4 Unique Nature Experiences You Have to Check Out Near Québec City

One of the most unforgettable getaways in North America lies at your doorstep.

You know what that means: Road trip.

We’re talking about Québec City and its stunning surrounding area, a vast expanse of natural beauty ideal for activities and exploration year-round. It’s the perfect combination of the great outdoors and urban exploration.

You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time in the city as you take in its European charm offered by old walls, houses, and historic sites.

And for a break from the bustle, there are some pretty incredible natural getaways just a short drive away. Here are just four of them…

Canoe and Mountain Bike at Vallée Bras-du-Nord
After you explore the museums, cafes and terraces of the city, head to one of Canada’s most breathtaking outdoor escapes, Vallée Bras-du-Nord. Here, you can spend the day canoeing, trekking, or mountain biking 100 kilometres of marked trails in a stunning natural environment – and even sleep in a yurt. “The nature is wild and exceptional, typical of a glacial valley with a mixed forest, and there are so many interesting ways of feeling the atmosphere – from mountain biking to canoeing,” says Frederic Asselin, General Manager of Vallée Bras-du-Nord.

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Knight Hide / Vermont

Zip Line Over Montmorency Falls
What better way to experience a stunning waterfall than to zipline over it? Located just 12 kilometres from the heart of Québec City, Parc de la Chute-Montmorency and its breathtaking falls is a truly magical spectacle. The new 300-metre double zip line takes you over the falls, which dominate the scenic landscape and are a full 30 metres taller than Niagara Falls. If you need a trusted partner in crime for the adrenaline rush, the zip line lets two people simultaneously cross the cove of the falls.

PCM - Parc de la Chute-Montmorency

Fokus Productions / Sepaq

Hike at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is a provincial park located just 30 minutes north of Québec City. Here, you’ll find a mountainous plateau filled with deep valleys and one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Québec. A coniferous forest and wild river characterize the serene landscape. If hiking is your thing, the park features over 100 kilometres of hiking trails that will take you through the region’s most impressive landscapes. Make sure your phone has a full battery – you’ll want to capture these views.

JAC - Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier

Steve Deschenes / Sepaq

Via ferrata at Canyon Sainte-Anne
A ferrata journey at the breathtaking Canyon Sainte-Anne will take you up close and personal with the picturesque waterfalls. If you’re in the dark, the via ferrata is a cross between hiking and climbing. It brings you so close to the waterfalls you won’t believe the breathtaking view. Thanks to metal connectors and a steel cable, you won’t fear your life on the excursion. You don’t have to be an experienced hiker, either – the activity is offered at varying degrees of difficulty.

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In addition to all this beauty and nature, Québec also has some pretty awesome summer events and festivities, making it the perfect summer getaway. Definitely worth the trip.

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