La Jacques-Cartier offers magnificent scenery all year round. In fall, take the opportunity to experience the seasonal colours as you explore the region.
Pretty much the entire region is postcard-worthy! There are plenty of trails geared towards outdoor enthusiasts big and small.
In Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, the trails at Parc du Mont Wright are accessible to hikers of all levels. The park is home to one of the last remaining examples of old-growth forest in eastern Québec. With 6.5 km of trails, the mountain is a great spot to escape into the forest right near Québec City. It’s a must for families!
Of course, the incredible Jacques-Cartier National Park is also well worth visiting. With more than 100 km of trails to choose from, hikers of all stripes will be sure to find exactly the right spot to enjoy some leaf peeping. The Les Loups trail (11 km round trip) offers a striking look over the Laurentian Massif’s valleys, carved by the Jacques-Cartier and Sautauriski rivers. The Scotora (16 km) and the new Escarpement trail (11 km) are sure to delight regulars.
For more experienced hikers, the Boucle trail at the Station touristique Stoneham offers a free 9.5 km hike with amazing lookouts. The view is really something else, so don’t forget to bring your camera!
Empire 47 is a new hiking spot you won’t want to miss. Already known for its magnificent mountain bike trails, the centre is now open to hiking enthusiasts as well. Hikers can climb to Summit 2 (2.4 km) and take in its impressive panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Taking in the fall colours: what better reason to explore the region by bike? The sites are open until October, so there’s still time to enjoy them! What’s more, the region’s centres are famous for mountain biking.
Are you looking to learn or improve your technique? Head to Empire 47! They offer fun and affordable classes for everyone. They also have trails for all levels and if the biking doesn’t leave you breathless, the view certainly will.
In Lac-Beauport, you’ll find the Sentiers du Moulin, which is a great spot for more experienced mountain bikers and anyone who’s curious about the famous pump track! A cool snack bar awaits you at the end of your adventure.
The new kid on the block is the less-well-known Centre Castor. Mont Brillant recently added 11 km of new enduro trails. You can also try cross-country cycling on the cross-country ski trails, which are great for beginners. The starting point is at the military base’s training centre. Civilians are welcome!
Do you always find that leaf peeping season flies by too fast? Extend your fall fun in the great outdoors on the bike paths of La Jacques-Cartier.
You can keep the bike season going on the Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf cycling path, which offers a safe, peaceful location surrounded by forest, lakes, and rivers. With 68 km of crushed stone track to explore, it’s a true cyclist’s paradise.
Fall is the season for absolute rest and total comfort! So why not take a moment for some self-care at the spa?
Perched on the banks of the majestic Rivière Jacques-Cartier, enjoy an experience like no other at Le Nordique Spa Stoneham. From hot tubs to wet and dry saunas, you’ll find everything you need to get some R&R in the forest while enjoying modern facilities. It’s the ultimate way to relax this fall!
Whether you’re travelling with friends or a partner, here’s a list of the best places to enjoy an invigorating experience during leaf peeping season.
If you and your partner want to try sleeping in a yurt, the Centre de l’Hêtre is the place to be! Looking for something all-inclusive instead? The Auberge Duchesnay and Entourage sur-le-Lac have it all: meals, comfortable rooms, and stunning scenery.
If you’re planning a fun weekend with friends, head to Stoneham. Chalets Alpins and Abricafé are both great places to stay. You’ll also love the municipality’s atmosphere, activities, and restaurants. Don’t wait until everything’s full—it’s important to have fun together as often as possible!
Nature and the great outdoors may be gaining in popularity, but there’s room for everyone in La Jacques-Cartier! The region is massive and incomparably beautiful, especially at this time of year.
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