In this post, we propose the best activities which you could make with kids in one day in Jacques-Cartier National Park. And they include hiking and kayaking.
We stopped in Jacques-Cartier National Park on the way from Lake Saint-Jean. This was our first visit to the park with the main goal, as usual, to hike. But, eager to maximize the experience, we tried a bit of kayaking as well.
About the park
Jacques-Cartier National Park is located 40 kilometers north of Quebec City. And was created in 1981 from the part of the Laurentian Wildlife Reserve. The most prominent geological formation in Jacques-Cartier National Park is the Jacques-Cartier Valley. Which goes along the western border of the park. This 550 meters deep valley was formed during the last glacial period. And hosts one of Quebec’s most beautiful rivers.
This park offers different winter and summer activities with over 100 kilometers of hiking trails. And many of them are considered to be easy, which makes them ideal for the whole family.
Les Cascades Trail
Les Cascades is an easy trail that follows along a cascading stream. Don’t forget your camera as this calming hike offers lots of photo opportunities, from the bridges with the viewpoints on the river to the flowers and mushrooms. The information about this trail is available on the Park Path Explorer app.
Technical details of the trail
Length: 4 km loop
Time: 1 – 2 hours
Level: Easy
Trailhead: Near the Discovery and Visitors Centre.
L’Aperçu Trail
The trail takes you along Belleau Creek. And it is mostly surrounded by the forest. So it could be a great hike for the hot day. This little hike allows you to discover some characteristics of the whole valley of the park. Follow the interpretation stations for more details.
Technical details of the trail
Length: 1.7 km loop
Time: 1 hour
Level: Easy
Trailhead: Near the Discovery and Visitors Centre.
Les Loups Trail
This trail is one of the most popular in the park. Be prepared for the uphill climb. So better to have hiking boots and enough water. The spectacular views at both viewpoints on the walls of the Jacques Cartier Valley make it worth the sweat. The information about this trail is available on the Park Path Explorer app.
Technical details of the trail
Length: 11 km round trip
Time: 4 hours
Elevation Gain: 447 m
Level: Difficult
Trailhead: Take the Parc National Road to km 16
Note: Could be shortened if you decide to return after the first viewpoint
Canoeing down the Jacques-Cartier River
One of the park’s signature activities is canoeing down the Jacques-Cartier River. And it is pure fun and relaxation. This activity is accessible to the whole family. As the river has several calm areas of water.
But, if you are looking for the extreme, you can get your fill of adrenaline on the white water rapids.
You can rent different types of watercraft at the park’s Visitors Centre. Together with the additional equipment, such as wetsuits, safety helmets, and so on. On top of that
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