Would you believe me if I told you that Quebec City is an adventure travel destination? The city feels like you’ve been transported to a quaint town in Europe. After all, it is the only remaining walled city north of Mexico and a UNESCO World Heritage site. But, in less than one hour from the city you’ll find world class mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, paddleboarding and more.
I recently spent 8 days exploring the adventurous side of Quebec City and cannot wait to go back. While it is a true year-round destination with tons of ways to get outdoors in winter, this post focuses on the adventurous things to do near Quebec City in summer.
Disclosure: Several of these experiences were sponsored by Quebec Cité, Bonjour Québec and their local partners, who were so generous in hosting a portion of my trip. My opinions, however, are my own. I am under no obligation to write a positive review. Also, this post contains affiliate links. That means that if you purchase through a link, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more info, visit this page.
Whitewater Rafting on the Jacques-Cartier River
Experience the thrill of class II to class IV rapids just 30 minutes from Quebec City! This was my favorite experience while exploring Quebec City – and it was actually the backup-backup plan, proving that sometimes Plan C is better than Plan A.
The guides at Excursions Jacques-Cartier did an awesome job teaching us the basics and helping us navigate the rapids. They also made the experience super fun! Along the way, we had the option of cliff jumping and then floating down the river to meet back up with the raft. The water was brisk but the vibes were good!
My experience rafting with Excursions Jacques-Cartier was great! Learn more and book your tour here.
Via Ferrata (Supported Rock Climbing) at Vallée Bras du Nord
I signed up to do via ferrata before I even knew what it was, but I’m so glad I did. If you’re like me and aren’t familiar with via ferrata, it’s a combination of hiking and rock climbing with the support of steel cables attached to the rock face. You remain clipped in and secure the entire time while using metal foot holds, ladders, and wooden bridges to navigate the course.
Vallée Bras du Nord is a great place to try via ferrata and just over one hour from Quebec City. No climbing experience required but it is a physical activity so keep that in mind when deciding if this is for you. All necessary safety equipment and an experienced guide are included when you register.
Pro Tip: There are restrooms, a small shop and filtered water bottle refill station at the trailhead.
Another place to experience via ferrata near Quebec City is Projet Vertical, which is about 2 hours away and offers views of the St Lawrence River from the cliffs beneath the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu Hotel.
Mountain Biking at Empire 47
Did you know that Quebec City is a world class mountain biking destination? If you’re looking for a thrill, this is a must. Empire 47 has over 40 mountain biking trail for all skill levels from beginner to expert.
Grab a rental and hit the trail or, if you want to build your confidence and skills consider booking a session at their bike school. Reservations are recommended, especially if you want to secure a specific timeslot on the trails.
While you’re there, take a few trips around the asphalt pump track. The goal is to accelerate and move through the track without pedaling to work on improving your cornering techniques. I had never tried this before! It’s more challenging that it looks but it’s a great way to practice your mountain biking skills.
Pro Tip: If you’re like me and hate the uphill portions of mountain biking, Empire 47 now has a first-of-its-kind e-shuttle that can transport people and gear to the summit so you can enjoy all the thrills of the downhill sections. I got to experience the e-shuttle on its first day of operation and was amazed at how smooth the ride was!
Looking for more mountain biking near Quebec City? Consider Mont-Sainte-Anne, Vallée Bras du Nord, and Sentiers du Moulin which are all within one hour from Quebec City.
Paddleboarding or kayaking in Wendake
What better way to spend a warm summer day than on the water? Rent a paddleboard or kayak and explore the calm flowing water of the Saint-Charles River, located in Wendake. Canots Légaré is a family-owned business that offers hourly, half, and full day rentals of kayaks, paddleboards, canoes and more. Reservations are recommended.
Paddling upstream was not too difficult and it was relaxing to be able to mostly float downstream back to the launch point.
Pro Tip: Changing rooms are available. It’s recommended to bring your items on the water in dry bag or leave them in a vehicle.
Wendake is the ancestral land of the Huron-Wendat people, and remains a living Indigenous community, just 15 minutes from downtown Quebec City. While visiting Canots Légaré, I recommend grabbing a bite at Restaurant Sagamité for a bite of Indigenous food.
Take the guesswork out of planning your visit to Quebec City! My friend, Ian, from Uncharted Tours is offering 8-day Quebec City and Charlevoix tour inspired by this trip. Learn more here!
Hiking to great views and waterfalls
Jacques-Cartier National Park is an excellent place to go hiking near Quebec City, with trails for all levels. For an easy hike, try the 4km Les Cascades trail along a brook with rustic bridges and wildflowers. For an intermediate hike, the 5.4km L’Éperon is a loop trail along a river with beautiful views of the valley. For a challenging hike with some steep climbs, try the Les Loups trail which is either 5km or 11km depending on which viewpoint you’re aiming for. Find a full list of trails here.
Vallèe Bras du Nord also has great hiking trails. The North Arm Trail is 7.2km relatively flat hike to Delaney Falls. Note that bike rentals are also available here.
Ride the gondola to the summit of Mont-Sainte-Anne to enjoy the 360-degree views of the surrounding area. From there, choose from a number of hiking trails to make your way back down the mountain. Once you’re back in the parking lot, consider doing the 3.2 miles loop hike to nearby Chutes Jean Larose (a waterfall).
Pro Tip: If you love waterfalls, be sure to stop at Canyon Sainte-Anne just 10 minutes from Mont-Sainte-Anne by car.
Ziplining or hiking around Montmorency Falls
While we’re talking about waterfalls in Quebec City, there’s one you can’t miss! Think Niagara Falls is impressive? Just 15 minutes from Old Town Quebec City is a waterfall that’s even taller! There are several ways to experience Montmorency Falls, so it’s a choose-your-own-adventure activity.
- Ride a cable car up to Montmorency Manor, which is a short hike from the top of the falls
- Navigate the 487 steps on the Panoramic Staircase
- Walk across the suspension bridge over the crest of the falls
- Enjoy the view from the boardwalk along the base of the falls
- Zoom down the 300 meter zipline over the falls
My recommendation is to take the cable car up, walk across the suspension bridge and continue down the Panoramic Staircase to enjoy the falls from every angle!
Pro Tip: If you don’t have a vehicle, take the public transit #800 bus towards Beauport and get off at Montmorency #3473. This takes about 30 minutes and costs $4CAD. Uber or taxi are also good options.
If I had more time to explore, I would’ve done this 3.5 hour e-bike tour to Montmorency Falls from Old Town Quebec City.
Exploring the cycling paths
Cycling is one of my favorite ways to familiarize myself with a new-to-me city. Quebec City has an impressive network of bike trails to explore in and around the city. I was really excited to do this during my visit, but the conference schedule was so packed I didn’t get to.
My plan was to rent a bike and ride along the Corridor de la Rivière Saint-Charles through Parc Cartier-Brébeuf to the Grand Marche Quebec, a popular market in Quebec City. If you don’t want to go to the Grand Marche, the bike path along the Saint Charles River is 32km and goes along both sides of the river to make a nice urban loop.
Pro Tip: Bike rentals can be found at Echo Sports Tours and Tuque & Bicycle Experiences, both located in Old Town Quebec City. The city’s bike share program is called àVélo, with self-service stations in Old Town. Keep in mind that helmets are required.
Sailing the Saint Lawrence River
Hop on a beautiful ship right in Old Town Quebec City and take a ride on the Saint Lawrence River. Croisieres AML offers daily boat tours and excursions with a bit of luxury.
There are several options when choosing a cruise. Take the Quebec City Guided Sightseeing River Cruise to sail past Montmorency Falls and Île d’Orléans. Or take one of the many dinner cruises and enjoy an upscale 3- or 5-course meal while you sail.
I attended a party that was hosted on one of Croisieres AML’s ships and was blown away by how beautiful the ship was and the food was incredible.
Bonus: Whale watching Saguenay Fjords
If you’re willing to go a bit further for a unique adventure, consider embarking on the 3 hour trip to Saguenay-St Lawrence Marine Park. Once there, board a boat or zodiak and keep your eyes peeled for species like minke whales, humpback whales, beluga whales and more. The best time to see whales here is from July through September.
Final thoughts on Adventurous Things to do Near Quebec City in Summer
Everything (except for the bonus activity) listed in this blog post is within 1 hour of Quebec City, making it a destination ideal for adventure travelers who want to enjoy all that the city has to offer as well as get outdoors to explore. If you have a bit more time, the province of Quebec is a great road trip destination with agritourism, eco-friendly lodging and all sorts of adventures.
Still looking for more ways to enjoy nature near Quebec City? Find inspiration here!
Related content to read next:
How to Experience Ecotourism in Puerto Rico (another great paddling destination)
10 Outdoor Adventures for Your Minnesota Bucket List
13 Beautiful Places to Stop When Driving from Anchorage to Seward (Alaska)
Check out my Places page for even more adventure travel itineraries and destinations!
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