10 Best National Parks in Quebec

Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park stretches over 100 km long and it’s named after its spectacular fjord. One of the best ways to see it in summer is on a boat cruise. Enjoy breath-taking vistas and take Instagram-worthy photos of the fjord and the impressive statue of Notre-Dame-du-Saguenay on the shoreline.

The park is divided into 3 zones, each with its own visitor centre. To learn about the formation of the fjord, head to the Baie-Eternité region, in the south-west corner of the park. Wildlife lovers will delight at spotting beluga whales to the north, in the Baie-Sainte-Marguerite area. Or head to the eastern side of the park to explore marine life and ecosystems and marvel at the flocks of migrating birds.

Bic National Park extends along the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, just 20 km from Rimouski. It’s a serene park and you’ll love the beautiful landscapes. In warmer months, why not take to the water and soak up the sights from a kayak? As you move gently through the water, don’t be surprised to see harbour and grey seals basking on rocks nearby.

The park has approximately 25 km of hiking trails. Check out the website before visiting for a useful map and a list of trails of varying difficulty, including family-friendly ones. Les Anses (The Handles) trail is a popular choice for observing seals at low tide and it’s over 5 km of picturesque scenery.

Approximately 100 km from Montreal, Mont-Tremblant National Park is known for its amazing ski runs. You’ll see locals, visitors and the occasional celebrity or 2 hitting the slopes during the winter months. Many enjoy Nordic skiing along 80 km of glistening, white trails too.

The park is open year-round and, in warmer weather, it’s a great choice if you love canoeing. With over 400 lakes, streams and rivers, the park provides varied scenery against a backdrop of fir and pine trees. Check out the events calendar too for a unique experience in this popular park. Choose from snow yoga, a guided walk to learn about the wolves that call Mont-Tremblant home or even a romantic stargazing evening.

Jacques-Cartier National Park lies 50 km north of Quebec City and locals love to escape to this haven of peace for long weekends and summer vacations. There’s a wide choice of cabins, yurts and campsites, so you can spend an evening toasting marshmallows whilst listening to the grey wolves howling in the distance.

The stunning glacial valley and the majestic backdrop of the Laurentian Mountains make it a lovely choice for relaxing and taking photos. The colours of the landscape change through the seasons, and it’s particularly pretty in autumn with its gold and amber hues. Hike or bike along the trails to enjoy the scenery. If you’re lucky, you’ll see deer, beavers and moose along the way.

Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park lie on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula. Take a boat to the island and sail past the magnificent Percé Rock. This Instagram-worthy rock is over 400 metres long and 88 metres high, and dates back 375 million years. The island itself is unspoilt and home to a colony of over 110,000 northern gannets. You’ll get some magnificent views of them from the scenic hiking trails.

Take a guided tour and learn about other migratory birds on the island, or a boat tour to spot whales in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Locals love the fantastic diving and snorkelling in the clear, blue waters and it’s an unforgettable experience.

Head to Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park to explore exceptional scenery in the Charlevoix region. Located approximately 2 hours’ drive north of Quebec City, this sprawling park features deep valleys, high mountains and the meandering Malbaie River.

In summer, you’ll see people hiking on the trails as the river comes to life with kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. For a romantic date night, why not try a guided kayak tour at dusk? You’ll glide down the tranquil river, learning about nature, whilst spotting herons and beavers. In winter, kids will love the ice rink set against a backdrop of towering mountains. Don’t forget to take your skates and woolly hats with you.

La Mauricie National Park will amaze you with its magnificent forests, which extend as far as the eye can see. This vast park covers an area of over 500 km² and is home to huge lakes and an abundance of trails for hiking or snowshoeing. The Mekinac Trail is extremely popular and includes a walk across a floating bridge. You’ll see beautiful waterfalls and the park’s legendary red chairs to rest on too.

The park is just 60 km from Trois-Rivières, so you’ll see lots of families escaping to the outdoors. If you have kids, use the Saint-Mathieu entrance for access to the Shewenegan picnic area. Kids will love swimming and running off their energy in this beautiful spot.

Forillon National Park is on the Gaspé Peninsula, and it’s divided into 3 equally beautiful zones. Choose the North Area if you’re looking for hikes along rugged ridges or the South Area if you prefer a boat tour to admire the beauty of blue whales. The Penouille and Fort Peninsula Area is known for its spectacular beaches and historic sites.

Hike, bike or stroll along La Taïga trail and you’ll access soft, golden sands where you can relax and soak up the tranquillity. In summer, the water is warm enough for swimming and you’ll see kite surfers and paddleboarders too. Nearby, explore the fascinating Fort Peninsula and its World War II shore battery, underground tunnels and storerooms.

Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve is a haven of peace. As the reserve can only be reached by boat, the islands are serene spots where you can unwind and enjoy the breath-taking scenery. You’ll love the spectacular collection of monoliths and fossil locations dotted throughout this heritage site. Take a guided tour and learn the history of these unique formations.

For an unforgettable experience, visit Ile aux Perroquets. Explore the red and white lighthouse buildings and learn how lighthouse keepers have kept ships safe here since 1888. Spend a night in the lighthouse keeper’s house and experience the wilderness of the island for yourself. You can see amazing wildlife too, including seals, Atlantic puffins and a whale or 2.

Mont-Saint-Bruno Provincial Park is just 30 km east of downtown Montreal, so it’s a much-loved park and very popular with locals. In summer, people enjoy a picnic and a stroll along the shores of the 5 lakes. You’ll see panels along the trails giving details on the flora and fauna to discover. Winter means snowshoeing and cross-country skiing through this urban park and you’ll see locals hurtling down the hill on their toboggans too.

There are regular events and guided tours and they’re highly recommended. Choose from a night-time inventory of owls in the park, an evening wildlife tour to spot raccoons and bats or interactive, family-friendly games and apple-picking in the orchard.