The Jacques-Cartier area

A paradise of outdoor activities Just north of Québec City, the Jacques-Cartier River has given its name to the region it flows through. Outdoor activities abound winter and summer.

During the summer, amateurs of water sports will enjoy the lakes in the area: Beauport, Delage and Saint-Joseph. They offer beaches, sailboards, kayaks, canoes and pedal boats. If you want to get into close contact with nature, visit Jacques-Cartier Park just 30 minutes from Québec City. Located in a valley, it offers several natural camping sites along with white water rafting and kayaking, hiking, mountain bike trails and fishing. More unusual activities include watching moose in their natural habitat and calling wolves at night with an experienced guide.

Downhill skiing is the specialty of the Stoneham resort, the second largest downhill ski centre in the Québec City Area. The Relais ski centre, at Lac-Beauport, is located less than 20 minutes from downtown, and is especially appreciated for family outings.

The Village Vacances Valcartier is a four-season recreation centre that is unique in Canada. Its attractions include the largest wave pool in Canada, water slides, go-carts and snow rafting. Golfing is also popular in the valley at Stoneham, as well as atop Mont Tourbillon in Lac-Beauport.

Located on the shores of Lake Saint-Joseph, the Station écotouristique Duchesnay offers guests unique opportunities for contact with nature. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and cycling trails are available on site as well as lodging and meals.

With a vast 8,000 km2 ( 3600 mi2 ) forested area, the Réserve faunique des Laurentides offers outdoor and recreational activities. From mid-May to early September, anglers can fish for rainbow trout in lakes and rivers while lodging in chalets. June is black bear hunting season while the fall is reserved for hunting moose and small game. The reserve operates one of the most famous cross-country ski centres in North America, Camp Mercier, famous for the amount and type of snow and for the number and length of its trails. Snowmobiling is also popular in the reserve.