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 50 km of linear trails divided into circuits:

• 35,7 km for classic skiing
• 14.4 km for skate skiing

Services available:

• 4 wood-heated huts
• 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

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 and booklet

Two attractive and affordable formulas: the season pass and a booklet of 12 day passes that you can share are valid in the Sépaq network’s 7 cross-country skiing centres. Obtain them now

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

Day Passes

Day passes are available on the site or online either the day before or the day of your cross-country skiing outing.

Special rate after 3 p.m.

At the end of a very busy day, you can hit the cross-country ski trails at a special price.

Buy

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

Snowshoes rental is available at the Horizon lodge.

Daily rate

Map of trails (in French only)

Season pass

An advantageous and affordable formula for snowshoers. Purchase your adult season pass at the Horizon lodge. You must provide a photo (3 cm x 3 cm) to complete your subscription. Rate

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 L'Aigle 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.

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.

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 (418 875-0770). 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 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 Quebec-made snow toy, which was inspired by a thousand-year-old activity practiced in the Altaï Mountains.

Hok skis rental is available at the Horizon lodge.

Come and try out our 145 cm Hok skis, as well as our Balla Hok for children. The entire family will be thoroughly delighted! Skiing enthusiasts will be in seventh heaven with 145 cm skis, while kids of 8 years of age or older can now explore the forest with 99 cm skis that are better suited to the smaller fry.

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

3 Hok Ski Areas

We offer 3 Hok ski 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, this sector is best suited for those with experience in backcountry skiing.

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).

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 Horizon Pavilion during summer. Rates and operating periods for rental.

Free bikes for children

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 brand-new nautical hub, 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.

Please note that for an indefinite period of time, work is underway on site to finalize the final details of the project. Access to the nautical centre is therefore reserved exclusively for customers with accommodation.

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).

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).

Note that the reception capacity is reduced in order to comply with social distancing guidelines.

This tree-top adventure can be found right here at Duchesnay. Five circuits are available, with a total of 85 stations that have progressive levels of difficulty: gangplanks, nets, footbridges, and so on. Thrill-seekers will adore the extreme loop and the mega zipline. That's 1000 feet of adrenaline!

Note: this activity is not offered during the 2020 season.

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

Opening periods to come for summer 2020.

Details:

• Rates (plus taxes):
  • Adult: $11.95
  • Child: $9.95

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.

This unique activity is the result of a partnership with Aventure Inukshuk. Information: 418 875-0770

Period: Mid-June to mid-October

Rate (plus taxes):

• Adult: $30/pers.
• Child (6 to 12): $15/pers.

Quad Safari (new)

Aventure Inukshuk is now offering a brand-new activity: Quad Safari. Climb aboard a quad and head off to explore Duchesnay’s forest paths. You’ll visit a magnificent natural environment! And who knows? Perhaps you’ll be lucky enough to spot a black bear from the top of our lookout tower.

The safari can be offered later in the season, with no guarantee of seeing bears, but other wildlife.

Find out more

Have fun with family or friends. During summer, there's no lack of games at Duchesnay. Inside, all year-round, 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.

People of all ages love swimming! They’ll enjoy the indoor heated pool, which is under the constant supervision of a certified lifeguard. In the summer you can also enjoy sunbathing on outdoor lounge chairs just beside the spa! There’s also a sauna  in the hotel next to the exercise room.

Period: year round (hours vary with the season)

Note: the pool is partially open (2 families maximum at the same time).

Our team of animators offers a variety of initiation and interpretation activities for children and adults. The activities and schedules vary depending on the season and special times of the year (Easter, Christmas, spring break, Labour Day).

All of the guided activities are free for visitors with a green bracelet (packages including hotel accommodations) or a day passport (day visitor).

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

Activity Booklet - Summer 2020 (in French only)

Archery

Introduction to archery techniques and its safety rules. Come and test your level of concentration and precision!

• Explanation of the activity: the facilitator/guide will teach you all the basic techniques for the use of a bow as well as the safety rules. Afterwards, you will be able to practice on targets.
• Duration: 1 hour and a half
• Required age: 8 years and over
• Maximum number of participants: 10

COVID-19 related preventive measures: our team will make sure that all bows and arrows are properly disinfected by following public health recommendations before and after your arrival. We kindly ask you to respect social distancing throughout the activity as well as the hygiene measures established by public health authorities.

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.

Information: 418 875-0770

Cani-Kart - Spring and fall

Come and have fun in the company of our valiant canine companions while criss-crossing beautiful trails at Duchesnay. An authentic, original and rewarding activity that will allow you to be alone with nature. Accessible for 5 people at a time and available as soon as the trails are dry in the spring and when the warm periods of July and August are over.

Find out more

De nouvelles activités autonomes sont offertes à Duchesnay pour agrémenter votre séjour dans ce grand terrain de jeu à ciel ouvert. Consultez le guide complet des activités autonomes offertes à l'été 2020.

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.

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 connaissance de la nature?

Pour tous les âges.

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.

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.

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 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. 

Discover our à la carte and table d'hôte menu (in French only), our plate breakfast menu (in French only), our continental breakfast menu served at the room (in French only) (served every day, and until 12:30 p.m. on Sundays) and our Children's menu (in French only). For hikers and cyclists, our lunch box menu (adult and children version - in French only) is available to enhance your excursions!

All meals are available with room delivery service or for take-out.

Book online

Reservations and information online or at 418-875-2711, ext. 4194.

Periods: Opening hours depend on the period.

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.

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.

School activities and pricing

Speak with a representative

Request for proposal

Holding a meeting in the midst of nature

Near Québec City, only a few minutes away from the hubbub of urban space, Duchesnay is the perfect place to hold your business meeting. An authentic vacationing centre, it offers bistro cuisine, a range of planned activities, accommodation of superior comfort and obliging service.

Featuring forest and lake, the environment is ideal for group meetings. Duchesnay has more than 11 reception rooms with a capacity to host between 5 and 250 people. Four of them are located at Auberge Duchesnay and the other seven in each of the log pavilions.
Always attentive to your needs, our experienced team is dedicated to helping you make your event an unforgettable one for your guests. We offer customized packages, adapted to your budget. In addition, we provide all the equipment you might require.

Value-added services:

• Free parking
• Free wireless high-speed internet
• A wide range of team-building activities
• On site audio/visual equipment
• A varied choice of break and rest period options to fit your needs
• Cell phone access

Watch the video

Myosotis Room (Auberge)

Its large windows open up a splendid view of Lac St-Joseph. This comfortable space, bathing in natural light, is perfect for a meeting set in nature.

Virtual tour

Maïanthème Room (Auberge)

This room with a cathedral ceiling can be divided into two sections. Plan a summer meeting and enjoy its direct access onto a magnificent terrace (possibility of an outdoor bonfire).

Virtual tour

Sous-Bois Room (Pavilion)

The luminous and cozy Sous-Bois Room will charm you with its cathedral ceiling, decorative woodwork and exposed beams. It is well suited for meetings of any kind. Its terrace will delight your guests.

Virtual tour

Élan and Sylvain Pavilions

For an intimate, retreat-type lakeside meeting, these two pavilions offer a most convenient choice of accommodation for small groups. Set up with fireplaces, spacious sitting rooms, rooms with private bathrooms, kitchens and conference halls, they offer a favourable atmosphere for creating memorable moments with your guests.

Corporative brochure (in French only)

Speak with a representative

Request for proposal

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.

Corporate activities - 2020 Season (in French only)

Speak with a representative

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

Christmas Packages and corporate activities 2020 (in French only)

Speak with a representative

Request for proposal

Celebrate immersed in nature at an exceptional location

Take advantage of this unforgettable moment by allowing our experienced team to look after every detail along the way!

• Only 30 minutes from Québec City
• For weddings: on-site ceremony on the shore of Lac Saint-Joseph
• Cuisine inspired by regional products 
• Rooms that can accommodate from 25 to 220 people
• Hotel, lodge or cabin accommodations

Photo Gallery

Wedding Brochure (in French only)

Speak with a representative

Request for proposal