Parks and Wildlife Areas
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is perfect for
hiking,
mountain biking, moose watching,
canoeing, and minirafting—all while admiring the steep gorges that soar skyward on both sides of the river!
You can also recharge your batteries in the Portneuf and Laurentians wildlife reserves. These protected areas are ideal for fishing, hunting, or simply relaxing—whether you choose to camp or stay in the comfort of a cabin.
Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
Binoculars and cameras at the ready! Nestled between the mountainside and the St. Lawrence River tidal marshes in the Côte-de-Beaupré region, lies one of Canada's top
birdwatching sites, with over
300 species of birds to observe.
Every spring and fall, snowgeese gather here in tens of thousands—a sight to behold!
Station touristique Duchesnay
Outdoor fun beckons on the shores of Lac Saint-Joseph!
Whether you stay at the Auberge Duchesnay lodge or in a cabin, this resort is great for summer activities (swimming, canoeing, climbing, treetop adventure courses, and cycling) and winter fun (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice fishing, dogsledding, and more). And it's just a hop, skip, and jump away from Québec City.
Good times guaranteed!
Vallée Bras-du-Nord
This picturesque valley in the heart of the Portneuf countryside features a winding river, a spectacular waterfall, and picture perfect mountains and clifftops.
Explore a 70 kilometer network of marked trails (developed by young people on a job placement program) and stop awhile at a log hut in the mountains, try horseback riding with an experienced guide, canoe or kayak your way down the family section of the river, hit the mountain bike trails, go wilderness camping, or spend the night in a cabin.
Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix
Visitors to the stunning Sentier des Caps trail are rewarded by incredible vistas of the St. Lawrence River and Le Massif de Charlevoix.
It's heaven for fans of hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country and backcountry skiing!