3 Last-Minute Getaways to Make the Most of Fall
Content Partner: Tourisme Portneuf
It may seem like fall accommodations must be all booked up by now, but there are still some great options out there for last-minute plans! Here are some fun things to do on an affordable autumn getaway in Portneuf.
Our autumn picks:
Escape into Nature
Want to get your heart pumping while surrounded by the vibrant colours of fall? Portneuf is the place to be for a sublime outdoor getaway. The region boasts magnificent scenery and a wide range of activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports.
One of the top must-see attractions is Vallée Bras-du-Nord, a gorgeous river valley with a magnificent waterfall, 80 kilometres of hiking trails, and 100 kilometres of mountain biking trails. Here’s a tip: before heading out, download Ondago, a free GPS navigation app that shows you where you are on the trails, even when there’s no internet.
For an equally magical place that’s more off the beaten path, head to Parc naturel régional de Portneuf. This regional park has a number of hiking trails and is great for a variety of water sports, including canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding. Be sure to check out the Sainte-Anne river gorge to see a historical hydroelectric power station built in 1926.
For road cyclists, there’s the Vélopiste Jacques-Cartier Portneuf, a scenic bike path full of picturesque landscapes. And for those who prefer paddles over pedals, the Route Bleue has ten different canoe and kayak routes along the region’s waterways.
Accommodations for Outdoor Enthusiasts:
Parc naturel régional de Portneuf: Cabins, huts, and prospector tents
Centre vacances Lac Simon: A family-friendly all-season resort with regular and dorm-style cabins, prospector tents, and glamping domes
Station récréotouristique du Lac Blanc: Fully equipped loft cottages and tiny cabins with on-site activities and personalized services—because spending time in nature can be luxurious, too!
Wellness and Rejuvenation
Gizem Senturk
Domaine Grand Porneuf
In need of a little R&R? Portneuf is the perfect destination for a relaxing escape in enchanting surroundings. Practise yoga and meditation while basking in the beauty of nature for a weekend of pure relaxation.
Accommodations for peace and tranquility:
Escale au Lac: Tiny cabins with wood-heated saunas and hot tubs, combining the creature comforts of a hotel and the healing power of nature
Domaine du Grand-Portneuf: Ultimate relaxation in modern villas with access to a gym, sauna, spa, and heated pool
Gourmet Getaway
Portneuf is full of incredible food, with an abundance of farms, restaurants, and agri-tourism businesses waiting to be discovered. Sip local beers from one of the county’s five microbreweries, taste sweet maple products and artisanal chocolates, and load up on handmade goods and fresh fruits and vegetables at foodie destinations like the Chemin du Roy.
Cheese lovers won’t want to miss Fromagerie des Grondines. Take a guided tour and learn how their organic raw milk products are made, from harvesting the hay to maturing the cheese.
For those with a sweet tooth, Miel & Co bee farm and boutique is an essential stop for learning about beekeeping and stocking up on honey-based treats. We love their delicious honey lemonade and broad range of wellness products.
Portneuf has no shortage of fine dining establishments, but if you have to choose just one, make your reservation at the Biosphere-certified Restaurant Myranel, a favourite for its upscale plates and commitment to sustainability. (Don’t get starstruck, but the chef was a finalist for Chef of the Year in the 2024 Lauriers de la Gastronomie Québécoise!)
Accommodations for Foodies:
Auberge de l’Ouest: Century-old three-storey house with cozy rooms and sweeping grounds featuring a campfire and river access
Larguer les Samares: Minimalist bed and breakfast in the heart of a sugar maple forest
To learn more about the Portneuf region and plan your stay, visit www.tourisme.portneuf.com
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