Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier - Sépaq

The forests and bodies of water in Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier are home to a wide variety of plant and animals, which with a little patience and attention, can be spotted. The moose is king of the Jacques-Cartier River valley. Hikers often spot families of beavers on the Scotora trail. White-tailed deer, foxes and porcupines are also seen frequently. Expert and amateur bird watchers are invited to take part in the summer and winter censuses. Over 130 bird species have been recorded in the park.

Fishing is an integral part of the park's history. Cast a line during your visit and, who knows, you might have some impressive tales to tell about the one that got away. Spinning or fly fishing. Brook trout fishing on the Jacques-Cartier River (no reservations required: go fishing in waders or from a canoe) and in some lakes on the plateaus (reservations required; alternately, fishing rights may be obtained every morning during a draw at Camp Mercier). Fishing fee and licence may be paid onsite.

Extend your visit by staying at one of our cottages or EXP. Cottages for 2 to 14 people equipped with all the comforts of home (electricity, running water and full kitchen). If you want to try something a little different, spend the night in one of our 5 yurts, a charmingly rustic form of accommodation by the Jacques-Cartier River. A relaxing vacation in the great outdoors for couples, families or groups of friends!

Vast mountainous plateau measuring 670 km² (268 sq. miles) with deep gorges, at the bottoms of which are rivers whose steady flow is interrupted by the occasional rapids. The more than 100 km (62 miles) of hiking trails lead past churning rivers and through a forest of yellow birch to some of the park's most scenic landscapes.

See the park from a new perspective by exploring the Jacques-Cartier river. Nearly 26 km (16 miles) of boating pleasure for beginners and experts alike. Keep your eyes peeled as you travel downriver, as you will be crossing through moose, beaver and great blue heron territory. Five routes available, shuttle service. You can rent the following equipment by the hour, half-day or day: canoes, one- or two-person kayaks, inflatable rafts (for 5 or 7 people) or innertubes.

Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is host to one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Québec, the spectacular Vallée de la Jacques-Cartier. The Jacques Cartier River, calm in some places and turbulent in others, has sliced a 550-metre-deep channel into the plateau. A coniferous forest dominates the high plateaus, and deciduous trees people the deep valleys. Here, nature is both inspiring and serene.

You can practise different winter activities, including mountain hiking, telemark skiing, snow surfing and snowshoeing in three sectors with a surface area of over 200 hectares! Only reachable on foot, these sectors are neither groomed nor patrolled, though their boundaries are marked. Experienced individuals only, not recommended for beginners. Exercise caution when out in these sectors.

Fatbikes are bicycles equipped with oversized tires for ideal traction on snowy or sandy surfaces. There are more than 20 km (12.4 miles) of fatbike trails stretching from the Discovery and Visitors’ Centre to Pont-Banc. Fatbike rental onsite.

Something new! Since last winter, the park offers a 350-metre ice pathway where skaters can admire the river and the beautiful valley landscapes. Illuminated sections make this skating adventure even more magical at nightfall. Meet up at Pôle Belleau (km 10) where a heated hut awaits you. Don’t forget to bring your own skates! Rental equipment is not available.

The park has a network of 11 snowshoeing trails stretching out over 78.7 km (48.9 miles). If you want to have a snack or warm up, stop by any of the four heated way stations or the Discovery and Visitors' Centre. Snowshoes, hiking sticks and foot claws and fatbikes may be rented at the park. Nordic skiing may be practised here.