27 Sep The best hiking around Quebec City to admire the fall colors

A one-day visit to Baie-Saint-Paul aboard the Train de Charlevoix is ​​much more than just a trip, it is an immersion in the natural and cultural beauty of Charlevoix

Get your most comfortable shoes and your camera ready. Get ready to explore the most beautiful hiking trails that the season of fall has to offer in Quebec City.

The 9 most beautiful autumn hikes in the forest near Quebec City

Every year, when summer gives way to fall, Quebec City and its surroundings transform into a true living painting of dazzling colors. Here are some of the most enchanting hikes to do in the region:

Canyon Sainte-Anne: a spectacular hike

Just 35 minutes from Quebec City, Canyon Sainte-Anne is a must-see in the Quebec region. The fall landscapes around the canyon are breathtaking.

On site you will find many activities to enhance your hike as walk the trails, cross the three suspension bridges and try the stone stories treasure hunt to discover the canyon.

Need some adrenaline?  Dare to try to fly above the canyon with Air Canyon. This two-seater ride offers you an exceptional view of the canyon, the Sainte-Anne river, the 74-meter-high waterfall and the giant pot.  Light chills guaranteed!

Address: 206 route 138 east, Saint-Joachim, QC, G0A 3X0

Les Loups trail: Jacques-Cartier National Park

Just 30 minutes from Quebec City, the Jacques-Cartier National Park is a haven of tranquility where hiking trails delve into the heart of majestic valleys. Autumn brings a palette of unforgettable colors ideal to bring back home incredible photo.

A multitude of trail options are available at this National Park depending on your level of hiker.

Our suggestion for this park is the trail Les Loups. With a difficult level, this trail is an 11km round trip. This trail offers you two magnificent viewpoints over the Jacques-Cartier valley. You have the option of turning around at the 1st viewpoint giving you a 5 km hike.

 

Les Loups is among the most beautiful hiking trails in the Sepaq network. However it is very popular so we strongly recommend to buy you ticket online prior to your visit and arriving early in the morning.

Consult the list of trails here to plan your day.

Address: 103 chemin du Parc-National, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, QC, G3C 2T5

Montagne à Ligori : Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix

Offering panoramic views of the St. Lawrence River and the surrounding mountains, the Sentier des Caps is an incredible excursion for nature lovers looking for an adventure.

Our suggestion for the Sentier des Caps is the Montagne à Ligori trail. The trail begins with a steep climb but the exceptional view you will have of the St. Lawrence River, Isle-aux-Coudres and even Baie St-Paul is worth the effort.

Bring your snacks to enjoy the charming refuge Ligori for a well-deserved break.

Please note that to reach the start of this hike, you must go there by car for a 1h15 journey to the village of Petite-Rivìère-Saint-François.

Parking is available on site and you have to check-in first at Accueil St-Tite- des-Caps.

Accueil St-Tite-des-Caps
Address: 2 rue Leclerc, Saint-Tite-des-Caps, Québec, G0A 4J0

Parc de la Chute-Montmorency: a majestic hike in Quebec City

Combine the beauty of fall colors with the powerful roar of Montmorency falls. There is so much to do and see at the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. 

Explore the bottom of the falls using the new footbridge over the river. The footbridge offers you extraordinary views of the falls.  Don’t miss the cliff walk, a wooden boardwalk that runs along the top of the cliff and joins the suspension bridge which gives you a bird’s eye view of the fall. A good challenge of 487 steps awaits you with the panoramic staircase to go down to the foot of the falls or climb to the top.

If you have time, we advise you to add a fabulous trail to your itinerary.  A well-kept secret of the locals is the resurgence trail. This trail runs along the Montmorency River upstream of the falls for a 2.5 km round trip hike. This trail will allow you to admire the falls from a new angle while letting yourself be immersed in the magic of the season.

For thrill-seekers, know that the via ferrata and the zip line are open until October 9, 2023.

Address: 5300 Bd Sainte-Anne, Quebec, QC G1C 0M3

Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Reserve: the greater snow goose paradise 

Located 50km from downtown Quebec, this park is a place of great beauty. Made up of marshes, plains and forest, the hiking there is magnificent.

The Cap-Tourmente National Wildlife Reserve’s mission is to protect the American bulrush marsh, which is the main habitat of the greater snow goose during its migration. A true paradise for bird and mammal observation, Cap Tourmente is home to 180 species of birds, 30 species of mammals and more than 700 species of plants.

In addition to the magnificent fall colors, you will be able to observe migratory birds that land at Cap Tourmente during their long journey, including the greater snow goose. In the fall, snow geese leave northern Canada where they nest to travel to the American Atlantic coast.

The geese make this migration accompanied by their chicks, which are around 6 to 8 weeks old. During each migration, they stop for the entire month of October at Cap Tourmente. Their migration is approximately 4000km long, impressive isn’t it? We suggest you visit Cap Tourmente during the geese visit.

Don’t forget to visit the small interpretive museum which is certainly worth the detour for young and old.

Address: 570 Chemin du Cap Tourmente, Saint-Joachim, QC, G0A 3X0

Marais du Nord: a incredible hike near Quebec City

Located just 20 minutes from Quebec City, the Marais du Nord is a true paradise for bird watching. Across 8 km of trail it is possible to observe more than 194 species of birds.

Observation panels informing you about the flora and fauna are very useful along the trails. The observation points on Lake Saint-Charles and the mountains are equally magnificent.

Boat rental is also available upon reservation to explore the meanders as well as Saint-Charles lake. Rental is possible throughout the summer until October 9. You can bring your own boat.

Address: 1100 Chem. de la Grande Ligne, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, QC G3C 0Y1

Bras-du-Nord Trail and Delaney Falls: Vallée-Bras-du-Nord

Autumn in Vallée-Bras-du-Nord is truly enchanting for hikers. The trails wind through picturesque landscapes of mountains, rivers and forests. The trails offer varying levels of difficulty for all levels of hikers.

For a first visit to the park, we suggest the Bras-du-Nord trail, 8 km long. You will follow the majestic river to reach the majestic Delaney Falls. You can climb the mountain to reach the top of the waterfall. A good physical challenge!

Vallée-Bras-du-Nord is a versatile outdoor destination that offers a wide range of outdoor activities: canoeing, kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, via ferrata and climbing. Consult the website before your visit to reserve your equipment according to the activity chosen.

Address: 2180 Rang Saguenay, Saint-Raymond, QC G3L 3G3 

Le Massif de Charlevoix: a magical mountain

Located about 1 hour from Quebec, discover a mountain located in the heart of pure nature with spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River. It offers a multitude of hiking trails to admire the fall colors.

At the Massif de Charlevoix, you can start your hike either at the summit or the base of the mountain. A very interesting option is to take a ticket for the ski lift valid for a round trip. It’s easy to spend the whole day there exploring this magnificent wild forest.

Check their website for descriptions of each trail and plan your day in nature.

Address: 185 Chemin du Massif, Petite-Rivière-Saint-François, QC, G0A 2L0

Hiking around in the streets and urban parks of Old Quebec City

The streets of Old Quebec City take on a new dimension with falling leaves covering the cobblestones, creating a scene straight out of an autumn fairy tale. To fully enjoy this natural and cultural spectacle, there is nothing better than exploring the walking trails of Old Quebec City.

Here are our suggestions for interesting walks in Old Quebec City

Picturesque streets of Old Quebec city and Quartier Petit Champlain:

Lose yourself in the narrow streets of Old Quebec city and let yourself be immersed in the historic architecture and charming boutiques.  The colorful facades of the buildings blend harmoniously with the autumn leaves. Why not walk around with a pumpkin latte in hand? Many cafes offer this delicious coffee during fall season.

Promenade des Gouverneurs:

This panoramic promenade offers breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River and allows you to admire the fall colors that transform the trees into living works of art. By following this route, you will discover magnificent viewpoints from above. This walk connects Terrasse Dufferin to the Plains of Abraham.

Parc de l’Esplanade:

Located inside the ramparts, directly opposite to the Manoir D’Auteuil, this park offers a haven of peace in the middle of the bustle of the city. You can go walk on the remparts to have a breathtaking view of the city.

Promenade Samuel-De Champlain:

This trail runs along the St. Lawrence River and offers spectacular views of the banks of the north shore, the boats crossing the river as well as the south shore of the city. Walking along this promenade is an unforgettable experience that will allow you to smell the sweet scent of autumn while admiring unique landscapes.

Don’t miss a visit to the observation tower at the Quai des Cageux. This tower, which seems to be submerged in the waters of the river, is 25 meters high, offering a panoramic view of the St. Lawrence River and both banks.  

The Battlefields Park and the Plains of Abraham:

This vast green space is the ideal place for an autumn walk. The large trees that populate the park take on rich and varied hues, offering a magical setting. In this park the beauty of the autumn landscapes mix with the richness of the history found there. Breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River await you.

For history lover, we suggest visiting the Plains of Abraham Museum. 

An Enchanted Day in Baie-Saint-Paul aboard the Train de Charlevoix

Nestled in the heart of the picturesque Charlevoix region, Baie-Saint-Paul reveals itself as a destination of exceptional beauty. For an unforgettable experience, board the Train de Charlevoix and let yourself be transported to a world where breathtaking landscapes meet the comfort and elegance of a train journey.

Until November 5, it will be possible to travel from Quebec city to Baie Saint-Paul and back.

Departure time from Parc de la Chute-Montmorency station is at 9 a.m. and arrive at 11:30 a.m. at Baie Saint-Paul for a 2,5 hours trip. You will leave Baie-Saint-Paul at 3 p.m. for a return to Quebec at 6 p.m for a 3 hour trip.

This gives you plenty of time to visit the magnificent town of Baie-Saint-Paul.

Your adventure begins as soon as you board the train. The large panoramic windows open onto breathtaking views: majestic mountains, winding rivers and charming villages pass before your amazed eyes. The rustic charm of the train blends perfectly with the welcoming atmosphere of Charlevoix.

Your destination, Baie-Saint-Paul, is an artistic and cultural city that has inspired many artists over the years. From the moment you arrive, the cobblestone streets lined with art galleries, artisan boutiques and welcoming restaurants invite you to wander and explore.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the St. Lawrence River, where the sparkling waters contrast with the verdant hues of the surrounding countryside. For food lovers, local restaurants offer a variety of delicious dishes featuring fresh regional produce. The flavors of the Charlevoix region are in the spotlight, allowing you to taste local delights and immerse yourself in the regional culinary culture.

A one-day visit to Baie-Saint-Paul aboard the Train de Charlevoix is ​​much more than just a trip, it is an immersion in the natural and cultural beauty of Charlevoix.

Book your stay with us by clicking here or by calling us at 418.694.1173.