10 Ways to Get Outdoors and Off the Beaten Path

Who knew rafting could be relaxing? It’s true! Just head to  Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval, a mere 30 minutes outside Québec City. From there, you can navigate a stunning 6 km section of the Montmorency River on a guided rafting excursion complete with secluded beaches where you can take a dip and explore the riverbank.

No car? No problem! Quatre Natures runs a shuttle service from Old Québec. Reservation required.

Snag a front-row seat to an Île d’Orléans sunset on a sea kayak excursion with Quatre Natures. Their certified guides accompany small groups of kayakers out on the water for a happy hour like no other. Daytime excursions are also available, including an excursion that takes you around the island and one designed for families.

Shuttle service from Old Québec available. Reservation required.

Õ Pagaie in Portneuf has come up with a new way to satisfy your love of food, out on the water. The company has joined forces with several local food artisans to create unique paddleboarding adventures with a gourmet twist. From the brunch sampler to the picnic lunch on the water to the three-course taco dinner on a secluded island, Õ Pagaie has you covered with excursions throughout the day.

Adventure enthusiasts will be thrilled with Rivière Concept's unique white-water experience in a packraft—a lightweight, stable, and unsinkable hybrid between a kayak and a raft. Regardless of the weather, you'll explore the stunning Jacques-Cartier River, navigating a descent bordered by vertical cliffs reaching up to 75 meters high.

Rent a kayak, canoe, or paddleboard from Canots Légaré, just 15 minutes from Québec City, and spend an hour, an afternoon, or a day exploring the Saint Charles River. The folk at this family-run business will set you up with everything you need to cast away on a calm 20 km stretch of the river. All ages welcome! 

One word to describe Jean Larose Falls: spectacular. The 400-odd stairs that take you to the three successive waterfalls were recently rebuilt. The falls are near Mont-Sainte-Anne and can only be reached on foot, making them something of a hidden gem. To get there, follow the gentle 4 km loop. You’ll be glad you did!

For a more intense hike, the Mestachibo trail combines a great workout with great views. This challenging route takes between three and five hours to complete one way. Be ready to scale several rocky areas and tackle elevation of some 530 metres. The trail starts at the church in the village of Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges and ends at Jean Larose Falls. We recommend arranging transportation to pick you up at Mont-Sainte-Anne and take you back to the village.

Centre récréotouristique des Hautes Terres in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval is the starting and ending point of the Montagne à Deux Têtes trail, an impressive 7.5 km intermediate-level loop you can take in either direction. On a clear day, sweeping views to the south reveal the hills and mountains of the Montmorency Valley, the village of Sainte-Brigitte, Québec City, the river, and the south shore in the distance. 

Want to see black bears from a safe vantage point? Check out Aventure Inukshuk. From an observation tower nestled in the forest, you’ll have a unique opportunity to watch these furry giants in the wild. The peaceful hideout is also the ideal location for spotting woodpeckers, blue jays, hares, and other woodland creatures.

Thrill seekers, this one’s for you. Skim the treetops at Arbraska Chauveau Park as you take on a series of seven giant ziplines that zigzag across the Saint Charles River, just 15 minutes outside the city. What a rush! There’s even an obstacle course way up in the tree tops.

At Canyon Sainte-Anne in Beaupré, you can walk along suspended bridges to admire the impressive 74-metre waterfall. But nothing compares to the excitement of an AirCANYON ride. Hold on tight as you fly over the canyon at 50 km/hour!