Where I live in Maine, for weekend adventures, I have a “can I get there and back again on a single tank of gas” philosophy.
As it turns out, just north of Quebec is a gem of a Canadian National Park: Parc National de la Jacques Cartier
The area is a giant mountain plateau carved with deep valleys during the last ice age. The Jacques Cartier Massif is within the Laurentides, part of the Laurentian Mountains that extend from Quebec to Newfoundland. Coming from Maine with its drowned coast and northern Appalachians, it reminds me more of the Poconos than anything, with its deep valleys.
There are over 100km of trails in this park, several of which lead out the river that lends the place its name. There are both back and front country camping options, though you must get your permits in advance. I arrived too late to start my backcountry hike, and the rangers at the desk offered me an option to pay $6 Canadian to stay in the parking lot overnight. I chose to go back to Quebec City and see the city at night, sleep in a parking lot (my Jeep works well for overnight stealth camping), and start fresh the next day. The park is around 30 minutes from the city.
It is a very accessible park, more so if you have a high-clearance, four-wheel drive car or truck, as a dirt-and-gravel road takes you deeper into the park and some amenities further up the river, like stables and such.
How to Get There (From the Park Website)
Valley Sector
From Quebec City:
- Take Route 73 North (follow the signs for Saguenay) which will become Route 175 North. The entrance to the Valley sector is located at exit 182, Chemin du Parc-National. From downtown Quebec City to the entrance to the Valley sector, it is 40 km. Add to that 10 km to the Discovery and Visitors Centre.
Public charging stations for electric vehicles
Six Level 2 charging stations are available at the Discovery and Visitors Centre parking lot. Details
Transportation Service
A transportation service is offered by Quatre Natures from Quebec City.
Additional information
Traffic coordinates
Exit 182, Chemin du Parc-National
Route 175
Stoneham and Tewkesbury
GPS:
47° 06′ 30” N
71° 20′ 50” W
The park is open year-round. For better planning of your activities, take note of the period of operation of the services according to the sector.
Valley Sector
Opening of the National
Park Trail From mid-May to the first snow: accessible up to km 33, depending on weather conditions
From the first snow to mid-May: accessible to the Discovery and Visitors Centre (km 10)
From the first snowfall, the Chemin de la Vallée is open only to the Discovery and Visitors Centre (km 10) which is open every day of the year, with the exception of December 25 and January 1.
These dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions. We strongly advise you to contact us at 418 848-3169, ext. 6 to ensure the state of the road.
Discovery and Visitors Centre
Services: reception and information, equipment rental, general store, first aid service
Periods:
- November 1, 2024 to May 8, 2025
- Daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- May 9 to June 12, 2025
- Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- June 13 to August 24, 2025
- Daily, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
- August 25 to October 13, 2025
- Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- Sunday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- October 14 to December 1, 2025
- Daily, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
At all times, it is mandatory to purchase your daily access online before your arrival. Be sure to keep proof with you at all times.
Shoulder sector (fishing in accommodation at the Devlin cabins and the Pavillon du lac à l’Épaule)
Sautauriski and Jumeau sectors (day fishing)
Shoulder sector (winter accommodation at Devlin chalets)