The Explorers’ Route

Québec’s oldest national park is a gigantic playground with 6 major rivers and 400 lakes. Hit the trails in the Diable Sector and spend the night in a cottage or campground. Be sure to book ahead.

There’s lots to choose from at this Indigenous-inspired site: horseback riding, fishing, a day with a trapper-woodsman or an encounter with a herd of wood bison. You can even sleep in a teepee or shelter.

Board an Air Mont-Laurier seaplane and soar above the forests and lakes in the Hautes-Laurentides area. Enjoy a bird’s eye view of Parc régional Kiamika and of the magnificent Baskatong reservoir (320 km²).

How about a carbon-neutral getaway? Known for its environmentally friendly ecolodge, Aventures Kiamika organizes canoe excursions on the Kiamika reservoir. If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll spot a bald eagle.

Paroi de l’Aube is one of four mountains in Parc régional Montagne du Diable. The reward for hiking up its 4.2-km trail to the summit is the stunning view of endless forest. Come fall, the colours are spectacular!

This park has so much to offer: more than 80 km of trails, fishing, kayaking, swimming, mountain biking, canoe-camping... wow! Lots of lodging options are available in or near the park.

Abitibi has gold in its veins! Dressed as a miner, enjoy the unique experience of descending 91 metres into an underground mine at Cité de l’Or and learn about the daily life of miners from that era (1935).

In the afternoon, stop in at Refuge Pageau, which takes in and cares for injured or orphaned wild animals. You will encounter moose (they’re taller than you think!), wolves, bears, foxes and more.

Cross a bridge suspended 90 metres in the air, climb a dizzying staircase to the top of the escarpment, scale a peak or paddle a canoe. You may even cross paths with a moose on the trail. Parc national d’Aiguebelle has no end of surprises.

When Abitibi was first colonized, pioneer Jos Dumulon opened a general store in 1924. Rouyn-Noranda's first business is now a heritage site and takes you back to life as it was in the 1920s. An authentic experience!

The Fort Témiscamingue/Obadjiwan national historic site tells the story of the 200-year-long rivalry between French and English settlers for control of the fur trade, against the backdrop of a millennia-old Indigenous presence.

This new national park abounds with family activities: camping, mountain biking, swimming and canoeing on Lac Kipawa. It also boasts a playground, a rally for kids and accessible trails (wheelchairs, strollers, etc.).

A full day of white water fun on the Ottawa River. The Rafting Momentum adventure includes two meals, a night of camping and a thrilling ride down tumultuous rapids. Heart-pounding excitement, rushing water and laughter guaranteed.

Boasting 50-m-high waterfalls and a canyon, this park's tree-top obstacle courses, zip lines and via ferrata will have your heart racing. You can also learn about the history of log driving on the rivers.

Visit the Canadian Museum of History to explore the nation’s rich cultural heritage and learn how it came to be. Kids will enjoy the Children's Museum. While Canada may be young, it has a millennia-old history that began with its Indigenous peoples.

The National Capital Region is home to an immense park just a few minutes from Gatineau. Visitors can enjoy biking, camping, climbing, hiking, kayaking and fishing, and can also visit the Mackenzie King Estate and Lusk Cave.

Visit Omega Park and head out on a safari (camera in hand!) to observe wild animals in their natural habitat: bison, elk, bears, deer, wild boar, wolves… Admire the wildlife from your car along a 15-km road or enjoy two walking trails totalling 6 km.

The choice is yours: after you’ve visited Omega Park, stay and spend the night in a cabin amidst the wildlife, or cap off your day at the luxurious Fairmont Le Château Montebello, the world's largest log cabin.