Station touristiqueDuchesnay

Skiers appreciate the top-notch trails of Duchesnay. They are well maintained and patrolled.

The trails' safety is ensured by volunteers from the Canadian Ski Patrol.

A network of 65.4 km of linear trails divided into circuits:

• 38.2 km for classic skiing
• 27.2 km for skate skiing

Services available:

• 4 wood-heated relays (accessible by day only)
• Well-equipped ski centre
• Equipment rental
• Hus-ski cross-country skiing club (in French only)

Period: Mid-December to the end of March (depending on snow conditions)

Map of trails (in French only)

Cross-country skiing trail track-setting policy

Snow conditions

Real-time trail conditions on Nordic Pulse

Code of conduct

Access included for overnight guests

Access to cross-country skiing trails is included for our overnight guests (room, cabin or hut).

Free cross-country skiing for children!

Access to cross-country skiing  trails is available free of charge for children 17 years of age and under, accompanied by an adult.

Season pass

A season pass for a single cross-country ski centre (seven days or five days) is available for skiers. The network season pass (seven days) which gives access to all Sépaq's cross-country ski centres is also be available.

The cross-country skiing season pass also gives you free access to the snowshoe trails.

Booklet of 12 daily tickets

Take advantage of the flexibility offered by these tickets, which are transferable between skiers and are valid in the seven cross-country ski centres.

Day Passes

Day passes are available online up to 4 days before your arrival, starting at 8 p.m.

Buy

Delve into nature and enjoy our 22.4 km of marked snowshoeing trails. Four warming huts await you along the trails. Access included for our overnight guests (room or cabin). Snowshoe rental included with vacationing package (room).

Snowshoes rental is available at the Horizon lodge.

Map of trails (in French only)

Daily ticket

Daily tickets can be purchased directly at the Horizon pavilion counter. Rates

Note: Station touristique Duchesnay is not a Québec National Park. The Annual Québec National Parks Card is not valid for admission to this establishment or its trails.

Season pass

An advantageous and affordable formula for snowshoers. As soon as the cross-country skiing centre is open, purchase your adult season pass by contacting us at 418-875-4522, ext. 4279. You must provide a photo (3 cm x 3 cm) to complete your subscription.

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

Access to the skating rink is reserved for overnight guests.

Kids and adults adore our snow-tubing hill! It's in front the Le Cerf Lodge, just a few steps from the hotel. There's no chair lift, so, along with fun, you'll also get more exercise! Free inner tube loans for overnight guests.

Note: access to the snow-tubing hill is reserved for overnight guests.

Ice fishing is available in Baie de Duchesnay. With family or friends, come try to catch the speckled trout.

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

Period: January 25 to March 9, 2025

For information, call 581-748-2636.

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 Aventure Inukshuk, a member of Aventure Écotourisme Québec (Quality-Safety Certified). Snowmobiles can be rented by the day or half-day.

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

Map of nearby trails (in French only)

Have you heard of skishoes? 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. Skishoes are very easy to handle and are therefore perfect for beginners. They allow faster off-track displacement than snowshoes. Experience this new Quebec-made snow toy, which was inspired by a thousand-year-old activity practiced in the Altaï Mountains.

Skishoes rental is available at the Horizon lodge.

The entire family will be thoroughly delighted by skishoeing! Skiing enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven with 145 cm skis.

Map of skishoeing area limits - initiation zone (in French only)

3 Skishoeing Areas

We offer 3 skishoeing areas – one near the Horizon Lodge, where you can enjoy beautiful descents all the way to the shore of Lac Saint-Joseph. After each descent, you can take a quick short-cut trail back to the top. The other 2 areas are about 5 km from the Horizon Lodge near the Sommet hut. Since it is farther away and more steep, this sector is best suited for those with experience in backcountry skiing.

Elsewhere at Sépaq

Duchesnay offers 25.7 km of easy-going hiking trails. You'll make many discoveries in the forest, such as rock shelters, in Le Rocher trail, a geological phenomenon that fascinates young and old alike. For an evening escapade, you can take our lighted hiking trail (1 km).

Trail conditions (in French only)

Map of trails (in French only)

Trail running

Why not make Duchesnay your go-to destination the next time you head out for some trail running. Take advantage of groomed trails in the midst of the forest where your safety is guaranteed. You’ll be able to fully enjoy a discipline whose popularity is growing by leaps and bounds!

The 68-km Jacques-Cartier-Portneuf cycling path passes by Duchesnay. 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.

Bicycle rentals is located at the nautical centre during summer. Rates and operating periods for rental.

Electric bicyles are now also available for rent at the Horizon pavilion (Arbraska Duchesnay).

Hybrid bike rentals are free of charge at the nautical centre for lodging guests with a green bracelet.

Free bike loans for children of 17 years of age and under in a family situation. Limited quantities available on a first come, first served basis.

You can now take advantage of our nautical center, including a swimming area on the shore of beautiful Lac Saint-Joseph, a volleyball court, and a rental centre where you can hire watercraft and take to the lake. For those who like to stay active, three different sandy areas are developed, including a bigger beach and a volleyball court. There is also two playgrounds for children, a space for slackline enthusiasts, a grassy area for playing frisbee or soccer, and a rock-climbing installation.

Do you need to cool off? In addition to swimming, you can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, pedal boating, or paddle boarding; a brand-new rental centre provide the equipment you need to make the most of the lake and have fun in the water. Meanwhile more contemplative souls will perhaps prefer the deck chairs set up in different areas, including on the massive 100-foot floating wharf or in the covered space with a terrace, also featuring washroom facilities with showers.

Please note that access to the nautical center is free for guests in accommodation (room or cabin). The visitors can buy a daily passport, on site, offered in limited quantities. Information at 418 875-4522, ext. 4313.

Nautical activities

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). Rates and operating periods for rental (subject to change depending on the weather).

Periods:

• May 24 and 25, 2025*
  • Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last rental at 5 p.m.)
• May 31 and June 1, 2025*
  • Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last rental at 5 p.m.)
• June 7 to September 1, 2025*
  • every day, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (last rental at 5 p.m.)
• September 2 to 21, 2025*
  • every day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last rental at 4 p.m.)
• September 27 to October 5, 2025*
  • Saterday, Sunday and holidays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last rental at 4 p.m.)

* Schedule may change without notice, depending on the weather.

Technical advices before going canoeing (see the video)

Launch ramp

When the nautical centre is open, anyone can launch a non-motorised personal watercraft (canoe, kayak, or paddleboard) at a cost of $13.05 (plus tax) per watercraft. The launching zone is located at the nautical centre.

Launching of motorised personal watercraft is available only to customers staying in our accommodations, at a cost of $90 (plus tax) per watercraft. Watercraft may not exceed 6.3 m (21 ft) in length. Any watercraft equipped with a motor of more than 60 hp must be fitted with an auxiliary motor of a maximum of 15 hp or an electric motor. The latter must be used for navigation in Baie de Duchesnay.

Visitors without accommodations who wish to launch a motorised personal watercraft are invited to contact our partner Catshalac for more information.

To prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species in Lac Saint-Joseph, personal watercraft must be cleaned. A water point is at your disposal.

Supervised swimming

Kids and adults love Lac Saint-Joseph. The sandy beach is ideal for games and relaxation (the playgrounds are marked off). Private beach, for clients with accommodations only or daily passport. The beach is supervised during heavy periods of traffi (subject to change depending on the weather).

Periods: 

• June 14 to 22, 2025
  • Saturday and Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• June 23 to September 1, 2025
  • every day, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Note: Due to a situation beyond our control, the beach may not be supervised. The absence of a lifeguard may lead to closure of the swimming area. Before your visit, check the schedule of the day at the reception of the lodge.

To minimize the risks when bathing

Bathing should only be done at designated supervised sites and in accordance with current guidelines. Unsupervised bathing in all other areas is at your own risk. Find out more

In order to make the Vélopiste de la Jacques-Cartier accessible to persons with reduced mobility, Station touristique Duchesnay has acquired outdoor equipment for persons with reduced mobility. The equipment can be rented free of charge at the Arbraska rental centre upon presentation of the CAL card and upon availability. For reservations, call 418-875-2711 and select the Arbraska options.

• Kartus wheelchair: specialized wheelchair designed to run in duo on the Vélopiste de la Jacques-Cartier (available in summer).
• Hippocampe wheelchair: wheelchair adapted for swimming, sand, and snow (available in summer and winter). The chair must be brought to the beach beforehand.
• Trackz wheelchair: adapted light wheelchair for enjoyment of outdoor activities. It is recommended for an active person who can move about in a wheelchair with assistance (available in summer).

An activity that will challenge your sense of observation and direction as well as your patience, whether you’re alone, in a couple, or with your family. With its 275 doors, all the corridors will lead you to the exit, but only one possibility will take you to the centre. With the help of riddles, guesses, or other strategies, will you be able to find your way out?

This activity is offered by our partner Aventure Inukshuk, a member of Aventure Écotourisme Québec (Quality-Safety Certified).

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

Have fun with family or friends. During summer, there's no lack of outdoors games at Duchesnay. Play modules for children from 5 years old, a volleyball court, a climbing boulder, a slackline park and a playground are available at the nautical center. Free access for guests staying at the Station (room or cabin). Daily passport is mandatory for visitors. Equipment loan included.

Two outdoor hot tubs are available all year-round, with a view on Lac Saint-Joseph.

People of all ages can also enjoy the indoor heated pool. There’s also a dry sauna in the hotel.

Revamped fitness room

Included with your stay, come and discover our brand new fitness room with a view on Lac Saint-Joseph and enjoy a stimulating environment where you'll find a Matrix treadmill, ideal for running, a Schwinn stationary bike that connects via Bluetooth, as well as a “Multi Gym” module where two people can work out simultaneously (upper body station, seated flexion and extension station and free-motion handles).

The fitness room is accessible at all times for people staying at Duchesnay.

Pool opening hours

The indoor pool is open according to the following schedule:

• Monday to Friday, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sunday and holidays, from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Opening hours are subject to change without notice.

Please note that the pool will be closed for maintenance from April 7 to 15, 2025. Please contact us for further details.

Dry sauna and outdoor hot tubs opening hours

The dry sauna and outdoor hot tubs are open every day, according to the following schedule:

• Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
• Saturday, Sunday and holidays, from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

As the systems of the outdoor hot tubs are in a running-in period, opening hours are subject to change without notice. Periodic closures are possible for an indefinite period.

Please note that access to the dry sauna and outdoor hot tubs is reserved for guests aged 16 and over staying at Duchesnay. Certain conditions and regulations apply.

Our team of animators offers a variety of initiation and interpretation activities for children and adults. The activities are offered during specific periods only. Please ask at the reception desk.

All of the guided activities are included for visitors with a green bracelet (packages including accommodations).

The calendar of guided activities may change without notice. Some activities are limited to a number of participants.

Our partner Aventure Inukshuk, a member of Aventure Écotourisme Québec (Quality-Safety Certified),  is a young team of dog and nature enthusiasts who specialize in offering professional and authentic dog sledding services. Adventure Inukshuk also offers the possibility of renting snowmobiles on site with or without a guide.

Lasting 90 minutes (50 minutes on the trails), "La Balade" is designed to provide a unique experience. An outing by dog sled through an exceptional world of nature!

If you’re more athletic, "La Courte Randonnée", lasting 2 hours 45 minutes (1 hour 45 minutes on the trails), will simply blow your mind. On your sled, you’ll explore magnificent mountain trails while dodging obstacles erected by Mother Nature. This outing requires a little more effort on your part to help our dogs who have to climb the steepest trails.

Period: Mid-December to the end of March, depending on snow conditions

Information and booking: 418-875-0770

De nouvelles activités autonomes sont offertes à Duchesnay pour agrémenter votre séjour dans ce grand terrain de jeu à ciel ouvert.

Description des activités :

ForêtGPS

Vous pensez tout savoir sur la faune et la flore ? Ce jeu-questionnaire écologique vous entraînera dans une quête amusante à travers la forêt de Duchesnay! Armés d’un GPS et d’une carte du secteur, vous quitterez les sentiers battus. Votre équipe sera-t-elle à la hauteur du défi ? Venez en faire le test!

Mini-géocache: 8 à 12 ans. Grand parcours: 13 ans et plus.

Période : à l'année.

Rallye des animaux

Au long du sentier Le rocher, trouvez et identifiez les silhouettes d’animaux cachées pour compléter le rallye. Utilisez les indices fournis pour vous aider ! Saurez-vous démontrez vos connaissances de la nature?

Pour tous les âges.

Période : de mai à novembre

Faune Enquête

Saurez-vous compléter les quatre épreuves pour devenir un Agent de protection de Duchesnay? Si identifier un braconnier grâce à des indices, compter des œufs de canards sans vos doigts et compléter un petit parcours d’hébertisme vous intéresse, cette mission est pour vous!

Pour des enfants 5 à 8 ans.

Période : de juin à novembre

Pirates terrestres

Une légende prétend que le redoutable Jack Rackham, capitaine du Revenge, serait venu cacher son trésor sur les terres de Duchesnay. Malheureusement, il n’y laissé que quelques indices pouvant nous permettre de le retrouver. Avez-vous le courage de partir à la recherche pour retrouver ce fabuleux trésor?

Pour des enfants de 5 à 10 ans.

Période : de juin à novembre

Frisbee Golf

Rendez-vous au centre nautique pour vous équiper et partir sur les 9 trous du sentier périphérique. Activité pour tous les âges d’une durée de 1 h 30 à 2 h.

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. Perfect for romantic encounters, family parties or business suppers. Accessible to everyone who visits Duchesnay.

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. Our breakfast is served as a buffet while our à la carte lunch is inspired by local flavors.

Bistro-bar menu

Dessert menu (in French only)

Children’s menu

Breakfast menu (in French only)

Lunch menu

Mother's Day brunch menu: May 11, 2025 (in French only)

Periods: Opening hours depend on the period.

• Opening hours: March 10 to June 20, 2025 (in French only)

Book online

On the bistro terrace, savour the meals...and the view! Lac Saint-Joseph, the forest, the sun, the birds-total immersion in nature.

Beach terrace

In the summer, a bar and a foodtruck are located on the terrace next to the beach, with a view of Lake Saint-Joseph! Schedule varies depending on the weather.

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 for groups of 20 to 100 participants.

School activities and pricing

Speak with a representative

Request for proposal

Elsewhere at Sépaq