5 Activities to Try With the Family in La Jacques-Cartier

Annie Lafrance
Annie Lafrance
Published on June 22, 2022
Children have fun in the water games and the pirate lair at Village Vacances Valcartier.
Jeff Frenette Photography

Partner content: Tourisme Jacques-Cartier

La Jacques-Cartier is a giant playground near Québec City with mountains, rivers, streams, and forests as far as the eye can see. The waterslides at Village Vacances Valcartier and the activities at Jacques-Cartier National Park are always great, but if you head off the beaten path just a little, you’ll find plenty of other fabulous attractions. Want to try something new with the kids? Here are five activities the whole family will love. 

  • 1

    Explore Marshes Teeming With Life

    Discover a wide variety of plant and animal species hidden in the grasses and near the shores of Marais du Nord as you paddle quietly by in a canoe. They can be rented by the day or half-day. It’s a great way to try canoeing as a family in a safe setting with calm water. The kids will love seeing all the plants and wildlife in these protected wetlands. Who’ll be the first to spot a great blue heron or a mallard duck?

  • 2

    Get Into Mountain Biking

    Why walk the mountain when you can ride it? Mountain biking has seen a meteoric rise in popularity in recent years, and there’s never been a better time to introduce kids to the sport. At Empire 47, you can rent bikes for the whole family and take a lesson before hitting the trails, which range from beginner to advanced. Families with mountain biking experience can also check out Sentiers du Moulin for a day on the trails.

    Both parks have pumptracks for improving your technique without having to pedal. The kids will love it!

  • 3

    Meet Some Miniature Horses

    Horses are fascinating, but their size can be intimidating for children. That’s why miniature horses—which are much more approachable and extremely cute—make a great option for kids. In the horse park at Élevage de Lessard, kids get to learn how to groom a miniature horse and walk it on a leash. It’s an experience they won’t soon forget!

  • 4

    Take a Walk Through the Treetops

    A hike where your feet never touch the ground is sure to be a hit with kids and grown-ups alike. Try it on the treetop ropes courses in the middle of the forest at Arbraska Duchesnay, all the way up to the tops of the highest evergreens. With all the different courses, there’s something for everyone, from thrill-seeking adventurers to families. Other fun features include a Tarzan rope, suspension bridges, and a number of ziplines, all in a safe and friendly environment. There’s even a climbing wall for kids age seven and up.

  • 5

    Tackle a Real Maze

    Are your kids bouncing off the walls? At the Inukshuk Labyrinth, they can expend some of that energy running and brainstorming their way through the maze. The 12-sided structure with 275 doors should keep them busy for a while. It’s fun for all ages and accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. 

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Events in La Jacques-Cartier

  • Stepup Freeski Tour

    Stepup Freeski Tour

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  • Trail du Coureur des Bois

    Trail du Coureur des Bois

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  • Rodéo Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier

    Rodéo Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier

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  • Festival XTERRA Québec

    XTERRA Québec Festival

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  • XMan Race

    XMan Race

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Annie Lafrance
Annie Lafrance

A keen observer of consumer and design trends, journalist and columnist Annie Lafrance has specialized in fashion and lifestyle coverage for over 15 years. Its mission: to promote local creations, artisans and merchants in Québec City.

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