Where to Head out on the Trans Canada Trail for Quebec’s National Parks Day!
The second Saturday of September: the tail end of summer. It’s also Quebec’s National Parks Day – a day to get outside and celebrate the province’s exceptional natural beauty and access national parks (aka parks in the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec network, better known as SÉPAQ parks) — for free! Bonus: several parks are offering fun, educational programming. We’ve got some great suggestions for where to explore SÉPAQ parks on or near the Trans Canada Trail.
In the Laurentians
Parc linéaire le P’tit Train du Nord + Mont-Tremblant National Park
The epic Parc linéaire Le P’tit Train du Nord takes you through the Laurentian region of Quebec over 230 kilometres. It also takes you very close to Mont-Tremblant National Park! Cycle on the Trail, then head over to the park for some hiking trails and picnicking.
In the Eastern Townships
La Montagnarde + Mont-Orford National Park
La Montagnarde takes you through the communities of Waterloo, Eastman, Orford, Magog and Deauville. It winds through the beautiful Mont-Orford National Park — a gem of a park offering gorgeous views from hiking and cycling routes at a variety of levels. Plan for a day of cycling in stunning surroundings, or make your way to the park via the Trans Canada Trail and set out on a hiking adventure.
Several activities are planned for Quebec’s National Parks Day in Mont-Orford National Park, including hiking tours, meeting with an environment technician, canoeing and more!
L’Estriade + Parc national de la Yamaska
Credit: Tourisme Montérégie
Not far from la Montagnarde, l’Estriade offers a safe and secure cycling route (check out our tips for family fun along l’Estriade). This popular Trans Canada Trail section runs from Waterloo to Granby along the celebrated Route Verte. Pop off the Trans Canada Trail section of l’Estriade and continue to Parc national de la Yamaska, featuring a beautiful lake, playground, hiking trails and campsites — an ideal family fun destination!
In the Quebec City area
Corridor du Littoral + Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
The Corridor du Littoral takes you from Quebec City along the north shore of the Saint-Lawrence River to the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. Although this is not technically a Fnational park, it’s part of SEPAQ’s network and a must-visit for fans of stunning waterfalls. Set out for a walk, hike or cycle on the Trail, then stop to marvel at the falls. The park offers a cable car and suspension bridge to help you take in alllllll the amazing views.
In the Charlevoix region
Traversée de Charlevoix + Parc national des Grands-Jardins and Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
Charlevoix is home to sweeping vistas, excellent hiking trails (and delicious cheese, but that’s for another story!) It’s also the site of two exceptional parks that are close to the Traversée de Charlevoix section of the Trans Canada Trail: Parc national des Grands-Jardins and Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie! Both parks are offering several guided hikes on National Parks Day, plus traditional music performances, arts activities and more.
In the Bas-Saint-Laurent region
Parc linéaire interprovincial Petit Témis + Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata
Credit: Petit Témis
The Parc linéaire interprovincial Petit Témis spans 144 kilometres from outside of Rivière du Loup all the way to Edmundston, New Brunswick! It’s also very close to the Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata, where you’ll find hiking and paddling trails, cycling, fishing and more. Several activities are on offer for Quebec’s National Parks Day!
