National Parks In Quebec You Need To Visit

Quebec’s jaw-dropping wilderness provides the perfect vacation spot for nature buffs, explorers and adventurers. Culture Trip’s local insiders share their tips on the best national parks for unparalleled views and unforgettable experiences.

1. Mont-Mégantic National Park

Natural Feature

Parc national du Mont-Megantic and its Observatory

This nationally protected site, in the Appalachians near the New Hampshire, boasts some of the clearest starry night skies imaginable. For budding astronomers there’s an AstroLab and astronomy observatory here, home to a 5ft telescope. The mountainous terrain affords hikers and walkers more than 37mi (60km) of trails, ranging from easy to difficult – all of which lead to panoramic views from the top of Monts Mégantic, Saint Joseph and Victoria (all more than 1,000m/3,281ft high). Recommended by local insider Caitlin Stall-Paquet

2. Hautes‑Gorges-de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie National Park

Natural Feature

National Park, Hautes-Gorges-de -la-Riviere-Malbaie, Province of Quebec, Canada

If towering mountains and deep-cut valleys are the surroundings you crave, then the Hautes‑Gorges-de-la-Rivière‑Malbaie National Park is for you. This provincial park, along the Malbaie River, is the crown jewel of the Unesco Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve. There are plenty of showstopping views to enjoy from the highest rock faces east of the Rockies. Enjoy a full day of fishing, canoeing, mountain biking or rock climbing. During the winter, this park is the perfect spot for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and dogsledding. Recommended by local insider Caitlin Stall-Paquet

3. Forillon National Park

Natural Feature

Along the rugged coast and pebble beaches of Quebec’s eastern tip lies Forillon National Park, a n untouched wilderness where you can spend the morning hiking lush trails through maple groves, or take to the sea by kayak or kite. Stop for a picnic on the cliffs before going whale-watching or horse-riding along the Le Portage and La Vallée trails. You’ll also find red Adirondack chairs all around the park to unwind to sit and take a breather. Recommended by local insider Caitlin Stall-Paquet

5. Saguenay-Saint-Lawrence Marine Park

Natural Feature

The Saguenay Fjord forms part of Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park in Quebec, Canada.

One of the world’s best whale-watching spots can be found at the Saguenay-Saint-Lawrence Marine Park. It’s the only Quebec park that contains a protected marine area. Here, you’ll find more than 2,000 wild species, including seals and blue whales. Wander the majestic trails along a 10,000-year-old fjord and through boreal forests, or spot beluga whales along the dramatic coastline. You’ll also find unbeatable whale-watching boat tours, snorkeling and scuba diving. Discover the area’s rich history by visiting the Hyman & Sons General Store and Dolbel-Roberts House. Recommended by local insider Tess Boissonneault

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.