The province of Quebec has a lot more to offer than just Quebec City and Montreal.
Quebec’s 20 regions—from the far north around Hudson’s Bay to the shores of the St. Lawrence River—are full of national parks, water-based activities, adrenaline-inducing adventures and cultural experiences. Whether you want to learn how to be a musher for a dog sled, join a hunting group on Anticosti Island or go whale-watching in Gaspésie, the vast, bilingual province of Quebec is one of Canada’s best overlooked locations for a variety of outdoor experiences.
Here is just a small sampling of what the diverse regions of Quebec have to offer:
National Parks
Parc National Du Lac Témiscouata
(c) Sépaq - Parc national Témiscouata
Perched on the shores of Lake Témiscouata, this park offers a wealth of outdoor activities, such as hiking, cycling and boating. Fourteen new Huttopia tents will open in Dégelis sector for summer 2016. This accommodation option makes camping comfortable, with the two large beds, electricity and cooking utensils inside.
Click for more information: quebecoutdoors.ca/parks/parc-national-du-lac-temiscouata
Excursions
Hike the Appalachian Trail
(c) Sépaq, Luc Rousseau - Parc national de la Gaspésie
Gather your family or a group of close friends and take off to Gaspésie for a backcountry adventure. International Appalachian Trails organizes 4-day, 4-night shelter-to-shelter trips for groups of 8 or less in partnership with Parcs Quebec. All meals and transportation are included.
Click for more information: quebecoutdoors.ca/adventure/quebec-international-appalachian-trail
Wildlife Viewing
Whale Watching
(c) TQ, Benoit Cecile
The largest mammals on earth call Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park their home. This National Marine Conservation Park is located where the Saguenay meets the St. Lawrence River. Belugas, harbour seals and migrating birds can be spotted from shore or on a chartered boat. If you’re worried about disturbing these regal animals, rest assured that all captains must obtain training and a permit on how to adopt respectful behaviour and limit disturbances. Boats are limited by how close they are allowed to approach, so no matter which excursion you choose to take, you have the chance to get within 100-200 metres of a majestic whale.
Click for more information: quebecoutdoors.ca/parks/parks-canada-saguenay-st-lawrence-marine-park-cap-de-bon-desir-interpretation-and-observation-centre
Forest Lodging
Kenauk Nature
Picture this: a roaring, log-burning fire, warming the rustically furnished rooms of your private log cabin next to your own private dock, where you can go fishing, canoeing, snowshoeing or simply relax in the sun. These first-class chalets nestled in the woods have 1 to 7 bedrooms, fully equipped kitchens and a hot water tank for your comfort. Perfect for a family reunion or summer getaway.
Click for more information: quebecoutdoors.ca/lodging/kenauk-nature
Indigenous Experiences
Climb Mount D’Iberville Summit
Known to the local Aboriginals as “Torngait,” or “a place inhabited by spirits,” Quebec’s northern region is a nature-lovers heaven. Some of the best views can be found atop Mount D’Iberville in Parc National Kuururjuaq, the largest national park in Quebec. Parcs Nunavik takes guests on a 9-day guided expedition through the wilderness. Hikers will learn about Inuit culture as they trek up the mountain.
Click for more information: quebecoutdoors.ca/parks/parc-national-kuururjuaq
Aquatic Activities
Paddling
(c) Sépaq - Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
Parc National du Mont-Tremblant is Quebec’s second largest national park, after Parc National Kuururjuaq. It is located in the administrative regions of Laurentides and Lanaudière. Beautiful beaches line the six rivers and hundreds of lakes and streams that run through it. Rent a canoe or kayak and paddle through the calm waves on Lac Tremblant or sun-tan on the sand with your family next to a lovely rented cottage.
Click for more information: quebecoutdoors.ca/parks/parc-national-du-mont-tremblant
Quebec’s sprawling, peaceful landscape is likely to inspire quiet reflections and intimate encounters with nature and wildlife. Whether you are drawn to high-adrenaline activities or attracted to the vision of a serene cabin next to a lake, the province of Quebec has an eco-friendly activity for you to enjoy.
Ready to plan your eco-getaway? Let Quebec Outdoors provide you travel inspiration,
planning resources and more
Click here to see video or explore Quebec by region
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