6 Best Sights in Quebec, Canada

This vast wildlife sanctuary has more than 400 lakes and rivers and is home to nearly 200 species of birds and animals, so it’s great for wildlife-watching. Cross-country skiers, snowshoers, and snowmobilers enjoy the park's trails in winter, and camping, fishing, canoeing, and hiking are the popular summer activities. The park was once the home of the Algonquins, who called this area Manitonga Soutana, meaning "mountain of the spirits." 

This massive park—nearly 364 square km (140 square miles)—brings nature lovers from all over throughout the year. You can hike up King Mountain on a challenging trail that takes you 300 meters (980 feet) above the Ottawa Valley, explore Lusk Cave, go camping, view the Luskville Falls, or swim at one of the six beaches here (there are also 50 lakes). In winter, the cross-country skiing trails cover approximately 200 km (125 miles) of the park. From June to mid-October, you can use the park's south entrance on Taché Boulevard; stop at the reception center for visitor information.

A chain of about 30 limestone islands and about 1,000 islets and reefs stretches for about 160 km (100 miles) along the coast and river estuaries, displaying natural rock monoliths formed by the constant erosion caused by the forces of wind and sea. Forests, barrens, peat bogs, and beaches weave through the surreal landscape. A menagerie of animals—seals, dolphins, whales, and oh so many birds—populate this utopia where kayaking, fishing, boating, scuba diving, and photo opportunities abound. Various guided tours tell the archipelago’s stories. There are reception and interpretation centers in Havre-St. Pierre (1010 promenade des Anciens) and Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan (625 rue du Centre), both open mid-June to early September.

A 40-minute drive from La Malbaie will bring you to a stunning stretch of the Malbaie River, surrounded by impressive steep slopes and rocky peaks. There are plenty of beautiful views to take in—whether it's from a kayak on the river or while hiking a network of trails—and lots of fresh air, in this central part of the Charlevoix Biosphere Preserve.

Where raw cliffs and lush wilderness meet the vast Gulf of St. Lawrence and Bay of Gaspé, the mountains and boreal forest host bears and moose, among many other species. Along the shore, see harbor seals and thousands of water fowl. Camp, swim, hike, bike, wildlife watch, or soak in the park’s history, which begins with ancient native peoples and continues through traders, whalers, and wartime. All manner of outdoor activities await, as well as a recreation center with a heated outdoor pool, tennis courts, and team sport courts.

The Réserve Faunique des Laurentides wildlife reserve, which incorporates the Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier and hundreds of lakes, is approximately 60 km (37 miles) north of Québec City via Highway 73, which leads to the Saguenay region. It has great hiking trails and camping spots, and good lakes for canoeing and fishing (but you should phone 48 hours in advance to reserve a fishing time). Boats, pontoons, canoes and kayak's can be rented on-site. From July to September, you can join bilingual guides to observe black bears in their natural environment from the safety of the park's observation towers. In winter, the park is a popular venue for sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.