During the hot summer months, vibrant meadows of wildflowers and rolling green hills come to life, and with them Quebec summer adventureswhich extend until the end of September or the beginning of October, invite. The lifeblood of it all are the province’s waterways, especially the majestic St. Lawrence River, which becomes a hub for a wide variety of summer activities. The St. Lawrence River may be one of the longest rivers in the world, but it’s also an estuary and a gulf, and its changing marine environment is as spectacular as the wildlife it attracts. It is also the source of Quebecthe history, culture and identity of , life evolving according to its rhythms and its tides. But perhaps the most powerful thing created by this waterway isn’t something you can touch and see, it’s something you feel. It’s a sense of adventure that takes over and makes you wonder what awaits around the next bend.
No matter what kind of outdoor experience you’re looking for this summer, Quebec is where the mountains, rivers and ocean converge and where the sun is as warm as the people’s welcome. Here’s what to do and see this summer. (And the next one, you’ll be back.)
Enthusiastic
If you like your vacation with a strong adrenaline rush, Quebec offers many thrills. Adrenaline-pumping two-wheeled adventures abound, with some of the best Mountain bike in the East. Charlevoix is known for its access to miles of singletrack, most of which offer stunning views of the St. Lawrence River.
On the water, sea kayaking or boat cruises are two of the most popular ways to get closer to the environment and all its wildlife. Paddle or take a zodiac ride in the Saguenay Fjord, a 65-mile-long water inlet created by ancient glaciation, and is home to curious belugas, minke whales and seals as they play near the surface of the water. For an even more intense water experience, try kitesurfing or windsurfing or even surfing – Guy’s Wave is an eternal river wave near the Parc des Rapides in Montreal.
For another thrilling day-long adventure, visit Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, a spectacular historic site punctuated by a 275-foot waterfall just 15 minutes from Quebec Town. With a via ferrata, zipline, suspension bridge, and cable car circling the falls, there’s no shortage of activities here to get your blood pumping. And if you want to complete the itinerary with more intense activities, you will find opportunities for hang gliding, skydiving, paragliding, rock climbing, rafting and canyoning throughout the province.
Relax
On the quieter side, there are plenty of options for relaxing rejuvenation in Quebec. For a huge dose of restorative nature, head to the wide array of national parks that line the St. Lawrence River. With half of Quebec wild and forested and over 300 lakes dotting the landscape, there are over 50 national parks and wildlife reserves across the province. Beautiful beaches, peaks, rivers, lakes and trails (even monoliths in the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve) make these parks the ideal place to disconnect and relax. Whether you prefer roughing it in a tent or renting a cabin, you’ll find an experience that will feed your soul.
One of the most enchanting ways to experience the majesty that unfolds from the shores of the St. Lawrence River is from the railing of a cruise ship. More … than 150 international cruise ships stop in the province each summer, and there are loads of other local operations that offer everything from a dinner cruise to a Zodiac excursion to a guided fishing excursion. All offer a front-row seat to the most exciting spectacle in the world: the 13 species of marine mammals, including whales, that make the Gulf of St. Lawrence their summer home. If whales are your thing but cruises aren’t, you can also watch them jump, play and even say hello with their huge tails from the shore. Pack a picnic and head to the shores of the Saguenay-Saint-Laurent. St. Lawrence Marine Park, the largest marine conservation area in Canada. Or drive the scenic Whale Route, a 550-mile stretch along the edge of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, stopping to soak up maritime history at interpretive centers and museums that dot the shoreline. You’ll also spot thousands of other animals (gannets, puffins, seals, etc.) along the way.
Explore
wherever you go Quebec, you will be led to explore the natural world. Same Montreal and Quebec The city coexists in harmony with nature, as do the countless riverside villages that dot the shores of the majestic St. Lawrence River. Get the best of both worlds by start your journey in one of the cities and then venture to other areas where you can truly enjoy the province’s access to the river, ocean and lakes.
Among the many ways to experience the wonders that await you, one of the best might be by bike. Try an easy 24km trail around L’Isle-aux-Coudres, or set your sights on longer routes, like the Route Verte, nearly 5,200km of designated cycle paths, lanes and roads that cross Quebec-Where Véloroute des Bleuets, which goes around Lac Saint-Jean. Whether you are on two or four wheels, the Lighthouse Trail is a must. These beacons that helped ships navigate the St. Lawrence Seaway safely are now treasured icons of the region’s rich maritime history. Visitors can visit many lighthouses along the Lighthouse Trail, and some of these historic structures even host overnight guests. The route passes by some 40 lighthouses that dot the sea cliffs of the Gaspé Peninsula, passes the renowned tourist attraction of Rocher Percé, a massive rock formation resembling a ship at sea, and skirts the rugged Chic-Chocs mountains. which rise majestically in its interior.
Bonjour Québec’s mission is to promote the destination. We are proud to showcase this magnificent territory, its creative culture, its authentic experiences and to encourage people from here and elsewhere to discover Quebec like never before. This is a place you will fall in love with at first sight or change yours saying you have to come back.
