14 July 2021

7 challenges to take on with friends in La Jacques-Cartier

Are you the type of person who loves a good challenge? You’re in luck—there are plenty in La Jacques-Cartier! The region is full of outdoor activities that will get the adrenaline pumping. So… which of your friends are brave enough to tackle these challenges with you?

Photo: Xavier Girard

Brave the Rivière Jacques-Cartier in a raft

The Rivière Jacques-Cartier, with its Class 3 and 4 rapids, is a great challenge for novices and experienced rafters alike. Excursions Jacques-Cartier offers a 9 km half-day outing. Naturally, the activity is supervised by a safety kayaker and a professional guide in an inflatable raft.

Are you game?

If you want to take your adventure to the next level, try body surfing and cliff jumping, both available during the trip. Will you dare to give them a try?

Try a SUP fitness class

SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) is thriving in Québec and around the world. Have you already tried it? Maybe you feel like balancing on a floating board is child’s play at this point? Then it’s time to take things to the next level with a SUP fitness class. That’s what SUP Québec offers on Lac Delage. This medium-intensity class gives you a total-body workout that combines cardio and strength elements. Come test your strength, endurance, and balance! If you want to start with the basics, there are also “intro to SUP” classes available. And if you’re looking for something a little more active, but less intense, try SUP yoga. You can pay for individual classes or prepay for a set number of hours, which you can then share with friends.

Are you game?

Is working out on a SUP still not enough of a challenge? Why not try the intro to SUP racing? Get ready to paddle… hard!

Swing from tree to tree

If you’re not afraid of heights, you’ll love the Arbraska Duchesnay high ropes course. Located at the Station touristique Duchesnay, this spot offers five routes, totalling 85 different stations that increase in difficulty—you can take on rope bridges, nets, footbridges, and much more. Have fun monkeying around in the trees!

Are you game?

Face the ultimate endurance test by taking on the black Cougar Toggle circuit. You’ll need to be in great shape to tackle this extreme run!

Ride a mountain bike down a trail

La Jacques-Cartier is a mountain biker’s paradise! Hop on a bike (you can rent one on site) and ride the Sentiers du Moulin’s 40 km of marked trails.

Are you game?

Try one of the 6 enduro trails for guaranteed thrills.

Reach the top of a mountain

There’s no shortage of mountains in the Jacques-Cartier region. Grab your good hiking boots and choose your peak! Why not give Mount Wright a try? Or maybe you’d prefer the Boucle trail in Stoneham? There are plenty of challenges to choose from! Of course, the Jacques-Cartier National Park, with its more than 100 km of trails, is a favourite spot for hiking and offers spectacular scenery to boot.

Are you game?

Le Scotora trail has reopened! If you’re eager to try a 16 km round trip, head to Mount Andante, which soars to 809 m. The stunning view at the top is the perfect reward.

Climb rock faces

Have you ever tried outdoor rock climbing? Learn this sport “in the wild” with Passion escalade. They’ll teach you all the basics and safety instructions so you can top your first pitch.

Are you game?

Not your first time climbing? Passion escalade offers packages for all levels such as traditional lead climbing, self-rescue, and multi-pitch seconding courses to keep you on the move.

Learn archery

Have fun trying to hit a target with your bow and arrow. Give it a shot at the Centre de plein air Le Saisonnier, which offers 45-minute packages. Do you have the precision and focus it takes?

Are you game?

Why not find an unconventional way to prove your dexterity?

If you need to unwind after all that adrenaline, end the day by relaxing in one of the Jacques-Cartier region’s spas!

Written by Maryline Préfontaine, L’Éclaireuse