Nature at your fingertips!

Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy two fantastic nature parks—the Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier and the Réserve Faunique des Laurentides—just 30 minutes from Québec City.

The Jacques-Cartier national park is a paradise for nature lovers. You’ll find plenty of opportunities for hiking, with trails of varying degrees of difficulty offering spectacular views of the valley and surrounding mountains.

In the summer, canoeing and kayaking give you a different perspective on the park’s untamed beauty. Campsites and cabins are located in several areas, giving you the chance to be totally immersed in nature. Winter activities include snowshoeing and having fun on kicksleds.

The Laurentides reserve is also a protected natural area. Serving as a link between the Québec City and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean regions, this vast territory is overflowing with biodiversity. Cross-country ski trails wind through breathtaking snowy landscapes, making the reserve a popular destination for adventure seekers.

The Reserve’s many lakes and rivers are excellent for trout fishing, while the vast forests are an ideal setting for hunting.

The Québec City region is known for its snowy winters. It gets an average of over 10 feet of snow each year, making it one of the snowiest cities in the world! Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy this abundant precipitation on the slopes of several renowned ski resorts located just minutes from downtown Québec City, such as Stoneham, Le Relais du Lac-Beauport and Mont-Sainte-Anne.

Those who prefer a calmer winter experience can check out the ice hotel, located at Village Vacances Valcartier from January to March. Built with 2,300 blocks of ice and 15,000 tons of snow, this unusual hotel has a different theme each winter that is reflected in its design and decor.

Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or looking for unique city-based experiences, the Québec City region has something for everyone and promises to make your visit memorable!