Jacques-Cartier National Park

Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is the wilderness on Québec City’s doorstep. Only about 30 minutes north of Old Québec, this Sépaq national park protects a spectacular valley that the Jacques-Cartier River has cut roughly 550 metres deep into the Laurentian plateau, with steep forested walls rising on both sides of a meandering river. In summer and autumn it is a playground for paddlers and hikers: nearly 26 kilometres of river are open for canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding on five routes with shuttle service, and canoes, kayaks, rafts and inner tubes can be rented by the hour, half-day or day. More than 100 kilometres of trails range from easy riverside walks to steep climbs to lookouts over the valley. Wildlife is part of the draw: the moose is the valley’s emblem, and beavers, white-tailed deer, foxes and porcupines live here, along with more than 130 recorded bird species. Autumn colour in late September and early October is spectacular. In winter the park becomes a snowshoeing and fatbike destination, with 11 snowshoe trails and heated huts along the way, more than 20 kilometres of fatbike trails and backcountry ski zones for experienced skiers. The park is open year-round, an access fee applies, and a daily shuttle from Old Québec runs most of the year (not in April). Fit: active couples, families who like outdoor adventure, and winter visitors who want snowshoeing in real wilderness.

The valley is what makes it special: few cities have a canyon-like glacial valley with moose and wild river within half an hour of their historic centre. A morning paddle on the calm stretches, with the walls rising on both sides and mist lifting off the water, is one of the best nature experiences in the province, and the high lookout trails give the classic view down the valley’s length.

How to plan it: in summer, book canoe or kayak rentals and shuttles ahead on weekends, start early for the calmest water and best wildlife chances, and choose a lookout hike for the afternoon. In autumn, aim for the peak colour weeks and arrive early, as parking fills. In winter, rent snowshoes and follow a trail to a heated hut for lunch. Bring layers, water, insect repellent in early summer and proper footwear. Without a car, use the shuttle from Old Québec.

Practicals: about 30 minutes north of Old Québec via Route 175; Sépaq access fee; open year-round with variable hours, so check the park schedule before you go. Fit: active couples, outdoorsy families and winter adventurers. For an overnight, the park’s campgrounds and ready-to-camp tents and cabins let you wake up in the valley, which is the best way to see wildlife and quiet water. The discovery and visitor centre near the entrance is the place to pick up maps, check river levels and trail conditions, and ask rangers about recent moose sightings. Mobile coverage is patchy deeper in the valley, so download maps before you set off and tell someone your plans if you are hiking the longer, more demanding trails.