Quebec City-hiking-areas

Discover the Best Hiking Areas in Quebec City

Quebec City, a treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Just outside the city’s historic walls lies a world of pristine forests, scenic trails, and stunning vistas waiting to be explored on foot. Here are some of the best hiking areas in and around Quebec City:

Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier

A mere 40 minutes north of Quebec City lies Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier, a hiker’s paradise with over 600 kilometers of trails. The park is home to several mountains, including the iconic Mont Jacques-Cartier, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

  • Best Trail: Sentier du Mont Jacques-Cartier (6 hours, 25 km)
  • Difficulty Level: Challenging

Parc de la Rivière-Millésimée

Located just north of Quebec City, Parc de la Rivière-Millésimée offers a mix of forest and river trails for hikers of all levels. The park’s scenic paths follow the Millésimée River, providing opportunities to spot local wildlife.

  • Best Trail: Sentier de la Rivière (2 hours, 6 km)
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Île d’Orléans

Accessible by car or bike, Île d’Orléans is a charming island just outside Quebec City’s walls. The island boasts several hiking trails that take you through forests and along the shoreline.

  • Best Trail: Sentier du Littoral (2 hours, 4 km)
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Collines de la Rivière-Saint-Jean

These hills, located just outside Quebec City’s north end, offer a variety of hiking trails for all levels. The scenic paths take you through forests and along the Saint-Jean River.

  • Best Trail: Sentier du Pied-de-Coeur (2 hours, 4 km)
  • Difficulty Level: Easy

Tips and Essentials

Before hitting the trails, be sure to:

  • Pack plenty of water, snacks, and sunscreen
  • Wear comfortable hiking shoes or boots
  • Bring a map and compass or GPS device
  • Respect wildlife and other hikers
  • Check trail conditions before heading out

Get ready to immerse yourself in Quebec City’s stunning natural beauty and explore the best hiking areas the region has to offer!