Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier - Sépaq

This park, considered a natural historical monument, is in one of Québec's most beautiful glacial valleys. It has a surface area of 670 sq. km (67 000 sq. acres) and is criss-crossed by over 100 km (62.1 miles) of hiking trails. A popular boating river runs right through it. Located 30 minutes from Old Québec, the park is one of the region's major attractions.

In the summer, you can go for a hike or learn more about local flora and fauna by participating in different activities with park naturalists serving as tour guides. You can go fishing, mountain bike across the valley, or canoe or kayak down the river. Unwind in this peaceful natural setting. The enchanting décor, multiple trails through the woods and range of accommodation options make the park a wonderful vacation destination.

In the winter, there are so many ways to have fun outdoors in the valley. Kilometre upon kilometre of trails are waiting to be explored while snowshoeing, hiking, Nordic skiing, backcountry Hok skiing, wilderness skiing or kicksledding. Take a fatbike out on the snow, squeal with glee like a child as you race down the hill on a sled or do a figure eight while skating. In the evening, you can go warm up in your cottage or yurt so you can be ready to play in the snow the next day.

Activities

  • Snowshoeing

    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…

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  • Fat Biking

    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…

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  • Backcountry skiing

    You can practise different winter activities, including mountain hiking, telemark skiing, snow surfing and snowshoeing in three sectors with a…

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  • Cottages and Houses

    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…

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  • Hiking

    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…

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  • Canoeing, Kayaking and Paddleboarding

    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…

    Read
  • Parks, Reserves and Resorts

    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…

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  • Fishing and Hunting

    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…

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  • Wildlife and Bird Watching

    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…

    Read

How to Go Car-Free:
Quatre Natures offers a shuttle service departing from Old Québec every day of the year, except in April.

Schedule:
All Days: 8am - 8pm

103, chemin du Parc-National
Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, QC,
G3C 2T5
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier - Sépaq

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  • Snowshoeing

    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.

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    Difficulty Level: Easy, Intermediate, Difficult
    Length: 49.1 miles

    AvailableUnavailable
    Backcountry Sector
    Snowshoe Rental
  • Fat Biking

    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.

    Access fee: Yes
    Trails Rating: Easy, Intermediate, Difficult
    Length: 12.4 miles

    AvailableUnavailable
    BMX
    Bicycle shop and repair
    Cross-Country
    Dirt Jump, Bike Park
    Downhill Trails
    Freeride
  • Backcountry skiing

    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.

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  • Sliding
  • Cottages and Houses

    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!

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    CITQ Number: 175976

    Number of Units: 24
    Number of Units With Air Conditioning: 0
    Number of Units With Private Bathroom: 24

    AvailableUnavailable
    Fireplace
    Free WI-FI Internet
    Indoor Spa
    Laundry
    Outdoor Spa
    Pet-Friendly
    Units with Television
  • Hiking

    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.

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    Admission Fee: Yes
    Length: 62.1 miles
    Hiking Season: Year-round
    Trail Rating: Easy, Intermediate, Difficult

    AvailableUnavailable
    Pet-Friendly
    Toilets
    Winter Hiking
  • Canoeing, Kayaking and Paddleboarding

    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.

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  • Parks, Reserves and Resorts

    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.

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  • Fishing and Hunting

    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.

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  • Wildlife and Bird Watching

    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.

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