Quebec City sits at the junction of the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Highlands — a geographical location that makes it one of the most hiking-accessible cities in Canada. Within 90 minutes of the old city walls, you can be on a backcountry trail in the Charlevoix, summiting Mont Sainte-Anne, or exploring one of the most spectacular waterfall parks in eastern Canada. Here is the complete guide to hiking near Quebec City for 2026.
Urban and Near-City Trails
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Montmorency Falls is 30 metres higher than Niagara, and the park around it offers a network of trails, stairs, and a cable car that make it accessible to hikers of every level. The suspension bridge at the summit is spectacular, with the falls thundering through a narrow gorge below. The Via Ferrata route (reservations required) follows iron rungs bolted into the canyon wall for a more adventurous experience. In winter, the spray from the falls creates a massive ice cone that can be climbed by guided tour.
Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area
Cap Tourmente sits on the south shore of the St. Lawrence estuary where the river begins to widen toward the sea. The wildlife area is internationally famous as a staging ground for tens of thousands of snow geese in spring and fall migration, but the trail network here is excellent year-round. Climb the cliff trails for panoramic estuary views, walk through old farm fields being reclaimed by forest, and spot shorebirds in the vast tidal mudflats below.
Mont Sainte-Anne
Mont Sainte-Anne Regional Park — 40 km from Quebec City
Mont Sainte-Anne is the primary mountain destination for Quebec City residents and offers over 200 km of marked trails ranging from gentle valley walks to challenging summit routes. The gondola (operating in summer for hiking) gives non-hikers access to the summit panorama over the St. Lawrence River and the Laurentian Mountains. The mountain biking park in summer is one of the finest in eastern Canada. In fall, the forest colour on the mountain slopes is stunning — September and early October are the best times to visit for autumn foliage.
Charlevoix — Quebec's Most Spectacular Hiking Region
Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park
The Hautes-Gorges national park contains some of the most dramatic canyon scenery in eastern North America. The Acropole des Draveurs trail climbs 820 metres of elevation in 8 km to reach a clifftop viewpoint over a river gorge with walls nearly 1,000 metres high — among the highest canyon walls in eastern Canada. The park also offers boat tours through the gorge for those who prefer to experience the scenery without the strenuous climb. Multi-day backcountry camping is available for those who want to explore deeper into the mountains.
Grands-Jardins National Park
Grands-Jardins is a geologically fascinating park where the boreal forest gives way to sub-Arctic tundra on the higher plateaus — the result of conditions created by cold air that has pooled in this depression since the last Ice Age. The park is also a caribou sanctuary. Mont du Lac des Cygnes (994 m) offers a half-day hike with remarkable summit views of the Charlevoix highlands and the St. Lawrence estuary. The backcountry canoe circuit through the park's lakes is a classic Quebec wilderness experience.
Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier
Jacques-Cartier Valley — 40 km from Quebec City
Jacques-Cartier is the closest wilderness national park to Quebec City and one of the most beautiful. The park protects the Jacques-Cartier River valley, a dramatic glacially carved canyon where the river runs through a V-shaped valley between 550-metre walls. The La Coulée trail and the Les Loups valley floor trail are excellent beginner options. The Corridor des Caps de Charlevoix, a multi-day backcountry route that connects Jacques-Cartier to Charlevoix, is one of Quebec's finest long-distance hiking experiences. Kayaking the Jacques-Cartier River is possible from the park's main launch area.
Essential Hiking Gear
Waterproof Hiking Boots
Quebec's trails are often wet and muddy, especially in spring and fall. GORE-TEX boots with ankle support are essential for the rocky terrain of Charlevoix and Jacques-Cartier.
View on Amazon.caTrekking Poles
Particularly useful for the steep elevation gain on Mont Sainte-Anne and the Acropole des Draveurs. Adjustable aluminium or carbon poles protect your knees on descents.
View on Amazon.caHydration Pack (2L)
A hydration bladder lets you drink hands-free on steep trails. Essential for full-day hikes in summer when temperatures can climb into the 30s. Look for an insulated tube to prevent line freezing in early spring.
View on Amazon.caHiking Tips for Quebec City Region
- Best seasons: June to October for most trails. Some higher elevation routes (Acropole des Draveurs) may have snow until early June.
- Black flies and mosquitoes: Late May and early June in the forests of Jacques-Cartier and Charlevoix can be brutal. Bring insect repellent and head nets.
- Book campsites early: Sepaq backcountry sites book up weeks in advance for July and August. Reserve at sepaq.com as soon as the reservation window opens in March.
- Carry cash: Some park entry booths and smaller facilities are cash-only, especially early in the season.
For more Quebec outdoor adventures, explore our complete guide to the best hiking trails in Quebec and our top spots to visit in Quebec City.