It cannot be repeated enough: Quebec City is an extraordinary city for outdoor enthusiasts. Between the Saint Lawrence River, the Plains of Abraham, national parks accessible in less than an hour, and countless bike paths crossing the city, opportunities to get moving never run out. And after the effort, there is nothing better than stopping at Carrera Café in Petit Champlain to recover with a well-deserved good espresso or iced latte.

Hiking: must-see trails in the region

Jacques-Cartier National Park, 40 minutes north of Quebec City, is one of the most spectacular hiking destinations in the province. The deep valley and its steep rivers offer breathtaking landscapes in every season. Trails range from a 2 km family walk to multi-day circuits for the more experienced.

Cycling: bike paths and mountain biking

Quebec City is a bike city. The Cheminots corridor connects Quebec to Shannon on a former railway line converted into a bike path. The Marie-Hélène-Prémont bike route runs along the river to the east. And for mountain biking enthusiasts, the trails of Massif du Lac-Joseph or Montmorency Forest offer challenges up to the task.

Kayaking and water activities on the Saint Lawrence

The Saint Lawrence offers a fabulous playground for water sports enthusiasts. Local companies offer guided sea kayaking trips departing from Quebec City and the surrounding area, with the possibility of observing marine mammals in the Charlevoix region. The river is majestic, and paddling there at sunset, facing the Château Frontenac, is an unforgettable experience.

Winter activities: skiing, snowshoeing, and skating

In winter, Quebec transforms into a white paradise. Mont Sainte-Anne, 40 km from the city, is one of the largest alpine ski resorts in eastern Canada with 66 runs and a vertical drop of 625 m. The Massif de Charlevoix offers the greatest vertical drop east of the Rockies.

For gentler activities, the Plains of Abraham offer cross-country skiing and snowshoe trails, and the skating rink on the Plains is one of the most beautiful in the world. The Quebec Winter Carnival, in February, adds a layer of magic with its ice sculptures, slides, and lively evenings.

National parks and reserves: organized outdoor activities

Sépaq (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec) manages several national parks accessible from Quebec City: Jacques-Cartier, Grands-Jardins, Hautes-Gorges, and Montmorency. These parks offer quality accommodations, guided activities, and preserved nature. Ideal for those who want to enjoy the outdoors without improvising.

Before you leave: the departure coffee

Whatever the planned activity, the day always starts better with a good coffee. At Carrera Café, in Petit Champlain, you'll find your ideal caffeine fix: strong espresso for cold winter mornings, cold brew or iced latte for summer biking days. The team welcomes you with the same care put into every cup.

Also to read

Vacation in Quebec: cabins and nature getaways

Read the article →

Visitor's guide: 48 hours in Old Quebec

Read the article →

Espresso: anatomy of a perfect coffee

Read the article →