Parc Regional de la Riviere du Nord

During wintertime, Parc Régional de la Rivière du Nord offers 14.4 km of winter trails, 17.2 km of cross country trails, a mini slope for sledding, and 19.3 km of snowshoeing trails in the forest. During summertime, it offers hiking and cycling trails, and nautical activities.

Why we love this park:

– Nearby Montreal, less than 45 mins drive
– Super nice scenery with the river rapids
– Simple trails, flat terrain, ideal for little hikers and beginners – circular and short trails
– Unique trails such as Sentier des Arts, a short trail with impressive wooden installations, Circuit Historique and Circuit Écologique – short trails with interpretation panels along the path

Sentiers pedestres des Iles de Berthier

La Société de Conservation, d’Interprétation et de Recherche de Berthier et ses Îles (SCIRBI) is a wetland reservation, known for its richness with fauna and flora. The main activity besides hiking is observing the 200+ species of birds, fish and rare plants in the island along footbridges, interpretation signs, and observation towers. This place was awarded by UNESCO in 2000 as one of the six world reserves of the world’s biosphere. The islands host a resting and feeding area for migratory birds such as herons and waterfowls. There are three trails on the island, this post is about our 7km+ hike on the island.

Canyon Sainte-Anne

Only 30 mins north from Quebec City, Canyon Sainte-Anne is a beautiful gorge, carved by the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River with a drop of 75 meters waterfall. With three suspension footbridges and many overlooks, you will not miss a drop. The hike is circular, from the main entrance, along bridges, walking on both sides of the gorge, first downhill until reaching the bottom of the canyon and then climbing uphill. Other activities are available in the park, Air Canyon, a high-speed short and zipline experience, 90 meters above the gorge and also rock climbing – via Ferrata.

Parc des Chutes de Sainte Ursule Hike

Parc des Chutes de Sainte Ursule offers great lookouts of the Maskinongé river’s waterfalls. This 2km hiking trail allows you to walk along the waterfalls and to view an impressive 70 meters drop. The hike is considered an intermediate level of difficulty. Picnic areas and a kids’ playground will let you enjoy nature with the strong sound of the streaming water. 

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook Hike

A must-see in the Easterntownship region is Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook. The hiking trail (which bears the same name) is a 3.5km round trip with exciting adventures along the way and wonderful views of the area. During the hike, you will encounter the longest suspended bridge in North America, an observation tower, a cave, a dam and a hydroelectric power plant.

Le Marais de la Riviere aux Cerises – The marsh of the Cherry River

Marais de la Riviere aux Cerises is a simple hiking trail in Magog along marsh, swamps and wetland. It offers free of charge trail network with wonderful views of Mount Orford and the Cherry River while hiking along a wooden deck above the wetland. The Marais Interpretation Centre exhibits a permanent exhibition which is great for families with kids. The simple trail is open all year round and is accessible for people with reduced mobility. Our walk was about 4.6 km in total.

La Cidrerie Michel Jodoin Hike and cider tasting

Cider house Michel Jodoin is located at the base of Mont Rougemont which is known for its apple orchards. This fourth generation family-owned apple orchard (since 1901) offers a nice boutique for their cider products, a guided tour of the cider house with tasting and a 3.6km hiking trail up the mountain (private property of the orchard). The trail is an intermediate level (round trip) to reach an elevation of about 220 meters. The scenery at the viewpoint is super nice. The trail is not suitable for young kids. Our 10 years old friend, completed the hike without a problem. For my kids (6 and 4) it was not easy. The trail is open all-year-round with a small entry fee.

Monts-Valin National Park (Sentier des Sommets)

A 6km loop trail in the Monts-Valin mountains, an intermediate-level, can be challenging for young kids. Not suitable for a baby stroller. In order to reach the trail’s starting point, you will go up the mountain by car. The trail goes inside very dense, rocky woods, then continues to a higher elevation with the main viewpoint at the “Pic-de-la-Hutte” – 900 meters elevation. A bit older kids will enjoy climbing over the rocks & tree roots, jumping over the water streams and enjoying nature. Our 6 and 4 years old managed to complete the trail with a smile.

Saint Gabriel winery visit and hike

Everywhere I go, I love to collect tourism brochures. Last Friday evening I was looking for a place to visit and I was going through my box, dedicated to activities in Quebec. I found a brochure about this place. After a search online, we decided to visit it the next day! We decided to combine a visit to the winery with wine tasting, a visit to a super nice antique tractor museum (ideal for tractor fans) and do a 4.5km hike (one way) which starts from the vineyards.

Yamaska National Park

Located in the Eastern Townships nearby Granby, Yamaska National Park is wonderful for families. Surrounded by hills, this man-made Choiniere Reservoir is ideal for family hiking, water activities, and biking. On a sunny day, we decided to combine a short hike and enjoy the park with its activities for kids.

Abbaye Saint Benoit du Lac and surroundings

Abbey Saint Benoit images have been featured in many regional touristic books. This magical historic landmark is a major attraction. Located in the Eastern Townships, the abbey is surrounded by mountains (Owl’s Head) and nearby the lake of Memphremagog. We also visited a soap factory nearby. Just a perfect day!

Mont Sourire Saint Donat

If you are looking for a beautiful viewpoint of the Lanaudiere region, this is the place to visit. The trail is about 2 km return – 900 meters to the viewpoint, mostly uphill (elevation gain of about 120 meters). 

Domain Saint Bernard Wheeler Fitness Trail

An excellent way to spend a day in the summer at Domain Saint Bernard. The park is packed with activities. Dip in the clear water and enjoy a canoe/kayak experience on Lake Raynaud. Circle the lake (2km) and exercise along 10 ultra-fun fitness station on the Wheeler Fitness Trail, visit the Birds Garden and watch the sun at the Velan Pavilion Observatory.

Huron Wendat Museum and Kabir Kouba Waterfall

The place to learn about the Huron-Wendat First Nations history. Wendake is a reservation of the Huron-Wendat and is located in the La Haute-Saint-Charles borough of Quebec City. Just 30 minutes from Quebec City you will find this beautiful reservation, with a great walk to see Kabir Kouba waterfall and the Huron-Wendat Museum.

Desjardins waterfall hike Porte Ste Béatrix

I am happy to write about this hike as we were confused from the information about this walk when we first looked at it. Hopefully it will be easier to follow now.

This great park is totally worth the visit. It has three main entrances, Porte Ste- Béatrix, Porte St-Jean de Marta and Porte Ste-Mélanie. The Rivière L’Assomption crosses this park and offers three waterfalls which can be viewed from bridges. The walk – Sentier Desjardins which is described here is about 5km return.

Lac des Femmes Loop trail near Mont Tremblant

If you are visiting Mont Tremblant National Park, head for this easy trail. It is about 3km long, loop shape and relaxed walk. Located near Monroe Lake, we were able to spot few animals – two deers, birds and a beaver swimming in the water. 

Grande Coulée Beer Festival Mont Orford

Last September we headed for the Grande Coulée Beer Festival at Mont Orford. I always try to collect regional tourism brochures everywhere I go and I found out about this fantastic beer festival this way. I am not 100% sure but I believe this is the second year this festival is taking place. Many Quebec microbreweries participated in this festival to present their beers along with local food stands and brasseries. The festival was taking place on the weekend of 15-17 of September 2017.

Each day of the festival had a program with different activities, DJ, inflatables for kids and play area, shows, etc.