Quebec, with its endless forests, shimmering lakes and mountains, is a life-size playground for lovers of the great outdoors. Among its treasures, the national parks stand out for their raw beauty and biodiversity. From Gaspésie, where the mountains meet the sea, to the wilderness of Mauricie, each park has its own unique character. We invite you to discover Quebec's 12 national parks, offering breathtaking scenery and incredible adventures. Let's embark together on a journey to the heart of Quebec's natural splendor. If you're interested in the Quebec region, check out our 14 must-sees in Montreal!
1- Gaspésie National Park
In the heart of the Gaspé Peninsula lies the majestic Parc National de la Gaspésie, covering an area of 802 km² of pure splendor. This national park is distinguished by its high peaks, notably Mont Jacques-Cartier, and its landscapes where the boreal forest marries the mountains. Approximately 700 km east of Quebec City, it offers a natural spectacle where fauna, including the mythical woodland caribou, and flora flourish. Hikers can explore trails that weave their way through nature, sometimes gentle, sometimes wild, while mountain lakes such as Lac aux Américains invite contemplation. In autumn, the park dons its gold and purple mantle, becoming a photographer's paradise. The Parc National de la Gaspésie is a call to discovery, an immersion in a universe where nature commands respect and admiration.
2- Parc National du Bic
Parc National du Bic stands like a jewel on the shores of the St. Lawrence estuary in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, some 300 kilometers from Quebec City. The 33 km² park offers an exceptional coastal panorama of capes, coves and islands. A haven for seals and a sanctuary for over 220 species of birds, it's a birdwatcher's paradise. Hikers and kayakers indulge their passions in summer, while winter transforms the area into an ideal space for cross-country skiing. The flora is not to be outdone, offering a wealth of species adapted to the salinity of the sea. Le Bic is a living tableau where the spectacles of nature mingle, inviting us to reflect and marvel, an unmissable stopover for those seeking an intimate encounter with the grandeur of the St. Lawrence.
3- Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
The Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, a jewel in the crown of the Charlevoix region and located 150 kilometers northeast of Quebec City, unfurls its 224.7 km² of wilderness. The park features some of the highest cliffs in Eastern Canada, framing the Rivière Malbaie. A favorite spot for hikers, it is home to the famous Acropole des Draveurs trail, offering views that reward the effort of the climb. Water-based activities, such as kayaking, allow you to take in the majesty of the place as it flows by. The ancient flora and fauna testify to the biological richness of the park. In winter, it becomes a haven for snow sports. For the traveler in search of escape, the Parc National des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie is a destination of choice, combining adventure and tranquility in a setting of striking beauty.
4- La Mauricie National Park
La Mauricie National Park, a green oasis covering 536 km², lies between Montreal and Quebec City. It's a sanctuary of lush forests and sparkling lakes. With 150 km of trails, it's the perfect place for hikers, while the clear waters are perfect for kayakers. In winter, the park is transformed, offering cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails through snowy landscapes straight out of a postcard. The wildlife is varied, from beavers to white-tailed deer, and the history is palpable, with vestiges of the lumber era. For the discerning traveler, La Mauricie National Park represents the ultimate contemplative and rejuvenating escape.
5- Îles-de-Boucherville National Park
Parc National des Îles-de-Boucherville, an 8.1 km² green jewel on the St. Lawrence River, is an invitation to get away from it all in Montreal. This haven of peace boasts a certain ecological richness with its wetlands and dense forests, where deer, foxes and a variety of birds cohabit. Hiking trails and water courses welcome walkers and water sports enthusiasts, while activities range from golf to fishing, offering a real recreational offering. In winter, the park is transformed into a playground for snowshoers. Easily accessible, it's a breath of fresh air for city dwellers, who find it an unrivalled natural escape. The Parc National des Îles-de-Boucherville is an unmissable stopover for reconnecting with nature while remaining in the shadow of the metropolis. Book your for a cruise on the St. Lawrence River through the Parc National des Îles-de-Boucherville!
6- Mont-Tremblant National Park
Parc National du Mont-Tremblant, jewel of the Laurentians and pioneer of Quebec's protected areas, extends over 1,510 km² of wilderness just 130 km from Montreal. It's a sanctuary where rivers, lakes and forests form a living tableau. The park is a paradise for water-based activities such as canoeing and fishing, in a setting where the typical Laurentian flora creates a veritable haven of peace. Hiking trails offer breathtaking escapades and panoramas. In winter, the landscape turns white, allowing cross-country skiers and snowshoers to explore its snow-covered expanses. Parc National du Mont-Tremblant is an invitation to a change of scenery and adventure, a must-see for the savvy traveler in search of Quebec authenticity. Book here your zip-line experience from the summit of Mont Tremblant!
7- Jacques-Cartier National Park
Just a stone's throw from Quebec City, Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier unfurls its 670 km² of unspoiled nature. It's a land of glacial valleys, carved out between cliffs and dense forests, crossed by the eponymous river, popular for kayaking and rafting. Hiking trails wind up the mountainside, giving access to breathtaking panoramas. In winter, the slopes are covered in snow, inviting you to ski and snowshoe, in a silence broken only by the crunch of footsteps. The rich and varied wildlife lives here discreetly, but can sometimes be observed, adding a frisson of wildlife to the experience. Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier is this bubble of pure air, offering a memorable experience for the traveller in search of authenticity and unique moments. Book here a hike in the Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier!
8- Parc National des Grands-Jardins
Parc National des Grands-Jardins, the pearl of Charlevoix and guardian of 310 km² of boreal nature, stands not far from Quebec City. Recognized as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, it offers landscapes reminiscent of the Arctic, with its subarctic vegetation, lichens and expanses of moss, a rare sight at these latitudes. Hiking trails wind through rugged nature, challenging walkers eager for summits and dazzling panoramas. Lakes teem with fish, attracting fishermen and canoe explorers. In winter, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing are king, offering breathtaking views over a realm of ice and silence. This park is a sanctuary where flora and fauna coexist, offering visitors a symphony of wildlife, a true escape into the great book of nature.
9- Anticosti National Park
Anticosti National Park, set in the vast blue of the Gulf of St. Lawrence over an area of 572 km², is a wild and unspoilt escape, perfect for the adventurer thirsting for tranquillity. It's a place where wildlife, mainly a dense population of white-tailed deer, lives in harmony with pristine nature. Limestone cliffs, spectacular waterfalls like Vauréal Falls and deep canyons form a landscape of raw beauty. Geology buffs will delight in the caves and fossils that bear witness to a rich natural history. Fishing, hiking and kayaking enthusiasts will be delighted by the park's hidden treasures, while its remoteness guarantees a unique experience, far from the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Accessible only by boat or plane, Anticosti is a destination of choice for those seeking to reconnect with nature in its purest form.
10- Forillon National Park
Parc National de Forillon, set at the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula on 244 km², is a land of contrasts where majestic cliffs meet gentle beaches. A spectator of maritime migrations, it offers captivating scenes of whale and seabird watching. Its history is rich, punctuated by fishermen's tales and echoes of naval battles, with lighthouses keeping watch over an immemorial maritime past. Hiking trails reveal breathtaking views over the vastness of the sea. Diving into the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence reveals a fascinating aquatic universe. Winter transforms the park into a white paradise, ideal for winter sports. Forillon is a living patchwork of biodiversity and history, offering adventurers a rich and profound experience, an eloquent testimony to the meeting of land and sea.
11- Parc National des Pingualuit
In the heart of Nunavik, Parc National des Pingualuit fascinates with its 1,133 km² of Arctic tundra and its iconic meteor crater. The crater, 3.4 km in diameter, is home to a lake of rare purity, testimony to an impact 1.4 million years ago. In this permafrost landscape, life is rare but resilient, adapted to the rigors of the Arctic climate. It's a sanctuary of silence, cut off from the world, where only the wind and birds enliven the atmosphere during the ephemeral summer. The aurora borealis is a breathtaking spectacle, attracting adventurers seeking unique experiences. Accessible by plane from Kuujjuaq, this park is a destination of choice for seasoned hikers, offering an unforgettable adventure for lovers of remote, unspoiled landscapes.
12- Parc National de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé
Parc National de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, nestled in the Gaspé Peninsula, covers 5.8 km² and promises a dazzling maritime adventure. With the famous Rocher-Percé as its sentinel, this park is a window onto the ocean, famous for its colony of gannets, one of the most spectacular on the globe. Hikers and birdwatchers will find a paradise of birdlife and breathtaking panoramas. The surrounding waters are ideal for whale watching and kayaking. This national park is a must-see for those wishing to immerse themselves in a world where nature commands respect and admiration, a place both wild and steeped in history. Planning your trip to Quebec? Book here and leave with peace of mind!
Want to discover more parks? We recommend our selection of the 15 most beautiful national parks in Canada!
Which is the largest park in Quebec?
Quebec's largest park is Parc national de la Gaspésie. It is located in the Gaspésie-Îles-de-la-Madeleine region and covers an area of some 802 square kilometers. The park is renowned for its exceptional mountain scenery, including Mont Jacques-Cartier, one of the highest peaks in southern Quebec. The park is also renowned for its wealth of flora and fauna, including the endangered mountain caribou.
What's the most beautiful city in Quebec?
- Quebec City: Quebec City, the province's capital, is often cited as one of the most beautiful cities, not only in Quebec but in North America. Its Old Quebec, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its cobblestone streets, fortifications, Château Frontenac and European ambience, makes it a destination of choice.
- Montreal: Montreal, the province's metropolis, is renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, numerous festivals, diverse architecture and unique blend of European charm and North American dynamism. Neighborhoods like Old Montreal, Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End have a beauty all their own.
- Tadoussac: A small village at the mouth of the Saguenay Fjord and the St. Lawrence River, Tadoussac is known for its picturesque scenery, colorful houses and whale-watching sites.
What's the most beautiful region in Quebec?
- Charlevoix: This region is renowned for its picturesque landscapes where mountains and river meet. The region is also a UNESCO-recognized biosphere site.
- Gaspésie: The Gaspésie peninsula offers spectacular views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, cliffs and impressive national parks like Parc national de la Gaspésie.
- Eastern Townships: With its rolling hills, lakes and charming villages, this region is particularly beautiful with its autumn colors.
