5 Ways to Enjoy a Summer Getaway near Québec City

Nothing says vacation like relaxing by the water. With its numerous lakes, Portneuf is a gorgeous natural wonderland with tons of fun activities on offer by land or by water.

Enjoy the coastline at your choice of some 20 public access points to the St. Lawrence River, including marinas, wharves, beaches, and parks perfect for a picnic. 

Feel like going for a paddle? Go down one of the three certified sections of the Route Bleue on the Sainte-Anne River or on the majestic St. Lawrence River or hit the water with Õ Pagaie and taste some local delicacies along the way. You can also ply the tranquil waters of Bras-du-Nord or venture onto the Jacques-Cartier River with its spectacular vertical cliffs aboard an unsinkable watercraft with Rivière Concept.

Foodies will swoon for Virée Enracinée, a food-focused event running all summer long that invites you to visit participating restaurants and try their deeply rooted dishes featuring products from local artisans. Hope you’re hungry!

When you’re ready to kick back with a refreshing beer, try out one of the region’s microbreweries: La Fosse, La Shed, Les Grands Bois, Le Roquemont and L’Esprit de Clocher. 

Wine-lovers will want to check out the Domaine des 3 Moulins winery—the perfect place for a picnic. At the Ubald Distillery shop, you can pick up an exceptional vodka or gin for cocktail hour.

An old railway bed turned cycling path, Vélopiste Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf offers 68 km of trail surfaced in stone dust. Start your journey at Rivière-à-Pierre (you can even get there by train from Montréal or shuttle from Québec City) and then enjoy a gentle, mostly downhill ride all the way to Corridor des Cheminots. Be sure to stop in Saint-Raymond, a bike-friendly town full of services for cyclists.

Chemin du Roy offers the perfect opportunity to soak up the majestic scenery as you pass through some of the most beautiful villages in Québec. Whether you’re travelling by bike or car, don’t miss Vieux Chemin in Cap-Santé

This picturesque road takes you past a number of heritage sites worth visiting: the Grondines windmill, the Vieux Presbytère de Deschambault rectory, and the Moulin de La Chevrotière mill. Cyclists can also take the Véloroute Portneuvoise cycling route to make a loop from Chemin du Roy.

When hunger strikes, you’ll have no shortage of options. In Deschambault, you can stock up on local products at the Magasin Général Deschambault general store and grab an ice cream at Julie Vachon Chocolats to enjoy by the river. A treat for all senses!