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Explore the 10 Best Parks in Quebec to Discover Its Natural Beauty
It’s common knowledge that Quebec is a beautiful province that’s home to high peaks (hiking quebec), rushing rivers, lush forests, gorgeous valleys, and picturesque fjords. You can enjoy the great outdoors without needing to travel far!
You should know there’s nothing more exciting than seeing French Canada’s wilderness charm in the flesh! It’s like being transported into nature’s wonderland, and most of the parks are easily accessible from the city!
Whether you’re looking for an adventure or simply want a quiet stroll, we’ve got you covered! We explored Quebec and found our favourite parks that you cannot miss, so read on!
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
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Address: 5300 Bd Sainte-Anne, Quebec City
Contact: Sépaq – 1 (800) 665-6527 (Toll-Free, Canada and the USA only)
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 4 pm
Admission:
- Adult (18 and over): $8.78 – $11.70
- Children (up to 17 years old): $0.00
- Seniors (65 and over): $7.90 – $10.54
Rates are subject to change during peak season
Parc de la Chute‑Montmorency is a must-visit in Quebec City. This spectacular spot is only 15 minutes away from Old Quebec, which you can visit via bus, car, or bike (you can even join guided bike tours to discover more places in the city!).
The spotlight goes to the stunning Montmorency Falls, an 83 m high waterfall that’s actually 30 m taller than the Niagara Falls. The cool part is you can see it from a vantage point by riding the cable car.
Another cool activity you can do is to walk the suspension bridge right above the falls for a splashy, closer look. If you’re feeling adventurous, take it up a notch and zipline above the falls!
If you’re looking for an educational trip to the park, go to Montmorency Manor to learn more about the place (there’s a restaurant if you get hungry). You can bring your furry companion (they must be kept on a leash), but they aren’t allowed in the manor.
Pro Tip:
For a smooth visit, purchase your park tickets online. Keep in mind the prices change depending on the season
Battlefields Park
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Address: 835 Wilfrid-Laurier Ave, Quebec City
Contact: (418) 649-6157, 1 (855) 649-6157 (Toll-Free)
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission: Free, except for activities and attractions
Battlefield Park, one of the most historical places in Quebec City, is a bucket list destination. Part of it includes the Plains of Abraham, where the British and English fought during the Battle of the Plains of Abraham in the Seven Years’ War.
Nowadays, it’s a popular urban park for many locals and tourists to take a walk, jog, bike, play sports, and enjoy the fresh air. For a unique experience, check out the many historical elements in the park, like artillery pieces.
Don’t leave Fido at home because they’re welcome to have fun on the walking trails. And since it’s open year-round, you can enjoy seasonal activities (like ice skating at the park) and temporary exhibits at the museum.
Pro Tip:
Going to Battlefields Park is only a 6-minute bike ride from Old Quebec, which will save you money instead of renting a car or taxing a taxi. Here are the directions to the park.
Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier
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Address: 103 Chem. du Parc National, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
Contact: Sépaq – 1 (800) 665-6527 (Toll-Free, Canada and the USA only)
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8 am – 8 pm
Admission:
- Adult (18 and over): $9.85
- Children (17 and under): Free
Located just 40 minutes from Quebec City, Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier is home to Vallée de la Jacques-Cartier, one of the most stunning glacial valleys in Quebec. It has some of the most breathtaking sceneries with stunning mountain and river views.
The park offers various activities for everyone. Enjoy the 100 km of hiking trails, the rapids and the calm water of the Jacques-Cartier River, cycle 30 km of mountain trails, see the beautiful wildlife, and go on a geocaching adventure.
The park also has many winter activities for the whole family, like skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and snow tubing!
If you feel like staying for a few days, you can camp here. There are ready-to-camp sites and cabins available if you want to stay somewhere convenient, but you bring your own tent for traditional camping!
Pro Tip:
If you prefer a tour package to make your park adventure hassle-free, check the packages available on the website. Kid-friendly tours are available for families.
Gatineau Park
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Address: 33 Chem. Scott, Chelsea
Contact: 1 (866) 456-3016 (Toll-Free), [email protected]
Operating Hours: 24/7
Admission: Free
Gatineau Park is the largest green space in the National Capital Region, with over 361 sq km of land. It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists because of the many outdoor activities you can do, as well as the rich biodiversity and diverse wildlife.
You’ll enjoy various scenic lookouts and attractions. The Pink Lake Lookout provides the most magnificent views, and the Carbide Willson Ruins, a hidden gem tucked away in the middle of the forest, is a treat to photographers and explorers.
The park is perfect for hiking, exploring, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. Go to the canoe camping sites so you have access to the lake if you want to enjoy water activities.
Some amenities in the campgrounds are dry toilets, firepits, and hangers for food storage. For boat rentals, go to Philippe Lake and La Peche Lake.
Pro Tips:
Before camping, check the availability of the campgrounds since some areas are closed depending on the season.
Check this out for the dog-friendly areas in the park.
Bois-de-Coulonge Park
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Address: 1215 Grande Allée O, Quebec City
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 7 am – 11 pm
Admission: Free
Quebec City does it again with accessible parks right in the city that are spectacular in all seasons. Bois-de-Coulonge Park is the perfect place to relax, bask in the quiet moments, admire landscaping, and enjoy the beauty of nature.
With almost 24 hectares, you can exercise on the walking trails, appreciate the views of St. Lawrence River, take the kids to the playground, and have a family picnic. Around May to October, you can use a gas BBQ for your picnic.
The park doesn’t disappoint with its amenities—there are toilets in the old stables, a parking area that’s free on weekends, and public benches if you need to take a break. Bring your dogs on a walk with you, but keep them on a leash.
Pro Tip:
During winter, visit the sugar shack for maple taffy on snow.
Grands-Jardins National Park
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Address: 21 QC-381, Saint-Urbain
Contact: Sépaq – 1 (800) 665-6527 (Toll-Free, Canada and the USA only)
Operating Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 9 am – 5 pm
- Friday – Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm
Admission:
- Adult (18 and over): $9.85
- Children (17 and under): Free
Get ready to be blown away by the beauty of Grands-Jardins National Park. This stunning place is a popular spot for fishing (fishing in quebec) (it actually has been for over a century), where you can possibly have the best trout fishing ever!
If fishing is not your thing but you still want to be in the water, you can go canoeing or kayaking in the lake. The rabaska canoe (it’s basically a large canoe) is the perfect opportunity to paddle with the whole group!
With various trails, you can go hiking and reach the summit! There are easy, moderate, and challenging trails, so you can find the one that suits your skill level.
Pro Tip:
If you came here to catch fish, check out the fishing-camping packages. You can book a place to stay and have access to a boat, as well as a fishing right of access.
Mont Tremblant Park
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Address: 3824 Chemin du Lac Supérieur, Lac-Supérieur
Contact: Sépaq – 1 (800) 665-6527 (Toll-Free, Canada and the USA only)
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 6 pm
Admission: Complete list of tickets
When you step into Mont Tremblant Park, you’re visiting the first park created in Quebec. Its expansive 1510 sq km is filled with natural beauty, such as forests, rivers, lakes, and wildlife.
You’ll have a grand time at the park if you love the water. The park is home to 6 rivers and 400 lakes and streams, where you can launch your kayak and enjoy the rapids and the calm waters.
If you love exploring, go on a hike on the trails or enjoy the fresh air by riding a bike (bike paths quebec city). For the adrenaline junkies, you can go rock climbing in the summer or go sledding in the winter.
Pro Tip:
If you’re bringing your dog, keep in mind that there are authorised sites they’re allowed in. Check this out to see the places they’re allowed to go to.
Saguenay Fjord National Park
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Address: 91 Rue Notre Dame, Rivière-Éternité
Contact: Sépaq – 1 (800) 665-6527 (Toll-Free, Canada and the USA only)
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:30 am – 4 pm
Admission:
- Adult (18 and over): $9.85
- Children (17 and under): Free
When you want to experience nature’s best, visit Saguenay Fjord National Park, located on the eastern end of the Saguenay River. What’s unique about this place is it’s North America’s only navigable fjord and spans over 100 km long.
Adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts will have a fun time hiking to reach the summit, which will give you the most breathtaking views of the clear waters, thick forests, and mountain peaks. You’ll enjoy various activities, like backpacking, kayaking, and fishing.
At the La Baie Sainte Marguerite sector, you can go whale watching and see the different species. Bring your binoculars and head over to the Beluga Whale Stop, a lookout point so you can watch the whales from a distance without interrupting them.
Pro Tip:
If you want to see the whales, visit from mid-May to October. And if you’re bringing your dog, remember that they’re allowed only in selected areas, like the Notre Dame du Saguenay Statue Trail.
Chauveau Park
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Address: 3175 Av. Chauveau, Quebec City
Contact: (418) 641‑6263
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 6 am – 11 pm
Admission: Free
Take a morning stroll at Chauveau Park, one of the largest green spaces you can go to in Quebec City. It’ll give you a massive dose of nature because walking in the park means you’re surrounded by lush trees, beautiful wildlife, and fresh air.
This park is a playground for nature lovers as well. You can enjoy a bunch of outdoor activities in all seasons, such as kayaking and winter walking, as well as sports like aerial obstacles and skateboarding.
If you want a peaceful place to enjoy nature, the accessible walking trails are well-maintained so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. There are trails that lead to the river if you want to hear the rushing waters and birds singing.
And yes, Chauveau Park is dog-friendly, as there are plenty of places to explore. Some amenities for visitors are toilets, benches, picnic areas, and two parking areas.
Pro Tip:
This park is ideal if you’re looking for a quick day trip with the family without spending too much money. Admission and parking are both free.
Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park
Address: 4 Rue du Quai C, Percé
Contact: (418) 782-2240
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 9 am – 5 pm
Admission:
- Adult (18 and over): $9.85
- Children (17 and under): Free
The Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park is one of Quebec’s best-kept secrets. This place has been carved by the ages and the seas, resulting in a gorgeous monolith that has rich flora and fauna.
Bird watchers are going to have a blast at this national park since you’ll discover an impressive migratory bird refuge at this place. Witness the loud vocalisations of the colony of thousands of Northern gannets.
Learn about the park’s history at the Discovery and Visitor Centre or admire the impressive Percé Rock, a 471 m stone monolith that hosts different kinds of birds.
This stunning place is only accessible by boat, available only from June to October. Check this out for the tours and schedule.
Pro Tip:
Remember that the boat trip doesn’t include access to the national park. Before visiting, check the weather conditions and boat trip schedules to ensure the trail is open.