The hidden treasures of national parks
The vastness of Québec's national parks means that wherever they roam, visitors will discover secret locations, little known activities, and other small corners of paradise that aren't crowded and are certainly worth checking out.
So it’s up to us to unveil these hidden treasures that are guaranteed to delight nature and discovery enthusiasts such as yourself!
Parc national des Grands-Jardins
Be amazed while hiking or biking
Le Riverain trail – Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-rivière-Malbaie
Even though it’s sometimes overshadowed by legendary Acropole des Dravreurs trail, Le Riverain trail of Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie easily meets its competitor’s match! Discover this magnificent circuit which, in its first segment, offers splendid lookouts featuring a view of Cran des Érables. The second segment of the journey, for its part, unfolds along Rivière Malbaie, and the last segment requires more effort, but will reward hikers with a breathtaking view of the valley.
Chute-aux-Rats trail – Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
Located in La Pimbina sector of Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, Chute-aux-Rats trail will be a great discovery for the whole family. Traveling down this magnificent pathway on foot or by bike, you’ll arrive at a splendid waterfall more than 17 metres high. This reward is sure to raise the spirits of both casual and more dedicated hikers alike!
Grande-Rivière trail – Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville
A few minutes from Montreal, take a walk down Grande-Rivière trail. Stretching from the plain to the woods along the mighty St. Lawrence River, this trail will immerse you in the very essence of the main landscapes of Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville. To extend your excursion, you can cycle along the park's bike path. Covering a distance of 21 km, it loops around all of the park’s major islands. Take advantage of this family outing to enjoy a break at one of the picnic areas scattered along your pathway.
La Chouenne trail – Parc national des Grands-Jardins
Discover La Chouenne trail of Parc national des Grands-Jardins, the little brother of the ever- popular Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes trail. You’ll be offered magnificent vistas of the valley and the face of Mont du Gros Bras from the trail’s 730-metre peak. A dazzling spectacle from the very first kilometre of your hike!
Uncover water’s best kept secrets
Discovering Lac à la Barbue by canoe – Parc national de Frontenac
Parc national de Frontenac invites you to discover an important park landmark: beautiful Lac à la Barbue. The lake is home to all sorts of marshland, providing a vast array of habitats for its fauna and sustaining a wide variety of flora as well. A little tip: opt for a canoe trip, more specifically during July, when the lake becomes a true aquatic garden. Simply magnificent!
Exploration of a majestic glacial valley – Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
On board your watercraft, set off to discover one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Quebec, featuring a more than 550-metre entrenchment through which a sometimes calm, sometimes turbulent river wends its way. Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier offers various self-guided nautical circuits for different levels.
Fishing right by Antoine-Dubuc Lodge – Parc national des Monts-Valin
Hello anglers! Welcome to Antoine Dubuc Lodge! This magnificent log building is located in Parc national des Monts-Valin, at the foot of Vallée des Fantômes, and overlooks Baie d’Alexis, a sector on the edge of superb Lac aux Canots, nestled between mountains and hills, at an altitude of 650 m. Check out nearby Antoine, Culotte, and Martin-Valin lakes where you can drop your line for the day and snag some brook trout.
The splendour of the Touladi lakes and of Lac Témiscouata – Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata
Are you seeking nautical excursions and sandy shores? Majestic 40 km long Lac Témiscouata and the Touladi lakes, which have served as communication channels for millennia, will surely delight you. In a kayak, by canoe, on a pedal boat, or on a stand-up paddleboard, you’ll have a unique opportunity to see the park emblem, the magnificent Bald Eagle, when you set out on the water.
Getaway under the stars
A getaway just a stone's throw from the city – Parc national d'Oka
It's hard to miss Parc national d’Oka and its popular beach which delights visitors during summer days. In addition to its 11 km sandy shoreline, there are camping loop sectors, a number of which can accommodate recreational vehicles (serviced campsites), located near this activity hub. Les Dunes sector is the one nearest the beach.
Spend the night at the foot of the mountains – Parc national de la Gaspésie
Parc national de la Gaspésie is recognized as a top hiking destination in Quebec. Various circuits offer hikers the opportunity to immerse themselves in nature, sometimes on an easy trail in a valley, sometimes on a bare summit allowing them to grasp the mountain reality of the park. To be the first to hit the trails, consider spending the night at one of the four camping sectors featured in the park.
Stay at the heart of a diverse activity hub – Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
Parc national du Mont-Tremblant remains a top-notch camping destination for one and all. Whether you're looking for the comfort of Étoile ready-to-camps, the rustic charm of more rudimentary sites, or serviced sites with amenities, a camping stay in the park guarantees peaceful nights. Especially after navigating the park's rivers, you can expend your remaining energy on the many well-groomed trails or relax on a sandy shore where visitors will be charmed each and every time.
