7 large spaces accessible to all
One of Quebec's riches is its vast protected spaces. You don't need to be an experienced adventurer to visit them. Everyone can enjoy them, each in their own way. Here, you'll discover nature in its purest form, with landscapes that command a stop.
Gatineau Park
photo provided by CCN
Managed by the National Capital Commission (NCC), the park is crossed by a scenic route shared with cyclists. Viewpoint at the Champlain Lookout.
Hiking trails. Five beaches. Canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals. Discover Lusk Cave. Camping and equipped tents for rent.
Forillon National Park
photo provided by Parks Canada-Mathieu Dupuis
Sea, cliffs, and forest form this spectacular park near Gaspé. Explore it on trails with beautiful views, or by sea kayak on a guided tour.
Swimming at Penouille Beach. Small boat cruises to observe seals and seabirds. Camping. Equipped oTENTik tents and unusual cabins for rent.
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/forillon
The Hautes - Gorges -de-la- Rivière - Malbaie National Park
photo provided by Tourisme Charlevoix
An hour from Baie-Saint-Paul, gorges over 800 meters high shape the landscape. Trails are available for all levels, including those for experienced hikers, such as the Acropole-des-Draveurs. Lookout points offer panoramic views.
For rent: canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. Discovery cruises by riverboat. Camping for tents and RVs. Cabins.
La Mauricie National Park
photo provided by Parks Canada-Buzz productions-François Pilon
At the large Wapizagonke Lake, there's a small beach where you can rent canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. A 10-minute walk away, you'll find a refreshing dip in small waterfalls.
Hiking trails. Cycling on the road. Walking. Camping. Canoe camping. oTENTik tents.
www.parkscanada.gc.ca/mauricie
The Eco-Laurentides Park
photo provided by Les Refuges perchés
Little-known despite its proximity to Mont-Tremblant, this natural site is distinguished by its kilometer-long floating footbridge along Trout Lake. Several short, easily accessible trails are available.
Recommended: Download an Ondago map. Accommodation at the Refuges Perchés, charming cabins.
Mont-Orford National Park
photo provided by Sépaq-Sébastien Larose
A strenuous hike leads to the summit of Mont Chauve, but there are also easy trails like Étang-Fer-de-Lance. There's a forest bike path. Mountain bikes (for rent). Also available for rent: paddleboards, kayaks, and pedal boats. Swimming at Stukely and Fraser beaches.
Camping. Ready-to-camp. Cabins.
www.sepaq.com/pq/mor/index.dot
The Portneuf Regional Natural Park
photo provided by Portneuf Regional Natural Park
Gorges. Cliffs. Falls. This park between Trois-Rivières and Quebec City is a source of wonder. A wide variety of trails. Stretching over 980 meters, the Trou du Diable cave is the second longest accessible cave in Quebec.
Kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals. Cabins. Shelters. Camping. Ready-to-camp. Rustic cabins.
LE Journal de Montreal
