Adrenaline-pumping fall activities less than 2 hours from Québec
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With the cooler temperatures and changing leaves, what better time to head outdoors on an adventure? Save cocooning for winter and get your blood flowing at six spots less than two hours from the city of Québec.
Good to know: To plan the best time to take in the foliage while enjoying your fall adventures, check out our interactive map, which tracks the changing leaves on a weekly basis!
1. A quick hop from the city of Québec
The city of Québec is not only steeped history, but it also boasts a number of outdoor attractions. There are loads of hiking trails and spots for water sports (yes, even in the fall!), and you can easily get to a national park by bus or bike.
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
🚗 20 minutes
Known for its impressive 83-metre waterfall, the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency will challenge your fear of heights. Take in the changing colours all around you and feel your pulse quicken as you cross the suspension bridge over the roaring river, leap into the void on a zipline or soar over the park in a gondola.
As a well-deserved reward, catch your breath and head for the Bonjour Québec sign, located on the nature trail, to immortalize your feat from one of the most beautiful vantage points in the area.
2. Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury
Close to the city of Québec, but nestled in the heart of the countryside, several businesses in the Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury area have made it their mission to provide thrilling experiences.
Empire 47 bike centre
🚗 30 minutes
Hurtle down the mountain on a bike while listening to the leaves crunch under your tires at Empire 47. Fall’s cooler weather makes it the perfect time to brave the 73 km of mountain trails and the paved pumptrack. All the equipment you need is available to rent on site until the end of October!
Expéditions Nouvelle Vague
🚗 40 minutes
This 100% local cooperative organizes guided rafting trips along the mighty Rivière Jacques-Cartier. This water activity is available until early October, and welcomes adventurers seeking all adrenaline levels (including a calm water descent for those age 3 and up!). This attraction is ideal for seeing the leaves in full transformation—so long as you can take your eyes off the rapids in front of you for a few seconds!
3. Portneuf
The Portneuf area offers a host of amazing culinary, cultural and sports experiences year-round. Though just a stone’s throw away from the city of Québec, its wide-open natural spaces offer a refreshing change of scenery. You can opt for an adventure in the water, in the air or on land.
Rivière Concept
🚗 45 minutes
In Donnacona, on the Chemin du Roy, stop off near the Parc familial des Berges and put on your safety gear before boarding your boat. The company offers two types of descents depending on the level of intensity you’re looking for:
- On a raft, an adventure for the whole family (age 6 and up)
- In an individual inflatable kayak, also known as a packraft, for a more intense and athletic experience (age 11 and up)
Arbraska Duchesnay
🚗 45 minutes
You can’t get more in touch with nature than by immersing yourself in the trees. Book an adventure course for adults and teens or children (age 7 to 11) at the Arbraska Duchesnay, and you’ll be in for a thrilling aerial experience. Across rope and wooden trails through the treetops, you’ll get your fill of fresh air and enjoy stunning views of Lac Saint-Joseph before plunging into the forest in full transformation, harnessed to a 300-metre zipline. You should sleep well come nightfall!
Vallée Bras-du-Nord
🚗 1 hr 30
Few places offer as wide a variety of outdoor activities as the Vallée Bras-du-Nord. Hiking on the trails and canoing or kayaking down the river are popular options. You can also take your adrenalin level up a notch with Via ferrata du Nord—a hike that turns into a mountain climbing adventure available until mid-October—or on the 100 km of internationally recognized mountain bike trails for all levels.
4. Côte-de-Beaupré
Côte-de-Beaupré, an area with a rich history, begins at Montmorency Falls and follows the shores of the St. Lawrence to the edge of Charlevoix. The panoramic views are jaw-dropping, but as you approach Mont-Sainte-Anne, you’ll be treated to even more spectacular scenery.
Canyon Sainte-Anne
🚗 40 minutes
Pair up and settle into your comfortable seat on Air Canyon, a ride that will let you glimpse the forest from above. Take a deep breath before soaring among the treetops, which if you time it right, will boast their most beautiful colours of the season. With your feet in the air, you’ll be moving at 50 km/hr and cover nearly 400 metres, including a 90-metre ride over the gorge of Canyon Sainte-Anne. Leave your fear of heights at the entrance and let yourself be amazed by this extraordinary journey.
Mont Sainte-Anne
🚗 40 minutes
Just five minutes from Canyon Sainte-Anne, Mont Sainte-Anne gives cyclists the chance to explore loads of forest trails. There’s something for every skill level and style, including cross-country, enduro and downhill. If you’re looking to take a break from this active immersion in nature, head for the pumptrack. There’s also a balance bike trail nearby to keep the little ones entertained!
For the runners out there, you can test your limits by signing up for a trail run as part of the Défi des couleurs Simard, to be held from October 17 to 19, 2025.
5. Charlevoix region
The Charlevoix region is breathtaking! And in the fall, its striking colours make it even more stunning. Many say that this corner of Québec has a unique vibe. Perhaps it’s due to the combination of relaxing spots and bold attractions it offers.
Parc national des Grands-Jardins and Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu
🚗 1 hr 40 and 1 hr 50
As many know, a great way to explore the region is by taking one of its magnificent scenic hikes. However, few are aware that you can also get off the beaten track and explore its rock faces. Gather up your courage and book a guided via ferrata outing at Parc national des Grands-Jardins or at the au Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu. At the park, you’ll enjoy views of rolling forest hills as far as the eye can see. At Le Manoir, be sure to take a walk along the river, where you may feel the trains passing beneath your feet.
Massif de Charlevoix
🚗 1 hr 15
Between the sky, the river and the mountains, until mid-October you can venture out on the mountain bike trails of the Massif de Charlevoix. The fall, with its milder weather, is the ideal opportunity to push your limits on the bike trails, which include family-friendly loops, skill zones and a pro-line route for experts!
6. Onto the south shore
Cross the bridges and venture onto the south shore of the St. Lawrence River in the Chaudière-Appalaches region. Despite the wide range of options for slowing down and taking time to unwind, we haven’t forgotten the more adventurous among you!
Domaine du Radar
🚗 1 hr 15
Summer toboggans on rails are a rarity in Québec! At Domaine du Radar, a former military base that’s been transformed into an outdoor activity centre, hop in a cart and race along a kilometre-long monorail at speeds of up to 40 km/hr. This new attraction launches you into the heart of the wilderness for an exhilarating and invigorating experience.
Parc du Massif du Sud
🚗 1 hr 30
Boasting four peaks and two valleys covered by ancient forests with crystal-clear rivers running through them, this 917-metre playground offers an endless array of fun sports activities! Rent a mountain bike to enjoy some of the 30 km of multi-purpose trails and 20 km of single-track trails. Brave one of 15 challenges and play modules on the ropes course. Leap into the void at Ziptopia, North America’s largest zipline park.
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Fall offers something for everyone! Whether you can’t stand still or are looking to slow down, we’ve got you covered!
