Quebec's national parks will be free for one day next month but you'll need to reserve soon

If you're itching for one last nature escape before summer winds down in Quebec, September might just hand you the perfect excuse. And it won't cost you a thing.

Once a year, Quebecers get a rare chance to visit some of the province's most beautiful parks for free. The event returns this fall, but it comes with a catch: spots are limited, and you’ll need to act quickly if you want in.

Organized by Sépaq, the province's outdoor recreation agency, Quebec National Parks Day is set for Saturday, September 6, 2025. For one day only, the $10.10 daily access fee will be waived at 23 participating parks across the province — from the forested trails of Mont-Tremblant to the dramatic cliffs of the Saguenay fjord.

Here's the fine print

While entry is free, a reservation is still required to secure your access, and bookings open on August 7 (exactly 30 days before the event). Everyone under the same booking will need to arrive together in one vehicle, and entry may be refused if parking lots or park capacity fills up.

So while the offer is generous, it's not exactly a free-for-all, and planning ahead is key.

What's included

Your reservation covers basic access to the park for the day, meaning you can hike, bike, picnic, or join in on guided conservation activities. However, accommodations like camping, cabins, or ready-to-camp setups aren’t included and must be reserved (and paid for) separately.

Where you can go

The full list includes 23 national parks across Quebec, including:

• Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
• Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville
• Parc national du Bic
• Parc national de la Gaspésie
• Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay
• Parc national du Mont-Orford
• Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno
• Parc national des Monts-Valin
• Parc national d'Oka
• Parc national de la Yamaska
• (and many more)

Whether you're looking for mountain trails, lakeside picnic spots, or a quiet forest escape, there's likely a participating park within driving distance. Most parks are also wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, but it's a good idea to check directly with the site before heading out.

Reservations and park info can be found at sepaq.com.

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