Best Hiking Areas Near Quebec City
Montmorency Falls Park
The trails here wrap around the base and clifftop of the 83-meter falls, taller than Niagara, with viewing platforms, stairs, and a suspension footbridge near the crest. It’s an easy, short hike rather than a full day out, roughly 15 minutes from downtown, and pairs naturally with a stop at Ile d’Orleans on the same trip.
Canyon Sainte-Anne
About 30 minutes from the city near Beaupre, this steep gorge cut by the Sainte-Anne-du-Nord River carries a 74-meter waterfall and three suspension footbridges, including the McNicoll Bridge, the highest suspension bridge in Quebec at 60 meters above the river. The trail network includes accessible stroller and wheelchair-friendly sections plus eight lookout points, and the site is open seasonally, roughly May through October.
Parc lineaire de la Riviere-Saint-Charles
A flat, paved linear park following the Saint-Charles River through the city, better suited to an easy walk or run than a serious hike, but a good option if you want fresh air without leaving downtown or renting a car.
Bois-de-Coulonge Park
In the Sainte-Foy-Sillery-Cap-Rouge borough, this former governor’s estate turned public park has wooded trails good for a quiet walk, with cross-country skiing once the snow arrives.
Jacques-Cartier National Park
Further out, roughly 30 minutes north of the city, this park has a much bigger trail network through valleys and along the Jacques-Cartier River, with options ranging from easy riverside walks to longer full-day routes. It’s the closest place to Quebec City for a genuine backcountry feel, and camping and canoeing are both options if you want to turn it into an overnight trip.
Before you go
Check trail conditions and seasonal closures before heading out, especially outside of summer since several of these trails run icy or partly closed in winter. Bring water and proper footwear, and note that a car is essentially required for all of these except the riverside linear park, since public transit doesn’t reach most trailheads.
Read more: see the Quebec City travel guide for city logistics, or check the best nature spots near Quebec City guide for less strenuous options.