Portneuf

Built in 1731 to link Québec City and Montréal, Chemin du Roy, or the King's Way, is Canada's oldest highway. On the banks of the St. Lawrence River, you'll come across three of the prettiest villages in Québec: Neuville, with its heritage homes and gardens overlooking the river; Cap-Santé, proud home to one of the few remaining Québec churches dating back to the French Regime; and Deschambault–Grondines, with its Vieux Presbytère, built in 1815, and the magnificent Église Saint-Joseph. Nearby must-sees include two historic monuments: Moulin de La Chevrotière and Moulin à vent de Grondines.

There's a veritable playground here for anyone who loves the outdoors. Heading toward Saint-Raymond, Vallée Bras-du-Nord is a hikers', paddlers' and mountain bikers' paradise. Explore its impressive trails and admire the 150-meter-high Delaney Falls! Saint-Raymond is also home to La Vallée Secrète, where parents and kids can take part in interactive adventures under the tutelage of local gnomes!

In Saint-Alban, a section of Rivière Saint-Anne—Secteur des gorges de la rivière Sainte-Anne—is fully marked out for family activities. Interpretive paths have been laid out along the riverbank, and canoes, kayaks, and inflatable rafts can be rented onsite. Steep cliffs make this the ideal spot for rock climbing and spelunking! In winter, trails are groomed for snowshoeing and, cross-country skiing.

Great adventures await you farther north near Rivière-à-Pierre in the 775-square-kilometer expanse of Réserve faunique de Portneuf, with its 375 lakes and 11 rivers. And close by this wildlife reserve's entrance, the amazing geology of Chutes de la Marmite makes these captivating falls another must-see.

A Blue Route for Nautical Activities

Did you know you can go sea kayaking on the St. Lawrence River? Follow "Route Bleue", a safe and well-marked water trail from Deschambault–Grondines to Neuville. If you're a thrill seeker, try rafting, canoeing, or kayaking on the Jacques-Cartier River between Donnacona and Pont-Rouge for some unforgettable memories. 

Look for the gourmet and original activities of Õ Pagaie, which will introduce you to the Portneuf region through its bodies of water and the know-how of its artisans. A happy combination!

A Green Route for Bikes

LCycling is another great way to tour the region's picturesque villages. You can follow the bike-friendly Chemin du Roy, part of the province's "Route Verte" network, or choose the Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf bike path for some 60 kilometres of superb cycling.

A White Route Through the Snow

When the snow falls, there's all kinds of fun to be had on the trails and paths of the Portneuf region! Whether walking or snowshoeing—both popular activities—a flurry of possibilities await. Snowmobile fans can enjoy over 1,000 kilometres of marked trails, while cross-country skiing, sliding, and dogsledding are also wonderful ways to explore the area's natural beauty.

During warmer weather, hungry travellers will find numerous farm stands along Route 138. You can buy fresh fruits and vegetables from Neuville—home of the area's best sweet corn—to Donnacona. Just down the road, the Deschambault public market is worth a stop if you're hankering for some regional products.

You can also pick your own berries at fruit farms throughout the area.This is a region renowned for its cheeses, so why not visit Fromagerie des Grondines, as well as Fromagerie Alexis-de-Portneuf in Saint-Raymond.