National parks with kids in Quebec: 9 parks for summer and winter
National parks are among the best-value family outings: in Sépaq parks, access is free for kids 17 and under. Beaches, canoeing and cycling in summer; sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter. Here are nine parks, from the closest to Montreal to big destinations.
In short: for a beach near Montreal, Oka; for family cycling, Îles-de-Boucherville; for an adventure, Jacques-Cartier and its river runs.
Near Montreal
1. Parc national d'Oka
A large sandy beach on Lac des Deux Montagnes, cycling and pedal boats in summer, sledding and cross-country skiing in winter.
- Chemin d'Oka (route 344), Oka
- See the listing
2. Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville
Flat trails perfect for young cyclists, with bikes with child trailers for rent.
- 55, île Sainte-Marguerite, Boucherville
- See the listing
3. Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno
Easy trails around the lakes, perfect for a first hike.
- 330, rang des Vingt-Cinq Est, Saint-Bruno-de-Montarville
- See the listing
4. Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques
Montreal's big nature park, with a beach, an ecological farm and sledding in winter.
- 20099, boulevard Gouin Ouest (Pierrefonds), Montreal
- See the listing
Laurentians and Eastern Townships
5. Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
Canoeing, swimming and a via ferrata in summer; 55 km of cross-country skiing in winter in the Diable sector.
- 3824, chemin du Lac-Supérieur (secteur de la Diable), Lac-Supérieur
- See the listing
6. Parc national du Mont-Orford
Beach, canoeing and hiking in summer; snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter, at the gates of Magog.
- 3321, chemin du Parc, Orford
- See the listing
7. Parc national de la Yamaska
Swimming, pedal boats and cycling around a large reservoir, right next to the Granby Zoo.
- 1780, boulevard David-Bouchard, Roxton Pond
- See the listing
Quebec City and Mauricie
8. Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
River tubing or mini-rafts in summer, sledding and snowshoeing in winter, 30 minutes from Quebec City.
- 103, chemin du Parc-National, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
- See the listing
9. Parc national de la Mauricie
The Parks Canada park in the heart of Mauricie, with beaches, canoeing and lookouts. Free entry for ages 17 and under.
- Chemin de Saint-Jean-des-Piles (entrées Saint-Mathieu et Saint-Jean-des-Piles), Shawinigan
- See the listing
Frequently asked questions
Are national parks free for kids?
Yes: in Sépaq parks, access is free for ages 17 and under, and the same applies at Parks Canada's La Mauricie National Park.
Which national park is closest to Montreal?
Oka National Park, with its big beach, plus Îles-de-Boucherville and Mont-Saint-Bruno on the South Shore.
What can you do in national parks in winter?
Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding and fat biking. Several parks rent equipment on site.
Information checked on October 12, 2026. Prices and hours may change: confirm with each place before you go.
