Much of Eastern Québec is covered in dense forests. Take advantage of your next vacation in our regions to explore these natural treasures and experience unforgettable outdoor adventures!

Bas-Saint-Laurent

The beautiful wooded landscapes of Bas-Saint-Laurent are the perfect setting for a multitude of exciting outdoor activities. In Cacouna, Kiskotuk Coastal Park is a peaceful haven where the forest meets the sea. Explore the park’s 10 km (6 mi.) of trails winding through various ecosystems, from a salt marsh to the boreal forest, as you admire exceptional views and wildlife. This natural playground will also delight birdwatchers since over 260 species of birds have been observed in the area.

At Parc national du Lac-Témiscouata, you can explore 35 km (22 mi.) of trails through wooded terrain offering stunning views of Lake Témiscouata and Lake Touladi. Combining water and forest, this protected area is ideal for a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and canoeing (including rabaska canoeing). You can also observe various wildlife species in the park, including majestic bald eagles, the park’s animal emblem. Another must-see in the region is Parc national du Bic, which offers 25 km (15 mi.) of hiking trails in the forest and along the coast, giving you access to breathtaking panoramic views. Cyclists can also explore the park on 15 km (9 mi.) of bike trails.

Near Rimouski, you can discover a unique destination: the Hell’s Gate Canyon. Hiking, geocaching, immersive activities and lodging in the forest are just some of the fun adventures awaiting you at the heart of this awe-inspiring natural site. Don’t miss this opportunity to cross the highest suspension bridge in the province of Québec, which is 63 metres (205 feet) high and 99 metres (325 feet) long! From the bridge, you can admire an amazing view of the forest and the Rimouski River at your feet.

Nearby, set off on a hike along the Explorateur trail in the Réserve faunique de Rimouski to learn about the explorer Bernard Voyer as you observe local plants and animals. You can also enjoy a stay in a cabin or campsite in this wildlife reserve.

Finally, stop at Domaine Valga to explore the “Forêt de Maître Corbeau” adventure park, the only one of its kind in the region. Discover 94 treetop challenges in six different courses at the heart of a century-old maple grove.

Gaspésie

Immerse yourself in the wilderness of Gaspésie! Soak up magnificent scenery in Parc national de la Gaspésie and Forillon National Park as you hike, stay in one of several types of accommodations, and observe fascinating plants and wildlife. You can also enjoy an incredible experience at the heart of this region by hiking the International Appalachian Trail – Québec, which offers the possibility of excursions lasting from several hours to 40 days.

While in Gaspésie, be sure to also visit the region’s wildlife reserves! Home to a variety of wildlife species, including moose, the Réserve faunique de Matane covers an area of 1275 km² (490 sq. mi.) and offers 100 km (60 mi.) of hiking trails that will take you through valleys and mountains. To completely immerse yourself in this mountainous area, stay at the Auberge de montagne des Chic-Chocs, a cozy lodge located at an altitude of 615 metres (2020 feet) offering a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and wildlife observation. Home to majestic peaks like Mt. Blanche-Lamontagne and Mt. Brown, the Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs is an ideal spot to go hiking and observe moose, black bears and porcupines. Finally, the Réserve faunique de Port-Daniel, which covers an area of nearly 60 km² (25 sq. mi.), welcomes you in a natural setting dotted with lakes. Keep an eye out for otters and martens!

Are you interested in something a little more adventurous? Eskamer Aventure in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts offers canyoning, an outdoor activity that gives you the opportunity to navigate some of the region’s cascading waterways. You can also soar over the Chic-Choc Mountains on a 330-metre (1000-foot) zipline! In Murdochville, go rafting or hiking along meandering trails with Chic-Chac!

A few kilometres before the turnoff to Murdochville, stretch your legs at the Station de montagne sur mer de Mont-Saint-Pierre on one of the hiking trails leading to fantastic views of the mountains in this area.

At the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, discover the geological secrets of the Percé area at the Percé UNESCO Global Geopark during exciting solo or guided hikes along 18 km (11 mi.) of trails through spectacular scenery. If you’re brave enough, you can also venture out on a suspended glass platform that offers a dizzying view of the surrounding area.

And for a getaway that’s both historic and adventurous, let yourself be charmed by the picturesque trails at Parc du Bourg de Pabos, in the La Baie-des-Chaleurs sector. Discover the mysteries that haunt this unique archaeological site, which also offers captivating multimedia experiences.

Finally, climbing enthusiasts won’t want to miss the exhilarating Chute à Philomène via ferrata, in the Matapédia Valley, which offers a climbing route that’s suitable for all levels of experience.

Côte-Nord

Côte-Nord offers so many possibilities for outdoor adventures in the forest! For scenic hikes in the heart of the wilderness, explore the trails through the woods found in Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay. Offering hiking, biking and wildlife observation (including beluga watching), this park delights forest lovers in every season. You’ll also be enchanted by magical Parc national d’Anticosti, which is full of surprises. Located on wild Anticosti Island, this park offers nearly 125 km (80 mi.) of trails where you can admire outstanding scenery and observe fascinating wildlife, including some of the 115,000 white-tailed deer found on this island!

In Sacré-Coeur, overlooking the Saguenay Fjord, the Ferme 5 Étoiles holiday resort invites you to admire the natural beauty of this area. Hiking trails, guided black bear watching and a tour of this wildlife sanctuary will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the forest.

Recharge your batteries at Parc Nature de Pointe-aux-Outardes where you can explore a network of trails that form loops ranging in length from 1 to 5 km (3 mi.). Join a guided hike and discover the fascinating world of ornithology. And don’t miss this opportunity to spend the night in the heart of the forest, either at a campsite or in one of the site’s cozy giant birdhouses!

In Baie-Comeau, Attitude Nordique is your gateway to adventure in Côte-Nord. This outdoor company offers unique experiences on water and land supervised by professional guides. To explore the local forest, go hiking, via ferrata climbing or ziplining.

Would you like to get off the beaten track? Immerse yourself in the vast forests surrounding the Station Uapishka, at the edge of the majestic Uapishka (Groulx) Mountains and the Manicouagan impact crater, where a multitude of adventures await you. This northern ecolodge is the ideal starting point for exploring this area on foot or by bike. You can also go on guided kayaking or rabaska canoeing excursions on the Manicouagan Reservoir, with an overnight stay under the stars.

Are you fascinated by birds of prey? Go for a hike through the varied landscapes of the Réserve faunique de Port-Cartier–Sept-Îles to observe these birds in flight. You can also enjoy a canoe-camping expedition and berry-picking in the forest. For peaceful walks in the boreal forest around Sept-Îles, explore the hiking trails at the Lac des Rapides outdoor recreation centre and take advantage of its facilities to go canoeing, kayaking, pedal-boating or stand-up paddle boarding.

Îles de la Madeleine

Although less wooded than the other maritime regions of Québec, the Îles de la Madeleine archipelago also offers you the opportunity to explore the forest during the unique “Taste of the Forest” activity offered at Auberge La Salicorne. This botanical walk in the superb wooded area overlooking the Bassin aux Huîtres behind the inn offers a unique introduction to some of the flavours of the Islands.

Enjoy a multitude of outdoor adventures as you discover the forests of Eastern Québec!