Seven exceptional days in the great outdoors
The summer season is flying by far too fast to spend your days doing anything mundane! If you're looking for exciting outdoor activities with family or friends, the province's national parks, wildlife reserves, and tourist establishments are your ideal destinations. Here are a few suggestions for seven memorable days in the great outdoors.
Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
1. Fun in the treetops at Duchesnay
Even before you start, you’ll feel the excitement. Once the harness is strapped on, the helmet protecting your head, and the guide’s instructions duly noted, the adventure can begin! A mere stone’s throw from Québec City, Arbraska Duchesnay is guaranteed to give you a thrill. Five circuits of increasing difficulty take you acrobatically through the treetops. There’s something for everyone on the monkey bridges, nets, footbridges, and suspended beams. Not to mention the ziplines, the last of which is over 300 metres long! A dizzying experience to be enjoyed against the backdrop of magnificent Lac Saint‑Joseph below and all the services of the Duchesnay tourist resort close at hand.
2. Paddling through the valley
On a warm summer’s day, Parc national de la Jacques‑Cartier, just 30 minutes north of Québec City, becomes a veritable oasis of unlimited exploration. On the river of the same name, water sports enthusiasts can enjoy themselves in a variety of ways. Recreational canoeists and kayakers often meet here, but paddleboarders are increasingly taking to the river as well. For a unique and rugged experience that goes beyond what’s offered by the water sports rental centre and its services, don’t hesitate to head deeper into the valley along the river access road. Around kilometre 25 in particular, Rivière Jacques‑Cartier merges with the green walls that encircle it. The tranquility of the area will soothe you as you paddle along, one stroke at a time.
3. Miraculous fishing in Mastigouche
If you’re going to go to the trouble of angling, you might as well make a big splash. With over a hundred lakes accessible for day fishing, Réserve faunique de Mastigouche knows how to entertain. Although perfectly situated close to major centres and shared between the Lanaudière and Mauricie regions, the wildlife reserve still retains its wild and exotic feel. Beginners and experts alike will have a great time on the water, rod firmly in hand. Watercraft are provided on most lakes, and brook trout, lake trout, speckled trout, and landlocked salmon are the species to reel in. And if luck is on your side, you might even find yourself on popular and mysterious Lac au Sorcier, where only five watercraft‑ for a total of 15 anglers ‑ can venture out daily, after a random draw. You’ll have some exclusive fishing stories to tell!
4. The Laurentides by bike
Parc national du Mont‑Tremblant, the granddaddy of Québec’s national parks, knows how to make room for cyclists, allowing biking enthusiasts to use every single trail identified on the park map, as well as all the roads, including those closed to motorized traffic. Flora and fauna await you at every turn on eight delineated circuits totalling 124 km. Perhaps you’ll come across a deer or a wolf on the loose? No bike? No problem! Rentals are available by the hour, half‑day, or full day. What’s more, bike rentals are free of charge for family members aged 17 and under. And for cycle tourists, the park’s proximity to the Route Verte ‑ the vast cycling network that crosses Québec ‑ makes it a must‑see stop.
5. Taking in the Orford peaks
A hike with a peak to climb always adds spice to the experience. Now imagine when the summits stack up all day long! That’s what awaits you on Des Crêtes trail in Parc national du Mont‑Orford, in the region of the Cantons‑de‑l’Est. Along the 11.4 kilometres of this steep circuit, hikers will discover more than half a dozen lookouts and numerous peaks. The 451‑metre trail is classified as difficult but offers some of the region’s finest aerial panoramas. Nothing less than a spectacular outing awaits you!
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6. Flying over Montmorency Falls
At Parc de la Chute‑Montmorency, the cries of those brave enough to slide along the impressive zipline now resound above the spectacular natural amphitheatre overlooking the St. Lawrence River and Île‑d’Orléans. On the spot, it’s impossible not to wonder whether you have the courage to literally launch yourself into the void toward the tumult of the river, which falls sheer over 80 metres at this point. It’s a great thrill to see one of Québec’s most emblematic attractions in a whole new light. And to add to the fun, why not take the opportunity to climb up to the edge of the mythical waterfall with a guide, thanks to the various via ferrata circuits that criss‑cross the wall.
7. An encounter with the animal kingdom at Aquarium de Québec
Take a plunge into summer with a program specially prepared by the animal guides at Aquarium de Québec. Each week, discover the splendors and mysteries of aquatic fauna, flora, ecology, and diving. The various pavilions and attractions will lure you along a circuit, inside and out, for a truly extraordinary visit. An ever‑renewing experience, with the presence of polar bears Kinuk, Shouka, and Humphrey, as well as arctic foxes, seals, rays and jellyfish… to name but a few fascinating residents!
