Quebec City hiking should be more popular than it is. We are lucky to have so many unique locations around the province and its capital to absorb our beautiful wilderness, but hikes near the city don’t always get the respect they deserve.
Anyone planning a trip to Quebec City should take an afternoon off and disappear into the mountains for a taste of the great outdoors.
Many trails are professionally groomed and lead you up to great elevations for views you can only believe with your own eyes. The options are aplenty so based on the season you’re here, I’ve made it easy to get some hiking in while visiting Quebec City.
Spring Walking in Marais du Nord
Difficulty: Mostly Easy
# of Trails: 8
Total Trail Length: 9 km
Distance From Downtown: 30 km
Cost: $$
Spring is the best time to traverse the Marais du Nord because of the wide variety of flora and fauna and the overwhelming number of bird species. At this time of year, over 150 different types of birds can be seen along the 8+ km of trails.
There’s not much elevation change here, so it’s accessible to the whole family and those who want to take it easy. One trail offers a short hike to the top of the hill, which is best for panoramic photos.
Alternative Spring Hike at Rivière St. Charles Linear Park
Set along the river, the Société de la Rivière Saint-Charles Linear Park is a great place to watch the landscape awaken from its winter slumber. With paths that duck into the woods and follow right along the riverbanks, you’ll see nature at its best throughout the 32 km trail.
Summer Hiking near Quebec City at Sentier des Grèves Trail
Difficulty: Easy
# of Trails: 1
Total Trail Length: 7.1 km
Distance From Downtown: 14 km
Cost: Free
This is an excellent trail for anyone who’s in a rush. You still get a healthy dose of nature without having to drive far or spend the whole day out. It’s perfect for the summer months when the days get humid, and you don’t want to overexert yourself.
This is also a busy trail, so it’s a great place to people-watch and see some of the residents just living their best lives. Sentier des Grèves Trail is an out-and-back design, leaving you right where you parked your car to easily return to Quebec City.
Summer Alternative Hike at Mont À Liguori
A little further out of town, Mont À Liguori is a great trail for those who want to work up a sweat. This intermediate trail ascends the mountain and offers spectacular views. The good news is that the higher you get, the cooler breeze you’ll get as well.
Autumn Hiking near Quebec City in Mont Saint-Anne
Difficulty: All Levels
# of Trails: 10
Total Trail Length: 40+ km
Distance From Downtown: 42 km
Cost: $$$
For anyone who loves outdoor activities, you’ve probably already visited Mont Sainte-Anne. If not, what are you waiting for? Hiking near Quebec City is not hard to find, but if you want to enjoy even more of nature, then this will be your Disneyland.
The trails are carefully plotted through the most beautiful areas of this landscape and range from beginner to advanced. You may not see a lot of wildlife, given how busy the area is, but the views from higher elevations will make up for it, especially if you take the gondola.
Looking for Cool Tours While in Quebec City?
Look no further! We’ve noted the best ones for you right here:
- Sighseeing cruise of Quebec City
- Montmorency Falls & Ile d’Orleans Half-Day Tour
- Old Quebec City Food & Drink Tour
- Crime Walking Tour in Old Quebec
- Guided Tour of the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac
Looking to craft your own tour? Get this amazing ebook about île d’Orléans to create your own itinerary!
For a whole lot of other awesome tours in Quebec province, check out this article: 46 Ultimate Best Quebec Guided Tours You Should Book Now in the Province.
Autumn Alternative Hike at Montmorency Falls Park
If you want a winter waterfall, you’ve found it. This trail explores all angles of the 270-foot falls, so you’ll be able to get great pictures and feel just how powerful water can be. Be sure to cross the bridge as well for an added sense of adventure, just like in the movies and grab your gondola tickets here.
You can also take a half-day tour from Quebec City including Île d’Orléans if you don’t want to go on your own.
Winter Walk at the Jacques-Cartier National Park
Difficulty: Moderate
# of Trails: 9
Total Trail Length: 100 km
Distance From Downtown: 50 km
Cost: $
The mountains in Jacques-Cartier National Park are nothing short of stunning. Seeing them covered in snow in the winter is the best way to experience this part of the world but the site is opened year-round.
No matter which trail you choose, you’ll meander through wooded areas on paths that are maintained well for easy passage. This is a national park, so a fee will be involved, but it encompasses other aspects of the park as well.
Be sure to plan for a day or even a weekend to fully immerse yourself in this breathtaking scenery.
Wanting more action? Book this cool snowshoeing tour of the park!
Winter Alternative Hike at Mont Wright Park
If there’s anything better than snow-capped mountains, it’s seeing tall, strong pine trees draped in a fresh coat of fluffy snowflakes. Mont Wright is an ancient tree sanctuary, and you’ll be hiking through some of the oldest trees in the province. This conservatory works hard to maintain Mother Nature’s hard work for us to enjoy.
There’s no shortage of options when you’re looking for the best Quebec City hiking placesin or around the capital, and it doesn’t matter what time of year you get the itch to hike; you’re always a short drive from hitting the trails.
Hope to see you out there!
Here are some other articles about Quebec City that may interest you to further plan your travels in Quebec for a hike.
- How to Get From Quebec City Airport to Downtown
- Best Dog Sledding in Quebec: Places to Try This Winter
- 5 Best Indian Restaurants in Quebec City
- 12 Fun Indoor Activities in Quebec City
- A 3-Day Quebec City Winter Itinerary
- Is Quebec City Safe?
- The Perfect Romantic Getaway in Quebec City: Original Ideas for an Unforgettable Weekend
- Well-Kept Secrets: 5 Best Photo Spots in Quebec City
- Best Nordic Spas in Quebec City: Which to Visit?
- Biking in Quebec City: A Complete Guide
What to Do in Quebec City region and How to Organize Your Trip
Curious about how to spend your day in the Quebec City region? Here’s a list of the top activities to consider adding to your plans:
- Admire Quebec City’s largest waterfall and take a cable car to the top of the Montmorency Falls.
- Experience a unique walking adventure in the heart of Old Quebec and learn about its history.
- Discover the food, beverages, and vineyards of Île d’Orléans.
- Explore the wilderness near Quebec City with a hike in the Jacques-Cartier National Park.
- Introduce yourself to speed skating in Quebec City with top athletes on an inside ice ring.
- Ziplining above the Sainte-Anne canyon near Quebec City.
- Sleep comfortably at the Fairmont Château Frontenac and enjoy an incredible view of the St. Lawrence River.
- Enjoy a peaceful room at the Hilton Quebec and take a dip in the only year-round heated outdoor pool in Quebec City.
Preparing For Your Trip
When I look for things to do in my destination, I always have a look at Viator, GetYourGuide, Manawa, Civitatis and sometimes even Expedia.
It’s first off a great way to find out what there is to do, but always a quick and easy method to book cheaply and efficiently with these renowned platforms.
Need a place to sleep? I find most of my accommodations on Booking.com but I also use Hotels.com for their rewards program (11th free night) as well as Expedia. When booking smaller places in Quebec, you might not find them here and need to contact them directly.
Looking for a cheap flight to the Outaouais through Montreal? Have a look on Cheapoair or Skyscanner I use regularly.
Once you’re there, rent a car to roam free with AutoEurope or RentalCars or hop on a bus around Gatineau, Montreal, Quebec, and surrounding cities with Busbud.
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