Here are 5 activities to enjoy in La Jacques-Cartier, along with our suggestions for spots that offer accommodations specifically designed to improve accessibility.
Ramble in the forest
For many, recharging in nature is practically a necessity. The region is renowned for its mountains and spectacular trails that offer breathtaking views. Of course, forest trails can be rugged and littered with obstacles, but in La Jacques-Cartier, there are ways for people with physical limitations to ramble in the forest safely.
Station Duchesnay and Jacques-Cartier National Park both offer free specialized equipment rentals for people with reduced mobility. Station Duchesnay has three types of wheelchairs: the Kartus, designed to take on multifunctional trails as a team of two, the Hippocampe, which can handle sandy conditions, and the Trackz, a lightweight all-terrain wheelchair. Note that the latter is recommended for active people who are able to use the wheelchair without assistance.
Another option is an inclusive excursion with Bivouaq, which organizes safe outdoor adventures for people with disabilities, such as exploring forest trails, camping, and rock climbing.

Have fun in the water
Summer is also the season for enjoying aquatic activities, and the region has no shortage of watercourses to choose from. At Station Duchesnay, Hippocampe chairs are available for rent, which you can take right into the lake to cool off!
Is paddle boarding more your speed? No problem—SUP Québec offers Stand Up Paddle outings adapted for people with reduced mobility on wonderful Lac Delage. Their team of instructors includes an occupational therapist and a special education teacher, both of whom are trained to meet special needs for a safe and enjoyable outing.
Are you someone who is hearing impaired and uses Quebec Sign Language (LSQ) to communicate? This year, for the first time, La Plage is offering SUP for beginners, yoga on the water, and various events with a SUP instructor who can interpret in LSQ. Just contact their caring team to book an outing and have a float on the water.

Experience summer camp
Cité Joie is a respite and vacation centre in the enchanting municipality of Lac-Beauport that’s been in operation for over 56 years. It offers stays of one to five consecutive days for people living with a physical or intellectual disability or autism spectrum disorder. There are a ton of adapted recreational activities for children, teenagers, adults, and seniors alike, provided by qualified staff in the heart of nature.

Go cycling
Do you have an adapted bike? Take it for a spin on the Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf cycling path, which has a stone-dust section wide enough to accommodate adapted bikes. Built on a former railway right-of-way, the trail as a whole stretches 68 km from St-Gabriel-de-Valcartier to Rivière-à-Pierre. Access is free of charge.

Enjoy delicious local beer
Unfortunately, not all restaurants and microbreweries are wheelchair accessible, but not to worry! Wheelchair users can still enjoy one of the region’s most festive venues, La Souche microbrewery. Head there to savour one of their delicious locally sourced dishes and sample the beers they brew on site. When the weather’s nice, you’ll love the patio’s welcoming atmosphere. The highlight of the summer is their magnificent Biergarten, which is open from Friday to Sunday and features a garden, a henhouse, and beehives.
And that’s just a glimpse of the many activities available in the region! With the right equipment, you can make the most of our mountain bike trails, golf courses, Inukshuk labyrinth, and even rock-climbing spots.
Accessible accommodations can be found through Kéroul, Adapted sports Foundation and Bivouaq.
Looking forward to seeing you in La Jacques-Cartier this summer!
Text by : Marilyn Préfontaine, L’éclaireuse