Outdoor family outings near Quebec City: 10 ideas for every season
Around Quebec City, nature starts 15 minutes from downtown: valleys, waterfalls, riverside bike paths and forest skating trails. Here are ten outdoor outings, summer and winter.
In short: in summer, the Jacques-Cartier valley and biking the Parcours des Anses; year-round, Montmorency Falls and Domaine de Maizerets (free); in winter, forest skating in Shannon and at Grand Héron.
Year-round
1. Jacques-Cartier National Park
30 minutes from Quebec City: over 100 km of trails, canoeing, kayaking and minirafts in summer; snowshoeing, sledding and snow scooters in winter. Shuttle from Old Quebec (except in April).
- 103 Chemin du Parc-National, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
- See the listing
2. Montmorency Falls Park
Cable car, suspension bridge, panoramic staircase, zip line and via ferrata.
- 5300 Sainte-Anne Boulevard, Quebec City
- See the listing
3. Domaine de Maizerets
Free access: mazes and an observation tower in summer; an ice ring, snowshoeing and easy cross-country skiing in winter.
- 2000 Montmorency Boulevard, Quebec City
- See the listing
In summer
4. Parcours des Anses
A paved, almost flat bike path along the river in Lévis, with a view of Quebec City.
- Start at Parc de la rivière Etchemin, Lévis
- See the listing
5. Quebec-Lévis Ferry
To pair biking in Lévis with river views: a budget mini-cruise.
- Lévis ferry terminal
- See the listing
In winter
6. Pointe-aux-Lièvres
A free lit 1.5 km ice ring and sledding hill, plus cross-country skiing.
- 25 Rue de la Pointe-aux-Lièvres, Quebec City
- See the listing
7. Chalet des sports de Shannon
A winding forest ice trail lit at night, plus free cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.
- 73 Chemin de Gosford, Shannon
- See the listing
8. Parc de glisse du Grand Héron
Snow slides, forest skating trails lit at night and cross-country skiing.
- 4 Rue Louis-Jolliet, Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier
- See the listing
9. Le Relais ski centre
33 runs, 28 of them lit at night, 20 minutes from Quebec City.
- 1084 Boulevard du Lac, Lac-Beauport
- See the listing
10. Mont-Sainte-Anne
Runs for every level and night skiing, 40 minutes from Quebec City.
- 2000 Boulevard Beau Pré, Beaupré
- See the listing
Our tips
- In Sépaq parks, access is bought online and is free for ages 17 and under.
- In winter, check ice-trail conditions before you go: it all depends on the weather.
- For more winter ideas, see Quebec City in winter with kids.
Frequently asked questions
Where can families enjoy the outdoors near Quebec City?
At Jacques-Cartier National Park, Montmorency Falls and Domaine de Maizerets.
Where can we skate in the forest near Quebec City?
At Chalet des sports de Shannon and Parc de glisse du Grand Héron.
Where can we bike easily near Quebec City?
On the Parcours des Anses in Lévis, along the river.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Conditions, prices and hours may change: confirm with each place before you go.
