The weather in Quebec seems to be up and down lately, and like you, we're desperate for warm sunshine so we can explore all the gorgeous views Quebec has to offer — so much so that we're thinking of taking up hiking for beginners.
We've rounded up some of the best and easiest hiking trails in Quebec for your first spring or summer hike of 2021 in the province.
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is located close to Quebec City and boasts an 83-metre-high waterfall — perfect for your first spring views.
The majority of the trails are rated as "easy" and are mostly stairs.
If you do decide to go for more of a challenge, though, the intermediate-level panoramic staircase, which usually opens later in the spring, is the perfect hike around the body of water. Who needs Niagara?
360 Trail, Mont Tremblant
Kevin Ketchman, who reviewed the 360 trail, called it "a 360-degree tour across the summit of Mont Tremblant," which is about two hours away from Montreal.
According to the Hiking Project, the summit can be accessed from the main gondola at the bottom of the mountain or by hiking. But, either way, you'll climb over 300 feet in just 1.5 miles.
It lives up to its name — no matter where you are, you'll be able to see mountainous views all around, with very small portions of forested areas on your hike.
The trail is only open during the summer and fall.
La Lucarne, Gaspésie
Parc national de la Gaspésie boasts so many hiking trails, it's hard to choose one! On the plus side, there are only a few easy hiking trails. The rest are for experienced hikers.
According to Sépaq, La Lucarne lookout can be accessed by completing La Chute-Sainte-Anne trail, giving hikers a landscape view of the Rivière Sainte-Anne valley.
The whole hike takes approximately one and a half hours total, and you can bring your pup with you under certain conditions.
Du Banc, Forillon
Parc national Forillon is in Gaspé. It's a 10-hour drive so it's a serious road trip but well worth it. Forillon's easy four-kilometre Du Banc trail allows hikers to run, bike or walk the seaside path around Quebec's Forillon cliffs.
On Du Banc, you'll even be able to take in the Cap-des-Rosiers lighthouse and overlook the Carricks Shipwreck Monument in memory of passengers who drowned off Cap-des-Rosiers in 1847, according to Parks Canada.
La Lumière trail, Petite île au Marteau
La Lumière trail in the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve is a distance from Montreal — 12 hours away — but its gorgeous sea cliffs and beachy views are the perfect summer getaway.
According to Parks Canada, the lighthouse on Petite île au Marteau has prevented many a shipwreck since the early 1900s. The easy La Lumière trail, which only takes 30 minutes and is wheelchair accessible, is the perfect quick hike for your weekend getaway.
Chute Parker, Parc national de la Mauricie
The Chute Parker trail at Parc national de la Mauricie in Shawinigan is around three hours from Montreal by car and offers gorgeous rocky views of local lakes, falls, rivers and ponds.
The three-hour trail in the Saint-Jean-des-Piles sector is considered moderate, according to Parks Canada, and the starting point can be found at the park's Saint-Gérard Entrance.
If you're looking for something even easier, try the Lac Étienne or La Cache trails whenever they reopen.
Check trail conditions before heading out.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
