levels of difficulty: gangplanks, nets, footbridges, and so on. Thrill-seekers will adore the new extreme loop. Better be in shape! Offered in collaboration with a partner. Details

Reserve your spot by calling 418 875-4522 or 1 866 444-3824

Periods:

• High Season: from June 15 to September 2, 2013
• 7 days/7
• 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
• Low Season: from May 11 to June 9 and from September 7 to October 27, 2013
• Weekends only
• 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

*Subject to change depending on the weather and the number of users

Cycling paths or forest roads: take your pick! The 68-km Jacques-Cartier-Portneuf cycling path passes by the Station. Linked to Corridor des Cheminots, it goes all the way to Québec City. Nearby, Chemin de la liseuse runs alongside Rivière Jacques-Cartier for 13 km. You can also discover 65 km of forest roads that wend through the Station. Free access for guests staying at the Station (room or cabin). Bike rental not included. Bicycle rentals at the Centre Nautique. Rates and operating periods for rental.

Period: June 22 to September 1, 2013

Map of trails (in French only)

From the top of the observation tower bordering the beaver's natural habitat, you can watch black bears in total safety. They show up here in late afternoon almost daily. Beaver, white-tailed deer and several bird species also frequent this spot. And, who knows, maybe you'll even hear a wolf howling! Activity offered at the end of the day.

Period: mid-June to mid-August.

Short hike (5 to 7 km) during which a guide presents the local vegetation and its uses. Identification of tree species, the forest history of Duchesnay and forest harvesting techniques. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule (to come)

Introduction to archery techniques. Presentation of the equipment, archery techniques, practice and games. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule (to come)

Hike by night or take a ride in a 12-seat rabaska canoe. Destination: the secret beach where animation and a campfire await you. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule

Discover rock climbing with this introduction to basic techniques. You can climb our artificial wall or the face of a cliff. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule (to come)

With this water sport, a distant cousin of surfing, you’ll see Lac Saint-Joseph from a different angle. Test your balance as you stand on a big surfboard with your paddle in hand. Free for vacation package customers (room and cabin). Stand up paddle boards can be rented by the hour or the half day.

This unique activity is the fruit of a collaboration with Southbird Surf Shop.

Periods :

• June 16 to June 22, 2012
• Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last rental at 4 p.m.)
• Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last rental at 3 p.m.)
• June 23 to September 2, 2012
• Daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last rental at 6 p.m.)
• September 3 to September 23, 2012
• Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last rental at 4 p.m.)
• Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (last rental at 3 p.m.)

New! SUP Fitness

SUP Fitness is a complete workout that develops the whole proprioceptive system. Performed in a dynamic atmosphere in the heart of nature, this activity offers a wide range of muscular and cardio-vascular exercises. You’ll love learning this new sport, which focuses on balance and muscle control. A different, effective and energizing workout.

Video

Pricing : $25/pers. (including board, paddle and life jacket)

Book : by phone at 418 650-7343 or info@southbird.com

Periods :

• June 16 to September 3, 2012
• Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
• Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.
• September 4 to October 7, 2012
• Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.

Interpretive kayaking activity on Rivière Ontaritzi. Talk, observation and information about the river and wetlands. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule to come

Located at the hotel, Bistro-bar Le Quatre-Temps overlooks Lac Saint-Joseph. Sample our bistro menu featuring regional produce. Enjoy the country charm of this restaurant and its fireplace. Perfect for romantic encounters, family parties or business suppers. Accessible to everyone who visits the Station. Seating capacity: 125 places.

A glance at the menu

Chef Sébastien Rivard's menu consists of light menus and delectable full-course meals featuring fish, game, cheese and grills. You'll find an excellent selection of wines to accompany your meal on our wine list. By the glass, private imports, good quality-price ratios...Connoisseurs and wine lovers alike will find what they're looking for. 

Details:

• Discover our menu
• Free parking
• For reservations and information: 418 875-2711 ext.  2238

Period: Opening hours depend on the period.

• March 19 to June 23, 2013: opening hours
• June 24 to September 2, 2013: opening hours

Every Sunday, the restaurant serves the Hiker's Brunch, featuring freshness, quality and variety. A meal that fans of the great outdoors like to combine with one or more of the Station's activities.

• Every Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• $21.95 per person (plus tips and taxes)
• $10.98 for 6 to 12 year-olds (plus tips and taxes)
• Free for children under 5

A snack bar at the Horizon Lodge is open during the ski season. Skiers and snowshoers appreciate this fast and easy formula. More elaborate meals are available at Bistro-bar le Quatre temps in the hotel.

For a large reception or a small business committee meeting, treat your guests to a delicious meal! Chef Sébastien Rivard and his team offer fine meals at competitive prices. Served in the cozy Bistro-bar or in the meeting rooms. Customized menus available.

Let us help you with your plans

On the bistro terrace, savour the meals...and the view! Lac Saint-Joseph, the forest, the sun, the birds-total immersion in nature. The terrace seats 50 people and the bar 35. The bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to closing time.

Station touristique Duchesnay offers a broad and varied program for school groups. The educational and outdoor activities are for elementary and high school students.  They meet the objectives of Québec's Department of Education. The program is offered year-round to groups of 20 to 200 youngsters.

Spring, summer and fall school activities and pricing

Green Class 2012-2013 (in French only)

Winter school activities and pricing

Snow Class 2012-2013 (in French only)

Consult the brochure School activities (in French only)

Let us help you with your plans

The Station has 11 meeting rooms that seat 5 to 180 people. Four of them are in the hotel, Auberge Duchesnay, (spacious lobby, fireplace and cathedral ceiling). The 7 others are spread among the lodges. Windows and wireless high-speed Internet in most of the rooms. Audiovisual and coffee-break equipment available upon reservation.

Why choose Duchesnay? For its enchanting natural setting, fine dining, wide range of activities for all, high-quality country-style accommodations, excellent service, Scandinavian spa and massages and its proximity to Québec City. The lake and the forest make an ideal atmosphere for a business meeting. Concentration, teamwork and profitable discussions are on the agenda!

Room layout

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A wide range of group activities are available. Businesses, associations, social clubs: let us know what you need. From 1 ½ h to a whole day, these activities take place outside. Team building and discovery of the senses are on the program. Available year-round during the day and sometimes in the evening. Packages available.

Details about corporate summer activities

Details about corporate winter activities

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Throw an amazing Christmas party for your team. Spa, outdoor activities, excellent service, fine dining and quality accommodations. Everything you need for an unforgettable moment!

Brochure (in French only)

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An enchanting site, a large reception capacity, fine dining and top-quality service. Everything you need to celebrate a great event with family or friends. Enjoy this unforgettable moment. Our experienced team will take care of every detail.

2013 Wedding Brochure (pdf: 3.8 MB)

Note: rates valid until December 31, 2013.

Room layout

Let us help you with your plans

Your guests will appreciate the benefits of the Tyst Trädgård Scandinavian Spa, located right here at the Station. During a break in a business meeting, what could be better than a chair massage? Guaranteed success with your employees or partners...

Let us help you with your plans