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
• 24.8 km for skate skiing

Services available:

• 4 wood-heated relays (accessible by day only)
• Well-equipped ski centre
• Equipment rental (reservation by phone (1-800-665-6527) is mandatory at least 24 hours in advance)
• Hus-ski cross-country skiing club (in French only)

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

COVID‑19 preventive measures and reduced services

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

All 7-days season passes are sold for the 2020-2021 season. The 5-days season pass is still available. Quantities are limited. Buy

Note that the booklet of 12 day passes is not offered during the 2020-2021 season.

Day Passes

Day passes are available online up to 3 days before the date of your cross-country ski outing.

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. Reservation by phone (1-800-665-6527) is mandatory at least 24 hours in advance.

Daily rate

Map of trails (in French only)

Season pass

An advantageous and affordable formula for snowshoers. Purchase your adult season pass by contacting us at 418-875-4522. 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).

Note: access to the skating rink is reserved for overnight guests.

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.

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 30 to March 14, 2021 (subject to public health approval)

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 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. Reservation by phone (1-800-665-6527) is mandatory at least 24 hours in advance.

The entire family will be thoroughly delighted by skishoeing! 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 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, 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).

Note: fees apply for trails access during the winter period.

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 hub during summer. Rates and operating periods for rental.

New! Electric bicyles are now also available for rent.

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 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 will be developed, including a bigger beach and a volleyball court. There will also be 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 will 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).

From June 20 to September 6, 2021, personal boat launching is available every day. A fee of $15 (taxes included) applies for each boat.

Technical advices before going canoeing (see the video)

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.

Period: open until October 10, 2021

• Lifeguards are on duty from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., every day until August 29, 2021

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

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! Someting new: the blue circuit has been revamped with several new games. Come try it!

Bookings are required in order to ensure you’re allocated a departure time.

To fully enjoy your experience, consult this checklist.

Book

Details, schedule and rates

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 29 to June 25, 2021
  • Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• June 26 to September 5, 2021
  • every day, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• September 6 to October 10, 2021
  • Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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 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). 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 hot tub! There’s also a sauna in the hotel next to the exercise room.

The outdoor hot tub and the indoor pool are open (subject to change without notice):

• as of September 7, 2021
  • Monday to Thursday, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Friday, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
  • Saturday, Sunday and holidays, from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Note: due to COVID-19, the sauna is closed until further notice.

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 for day visitors (on sale on site; information at 418 875-4522, ext. 4313).

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

Activity Booklet - Summer 2021 (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.

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. 

Bistro-bar menu (in French only)

Drinks menu (in French only):

• Aperitifs and white wines
• Red wines

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

Periods: Opening hours depend on the period.

• Opening hours: September 7 to December 21, 2021

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.

Note: the snack bar is closed until further notice due to preventive measures against COVID-19.

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.

School activities and pricing

Speak with a representative

Request for proposal