Spend five minutes reading about the best things to do in Québec this spring and summer. If you’re planning a family vacation it’s time well spent.
One of the flightiest things to do in Quebec
One of the best things to do in Québec is see it from above
With its great swathes of forest, scattered with no less than 150 lakes, not to mention waterfalls, pools and rivers, Parc National de la Mauricie is an amazing family adventure on the ground. But nothing on earth is quite as stunning as the overview of this quintessential Québec landscape from aboard one of the fantastic local seaplanes.
Catch a flight with the experts at Hydravion Aventure and glide over the woodlands and waterways of La Mauricie, watch the legendary St Lawrence River valley unfold beneath you, spot shy residents of wildlife reserves, and glimpse tantalising hints of Québec’s magnificent northern wilderness in the distance. It’s an unforgettable experience for kids, and flights range from a fun 30 minutes right up to the expansive 75 minute voyage: complete with in-flight narration and personal headphones.
Stay at Sacacomie Hotel & Spa, Saint-Alexis-des-Monts
Whale watching, Baie-Sainte-Catherine
Meet the whales in Baie-Sainte-Catherine and Tadoussac
No less than 13 species of large marine mammals make their home in Québec’s waters and enchanting belugas are in permanent residence, year round, in the St. Lawrence River. When the province says it’s one of the best places in the world to watch whales, there’s no argument.
For the best of the best, catch a zodiac cruise from Baie-Sainte-Catherine in summer. Piloted by a naturalist captain and with as few as 24 passengers on board, these legendary dinghies bring you as close as can be to the legends of the deep, in complete safety and comfort. Cruises last for two hours and sightings of anything from humpbacks whales to dolphins are as good as guaranteed.
Alternatively, fit a great Québécois road trip into your holiday and follow the Whale Route stretching along the St Lawrence river banks from Tadoussac to Blanc-Sablon. It’s marked by blue and white signs and has over 25 whale-centred destinations to aim for so even the shortest drives are big on rewards.
Stay at Hotel Tadoussac, Tadoussac Bay
The magical Foresta Lumina
Foresta Lumina: find yourself spellbound in Parc de la Gorge Coaticook
Leave any cynicism you have about ‘magical’ experiences at the entrance to Foresta Lumina, it’s spellbinding. Imagine a night-walk through one of Québec’s dense and mysterious forests in the Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook, illuminated by fireflies and fairy lights, illustrated with myths and legends, and accompanied by ethereal music every step of the way. The trail follows the footsteps of a young girl called Margaret who lived near the forest of Coaticook decades ago and was blessed with an uncommon gift; she could see what others could not see. Today, her soul still breathes in these woods.
The entire route is just under three kilometres, but it’s scattered with interactive fun so leave at least a couple of hours to let kids try everything from playing instruments with their feet to drawing on vast walls with luminous chalk, daring across mist-wreathed bridges, and gazing in awe-struck wonder at the fantastic characters who make their home in this curious and captivating, one-of-a-kind, forest.
Stay at Manoir Hovey Relais & Châteaux, North Hatley
Sea kayaking, Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay
Sea kayaking: sail the Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay
Québec does scenic grandeur as easily as breathing, but even here, few places are quite as spectacular as Parc National du Fjord-du-Saguenay: heartland of immense glacial fjords, dramatic cliffs, silent bays and sea kayaking.
Naturally, if you want to kayak alone, you need experience and good navigational skills. But this gloriously wild park is amazingly accessible too, and guided kayaking expeditions round stunning Baie-Éternité are awesome for first timers, and reassuringly safe and comfortable, without compromising on the local scenery. They’re also a great way to respect one of Québec’s finest traditions: low-impact adventuring for all.
Stay at Centre de Vacances 5 Étoiles Family Resort, Sacré-Coeur-Saguenay
Ziplining in Mont Tremblant
Mont-Tremblant: head for the ziplining capital of Canada
Québec could well lay claim to being the ziplining capital of Canada, so when you want the lengthiest lines, incredible 360˚ views, awesome technology and expert guides, this is where to find all that and more.
One of the many ziplining highlights of the province includes Ziptrek Ecotour conveniently located within the quaint pedestrian village of Tremblant. An awe inspiring journey that allows you to soar high above the trees and experience one of the most spectacular zipline courses in the world. It’s the ultimate zipline tour experience – zipping from the summit of Mont-Tremblant back down to the pedestrian village. Featuring five distinct and spectacular ziplines that total almost 4km in length, this epic experience caters to both youngsters and adults, converting even the timid into daredevils. With excellent equipment and amenities as well as friendly and professional staff, this experience is a must when in the Laurentians region.
