10 Outdoor Activities for Family Fun

Snow sliding is a winter activity loved by all ages — fun guaranteed!

Must-do experiences:

• Enjoy the many snow slides at Village Vacances Valcartier, including the fun-filled Tornade and Rafting runs.
• Race down the exciting slides on the Dufferin Terrace, surrounded by a picture-perfect setting.

Lace up your skates and enjoy this classic northern pastime with the whole family on the many ice rinks throughout the region. If your children are still learning, choosing quieter time slots will help ensure a more enjoyable experience.

Must-do experiences:

• Take in the magical setting of the Place D’Youville ice rink, nestled against the historic fortifications.

• Glide across the refrigerated ice at the majestic, historic Plains of Abraham.

• Skate to upbeat music at the Port of Québec’s Discoglace.

• Enjoy skating in the heart of nature on frozen trails in Shannon and Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, or in Lac-Beauport.

A visit to Old Québec instantly transports you to another era, offering a welcome escape from everyday life.

Must-do experiences:

• Take in the unique features that make Old Québec a UNESCO World Heritage gem: its fortifications, gates, cobblestone streets, and beautifully preserved historic homes.

• Warm up with a hot chocolate from the 1884 kiosk, Chez Paillard, or Maison Smith.

Built from 2,300 blocks of ice and 15,000 tons of snow, the Ice Hotel is the only one of its kind in the Americas.

Must-see highlights:

• Be amazed by the Grand Hall, the chapel, the giant slide, and the themed suites.

The region is home to four ski resorts, each offering a distinct experience for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.

Must-do experiences:

• Try skiing or snowboarding for free on the beginner slopes at Stoneham and Mont-Sainte-Anne (equipment not included).

• Enjoy the region’s largest selection of illuminated trails for night skiing at Le Relais, the ultimate family-friendly ski centre.

When the trails are well packed and temperatures aren’t too cold, fatbiking is the perfect activity to get your teens outside. Younger riders with solid cycling experience will also enjoy this increasingly popular winter sport.

Must-do experiences:

• Take advantage of a large rental bike fleet and explore perfectly groomed trails at Empire 47.
• Ride through downtown with a guide on a flat route, or rent a bike by the hour with Echo Sports Tours.
• Pedal through the forest at Centre Nature de Saint-Basile or Centre Castor.

Snowshoeing is easy to learn, though it can be more demanding for younger children. Our tips: start with very short outings and gradually increase the distance based on your child’s comfort and enthusiasm. Bringing along a thermos of hot chocolate as a surprise is a great reward for little ones who have worked hard!

Must-do experiences:

• Take advantage of free access for children under 17 in parks operated by the SÉPAQ network, including Jacques-Cartier National Park, Station touristique Duchesnay, and Camp Mercier.

• Try one of the four self-guided discovery rallies at Jacques-Cartier National Park — a fun way to keep young explorers motivated along the trail.

Cross-country skiing is a wonderful way to stay active, but like snowshoeing, it can be more demanding for younger children. To start, choose easy, mostly flat trails and gradually increase the level of difficulty with each outing. As for teens, chances are they’ll enjoy the challenge of climbing — and especially the thrill of gliding down — more intermediate trails.

Must-do experiences:

• Introduce young skiers at Base de plein air de Sainte-Foy, Domaine Maizerets, or Ski de fond Stoneham, all known for their flat, beginner-friendly trails.

• Take advantage of free access and free equipment rentals for children under 17 at Station touristique Duchesnay  and Camp Mercier.

Catch fish without worrying about mosquitoes and take in the stunning snowy landscapes.

Must-do experiences:

• Go ice fishing in the heart of the city during the Village Nordik event at the Port of Québec or at Base de plein air de Sainte-Foy.

• Try ice fishing while staying at Station touristique Duchesnay, Au Chalet en Bois Rond, Pourvoirie du Lac-Beauport, or Réserve faunique de Portneuf.

Choosing a stay surrounded by nature turns even a single night into a memorable experience — one your children will remember for years!

Must-do experiences:

• Step off the beaten path with unique accommodations, such as a floating Bora-Boréal house or a yurt at Vallée Bras-du-Nord or Village de Yourtes Valcartier.

• Enjoy a dream vacation at a mini-resort offering plenty of on-site activities, like Hôtel Valcartier or Au Chalet en Bois Rond.

Prefer to stay indoors? The Québec City area also offers a wide variety of fun and educational indoor activities!