9 Beginner Hikes In Quebec That Will Give You All The Views
Hiking is one of Quebec's most popular summer activities. As the season reaches its peak and parks across the province achieve their full summertime splendour, it's the perfect time to be planning your next jaunt through nature. After months of staying home, it's about time you stretch those legs out on a hike in Quebec.
Even if you're the most experienced hiker, a whole winter and spring's worth of rust is a real possibility. Before you tackle that giant mountain hike up north, maybe you ought to check out a couple of beginner hikes to get your blood flowing.ย
Luckily, Quebec's vast and untapped wilderness is waiting for you. With all kinds of landscapes and locales to explore, hiking in La Belle Province is a must-do adventure.ย
From small towns to giant valleys, tundra-like conditions and seaside paradises, Quebec has a lot to offer a nature lover if you know where to look.ย
Remember, if you're planning a hiking trip, be sure to respect all the recommended health and safety regulations.ย
Also, be sure to check out park and trail opening times.
Here are nine beginner hikes in Quebec that will give you all the views!
รle Nue de Mingan โ Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
Where: Mingan, QC
A short ferry ride across the bay from Mingan is this small island with some of Quebec's most bizarre landscapes.
The area is full of geological curiosities for you to explore. It's a very sensitive natural preserve, so be respectful when you visit.
La Mauricie National Park
Where: Chemin de Saint-Jean-des-Piles, Shawinigan, QC
As one of Quebec's most popular national parks, La Mauricie is a nature lover's dream destination.
You can explore over 150 lakes, see all kinds of wildlife, and witness the province's beauty.
The Saint-Mathieu sector has a number of easy hikes that take you past lakes, brooks, and streams.
Vallรฉe Bras-du-Nordย
Where: St-Raymond, QC
The Vallรฉ Bras-du-Nord is one of largest hiking trail networks in the province.
With 80 kilometres of trails that will take you over mountains and through valleys, it's a must for all hiking enthusiasts.
The easy, eight-kilometre hike along the sentier Bras-du-Nord takes you right to the Delaney waterfall, a "genuine force of nature" that "triggers awe in every hiker."
Champlain Trail โ Parc de la Gatineauย
Where: Luskville, QC
Just a couple of hours outside Montreal lies the Champlain Trail.
Don't let its short 1.1-kilometre-long trail fool you โ the Champlain Trail offers stunning views and you might even spot some wildlife!
It's an intermediate-level trail and not universally accessible, but its short length makes it a good place to start.
Forillon National Park
Where: 1238, boul. de Forillon, Gaspรฉ, QC
Located at the tip of the Gaspรฉ Peninsula, Forillon National Park has several hiking options for beginners and experts alike.
Explore some of the most unusual and breathtaking landscapes in North America.
The three-kilometre Les Parages hike offers a "panoramic view out over Gaspรฉ Bay."
Mont Pinacle, Coaticook
Where: 1883, ch. May, Coaticook, QC
Mont Pinacle is a popular and breathtaking hiking destination in the Eastern Townships.
At a height of 675 metres, the mountain's viewpoint offers spectacular views of the surrounding valley and villages.
It's another intermediate hike for those ready for a bit more of a challenge on their first hiking adventure.
Parc de la Chute-Montmorencyย
Where: 5300, boul. Sainte-Anne, Beauport, QC
A trip to Quebec City isn't complete without visiting the neighbouring Chute Montmorency.
Perhaps one of the province's most recognizable landmarks, the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency has plenty of hiking paths for both beginners and experts that offer amazing views of the waterfall.
Chambly Canal Path
Where: between Chambly and Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, QC
Much like the Lachine Canal path, the Chambly Canal path features plenty of hidden secrets and awesome photo spots.
Accessible to all, the 20-kilometre path, which is part of the Trans-Canada Trail, is ready to welcome you.
Pingualuit Craterย
Where: Nunavik, QC
Perhaps the most far-flung and expensive hike in Quebec, a trip to the Pingualuit Crater should be at the top of your lifelong bucket list.
A vast boreal landscape with a centuries-old crater awaits you in Nunavik.
Enjoy your summer hikes, everyone!
We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment and obey any local laws.