10 Parks Near Québec City and in Chaudière-Appalaches

This huge protected area is home to one of Québec’s most beautiful glacial valleys. The winding river at the bottom serves as a stunning reference point. For the ultimate experience, go hiking in the morning and take a refreshing trip down the river in a canoe, kayak, or mini raft in the afternoon.

Right before it rushes into the St. Lawrence River, the Montmorency River leaps down a spectacular 83 m (272 ft.) fall, for a vertical drop that’s even higher than Niagara Falls! Enjoy the sweeping view of the St. Lawrence and Île d’Orléans from the suspended bridge above or, to get even closer to the falls, try the via ferrata.

About 30 minutes from Old Québec, there’s a gigantic canyon with an impressive 75 m (246 ft.) waterfall and rockfaces that were formed 1.2 billion years ago. Take a short hike through the forest to the 3 suspended bridges for an incredible view of the gaping chasm. If you’re feeling brave, there’s also the AirCANYON to cross the forest at full speed.

Hikers love Vallée Bras-du-Nord for its wild, unspoiled beauty. Try hiking, biking, or canoeing your way to Delaney Falls, still a well-kept secret. The valley also boasts nearly 60 km (37 miles) of custom mountain biking trails, half of which are for beginner and intermediate riders.

This multipurpose bike path runs along the mighty St. Lawrence River for a full 15 km (9 miles). Rent a bike in Québec City’s Old Port and cycle the loop: it takes you across the river on the Québec–Lévis ferry and back again on the Québec City bridge and offers great views of Île d'Orléans, Château Frontenac, the walls of Old Québec, and the two bridges at the western edge of the city. The path also takes you past many parks perfect for a picnic or a moment of Zen.

This is a nice park with a bunch of different lookouts and a suspended walkway for admiring the 35 m (115 ft.) falls. It also has picnic areas and 4.5 km (just under 3 miles) of footpaths. If you’re interested in hydro power, there’s a station that can power the homes of 5,000 families!

Located near the Québec–Maine border, Parc des Appalaches is full of eskers, waterfalls, bogs, mountains, lakes, and rivers. Go canoeing, kayaking, or SUPing along the Noire Nord-Ouest River and hang out on the gorgeous natural beach. For the full adventure, try an overnight stay in one of the park’s huts or micro cabins. It’s a great way to get away from it all.

Massif du Sud is a 917 m (3,009 ft.) mountain group with 71 km (44 miles) of hiking trails that take you through ancient forests and past gently flowing rivers. Test your skills on the 17 km (10.5 miles) of singletrack downhill mountain biking trails or try the most popular hike in the park: the 3-hour trek up Mont Chocolat.

As the name suggests, hiking is the main activity here, with three hills that offer incredible views of the surroundings, including an old chromite mine pit. Why not treat yourself to a night in a yurt with a view? So Instagrammable!

Need to unwind? Try Domaine Joly-De Lotbinière. With over 2,300 plant varieties artfully arranged in 11 different gardens, it’s known as one of the prettiest gardens in North America. You can have a picnic in the shade of 100-year-old trees and go for a 10 km (6.2 mile) walk along the St. Lawrence River.