Seven destinations a mere stone’s throw from the city
When time is in short supply, but you have a real need to get away from it all, leaving the city allows you to unwind and reconnect with what really matters! Here are seven destinations a mere stone’s from major urban areas. They’re ideal destinations for a quick getaway outside the city.
Parc national d'Oka
Near Montreal area
Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville
Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville is a destination of choice for a fast getaway from urban space. Leaving the Island of Montréal and entering the park, you can look forward to all sorts of outdoor activities a mere few kilometers from downtown. With activities such as sea kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and fishing on the agenda, you’re in for an unbeatable aquatic adventure. In addition, well groomed trails await cyclists and hikers alike. On Île Grosbois, the park also offers 50 semi-serviced campsites and 25 ready-to-camp sites, in a setting where terrestrial, forest, and aquatic environments blend to perfection.
Take advantage of your visit to discover a new immersive experience: a trail made up of discovery stops, integrated into the territory and highlighting its unique flora and fauna.
Parc national d’Oka
A mere 35-minute car ride from Montréal, Parc national d’Oka is a popular destination for those seeking a brief getaway. Park national d'Oka is an ideal destination for swimming, walking on the beach and a short hike. Take note that the majority of the park's trail system is dog-friendly. Furthermore, it is the only destination on this list that offers fatbike rides during the summer season. This national park has also acquired two adapted wheelchairs, so that everyone can enjoy the outdoor activities.
For camping enthusiasts, Parc national d’Oka offers more than 800 sites in 5 sectors. A total of 10 cabins for 4 people are also available for booking. A little added value for an overnight stay: access to the beach, which is easily accessible on foot or by bike.
Parc national de la Yamaska
Located 75 minutes from Montréal, Parc national de la Yamaska is a knock-out for aquatic enthusiasts, who won’t believe all there is to do there. Pedal boating, canoeing, swimming, and kayaking – there’s no shortage of water activities! For those who prefer to stay dry, the park also offers hiking and biking trails, as well as beach volleyball.
An enticing camping offer is also proposed by the park, as well as 5 Nature cabins, near the beach and park activities. Ideal for small families.
Near Quebec City area
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
Only 30 minutes from Québec City, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier offers a wide variety of activities that have something for everyone. Vallée de la Jacques-Cartier, recognized as one of the most beautiful valleys in Québec, will certainly please landscape lovers and photography enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, Rivière Jacques-Cartier is a perfect place to try your hand at a vast array of nautical activities, including canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, recreational kayaking, mini-rafting, rabaska canoeing, and tubing. For those who love walking in the forest, several hiking and mountain biking trails are offered in the park, including trails especially designed for a backcountry expedition. Lastly, you can extend a stay by choosing from among an array of accommodations, including camping with nearby services, wilderness camping, ready-to-camp sites, and cabins.
Réserve faunique des Laurentides
Make a stopover at the largest native brook trout reservoir in the world, located less than an hour from Québec City in Réserve faunique des Laurentides. Come for a fishing trip with a lake-side stay in the Pécan and Lac-à-Noël cabins in the heart of this wildlife reserve! What a wonderful opportunity to snag a few wily brook trout, while spending precious moments with family or friends. For those who wish to enjoy even more outdoor family activities, Camping Belle-Rivière and its 41 sites offer a multitude of options for young and old alike, including a playground, nautical activities, beach activities, bicycles, and hiking.
Duchesnay
Here's an ideal place to plan a successful stay – and it’s less than 30 minutes from Québec City! Located at the edge of magnificent Lac Saint-Joseph, Duchesnay is the perfect all-in-one nature destination for fun outdoors. You can also discover the pleasures of fine dining, enjoy the quality of the accommodations, explore an aerial circuit high up in the trees, and venture out on the water for a nautical excursion or simply to cool down. Take up a group challenge by venturing into Arbraska, an aerial tree circuit.
No camping here, but a cozy lodge where all rooms have a view of the lake and 14 new modern cabins, known as Oxygène.
Parc national des Grands-Jardins
Located a mere 90 minutes from Québec City, Parc national des Grands-Jardins will charm thrill-seekers in search of an outdoor getaway. Why not test your mettle on a via ferrata circuit? A shot of adrenaline is guaranteed! Water lovers will be enticed by an array of activities that are sure to make a big splash, including stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and rabaska canoeing. Hiking enthusiasts will be seduced by the many hiking and backcountry expedition trails at their disposal.
For a direct contact with nature, the park's campground with its 91 sites is just the ticket! Looking for more comfort? Book one of the park's waterfront cabins, whose capacity varies from 4 to 12 people.
