Things to Do in Quebec

Beaches and Seaside Resorts

It’s true that from abroad, we sometimes forget that Quebec has countless beaches where you can spend time. Not necessarily for swimming (though that’s an option), but more for walking, camping, or simply having a picnic. In Quebec, as elsewhere in the country, some are located in national parks, while others are near towns and villages. Here are just a few of the most popular ones:

• The beach at Beauport Bay in Quebec City offers a stunning view of Île d'Orléans and Mont Sainte-Anne. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic or for water and land sports.

• The beach in Saint-Gédéon, in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, is the ideal place to watch the sun set and disappear into the vastness of Lac Saint-Jean.

• The beach at Oka National Park, near Montreal, stretches 7 km along the shores of Lac des Deux Montagnes in a completely enchanting setting. There’s even a naturist section.

• The Îles-de-la-Madeleine alone boast 300 km of fine sandy beaches that rival those in the Caribbean.

• Finally, the natural beaches of the Côte-Nord are among Quebec’s most beautiful, with some stretching over ten kilometers. Some are wild, while others are managed and equipped for camping.

Diving

This is another thing not everyone knows, but Quebec offers nearly 75 diving sites for both beginners and experts. A unique feature: diving is available in different types of water bodies, such as quarries, lakes, the St. Lawrence River, the Saguenay Fjord, and other specific locations. Underwater, you can discover diverse flora, various marine species, and even shipwrecks. It’s even possible to dive among seals and, in winter, to do ice diving with a certified dive master. Generally, a permit is required for scuba diving in Quebec, including for visitors.

At the crossroads of diving and culture, the annual event Aquart showcases underwater artworks at the Flintkote quarry in Thetford Mines.

Other Water Activities

Surfing: Though not numerous, there are a few surf spots in Quebec, notably in Sept-Îles and the Îles-de-la-Madeleine.

Sailing: The St. Lawrence River and Quebec’s large lakes are ideal for sailing. There are several sailing schools and clubs where you can take lessons, rent a boat, or even go on excursions with a skipper.

Thalassotherapy and Wellness

You’ll find a multitude of spas and wellness centers across Quebec, offering body and beauty treatments, hydrotherapy, and massage therapy. Many of these establishments provide packages that combine health treatments, hotel stays, and fine dining.

Hiking

Hiking

Quebec is full of national, regional, and municipal parks, as well as wildlife reserves. Thousands of kilometers of trails are accessible to both casual hikers and adventurers. During these hikes, you can stay in various types of accommodations (camping, shelters, yurts, cabins) set up along the trails. In short, here more than anywhere else, the options are endless...

Cycling

The Route Verte, a vast cycling network spanning 5,000 km, crosses Quebec from east to west. This network is signposted and accessible to all, with rest stops and accommodation options along the way. There are even establishments and campgrounds certified "Bienvenue cyclistes!" that welcome cyclists and offer services tailored to their needs.

Mountain biking is also widely practiced along forest and mountain trails, particularly in the Quebec City region, the Bras-du-Nord Valley, Mont-Sainte-Anne, and in Bromont in the Eastern Townships.

In Montreal, you can get around by renting a Bixi bike from the self-service network, which has nearly 500 stations across the island of Montreal and the South Shore.

Horseback Riding

There are plenty of options across the province, whether for short rides or much longer expeditions with various types of accommodation available.

Hunting and Fishing

In Quebec, a permit is required for hunting or fishing. Easy to obtain, they’re available at hunting and fishing retailers or even at some convenience stores. However, there are certain restrictions depending on the species of fish or game, as well as the locations. Good to know.

Hunting

From small game to much larger species, the options are vast.

Deer hunting typically takes place in the fall. Anticosti Island, among others, attracts many hunters due to its impressive deer population. Moose hunting also happens in the fall, and it must be done in groups of two to four hunters, with a limit of one animal per group. Caribou hunting takes place in the Nord-du-Québec region, and hunters must use the services of an "outfitter" to ensure all permits and authorizations are obtained. The same outfitters will also handle baiting for black bear hunting, which takes place in spring or fall.

Simpler, waterfowl hunting (ducks, geese, snow geese, Canada geese, etc.) is done on land or directly on the water during hunting seasons, which vary by species. For small game (partridge, hares, wolves, coyotes, etc.), the seasons also vary by species.

Fishing

Several outfitters along the St. Lawrence River offer salmon fishing, as do lakes and rivers where you’ll find pike, perch, trout, and other species. Then there’s "ice fishing," which takes place in winter when the water is frozen. All you need to do is drill a hole in the ice to start fishing.

Outdoor Sports

Golf

There are several hundred golf courses, and the season generally runs from May to October. Most establishments offer equipment rental on-site.

Whitewater Activities

Quebec has many waterways perfect for kayaking and rafting. The best time to go is in late spring, when water levels are highest after the snowmelt, or in summer if you prefer calmer conditions.

For sea kayaking, the St. Lawrence River and the Saguenay Fjord are ideal, with providers offering excursions ranging from a few hours to several days.

Climbing and Mountaineering

With countless cliffs across the province, climbing is practiced almost everywhere. If you want to test your skills first, you can try indoor climbing before tackling an outdoor wall. There’s also the unique experience of ice climbing, which can be done on frozen cliffs or waterfalls in winter, including the famous Montmorency Falls in Quebec City.

Paragliding and Aerial Sports

Paragliding, hang gliding, and skydiving are well-established and regulated activities that let you admire Quebec’s stunning landscapes from the sky.

Caving

Quebec has several caves and caverns for underground exploration. The caves of Boischatel, Saint-Casimir, Saint-Elzéar, and the cavern of Saint-Léonard are among the most popular sites.

Winter Activities

In Quebec, over 70 ski resorts share nearly 800 ski slopes, most of which are located near Quebec City or Montreal. Perfect for trying alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other activities.

For cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, or snowmobiling, Quebec has a network of over 4,000 km of marked trails, including in national parks, with shelters for hikers taking multi-day trips. You can even cross-country ski right in Quebec City, as 12 km of trails are set up each winter on the Plains of Abraham.