3 Day Trips from Quebec to the Jacques‑Cartier region
If you’re looking for fun day trips from Quebec, I recommend planning a few day trips to La Jacques-Cartier region. It’s full of natural beauty, local gems, and kid-friendly activities, and it’s less than an hour’s drive from Old Quebec.
I grew up in this area and now, even after moving to Alberta, I keep coming back with my own family to rediscover its trails, rivers, and cozy little towns.
There are many day trips from Quebec City you could take, but this article focuses on three family-tested favourites: Stoneham, Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval, and Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier.
Each one of those towns offers something a little different, but all are within a short drive from the city, with outdoor activities, local cafés, and peaceful places to explore.
Disclaimer: Just a heads up, this free article contains affiliate links. If you purchase after clicking one of these links, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost. Your support helps me continue to provide helpful and free content for you. We were also invited by Tourisme Jacques-Cartier, but all opinions are my own.
Why Choose La Jacques-Cartier Region for a Day Trip from Quebec?
Just a short drive from Quebec City, La Jacques-Cartier region is where forests meet rivers, and small towns mix charm with outdoor adventures. It’s Quebec’s biggest playground, and there’s a lot to do for outdoor-loving families like ours.
The region is renowned for its natural beauty, and it’s also incredibly accessible for families.
It’s a place where you can paddle a quiet lake in the morning, hike a shaded trail in the afternoon, and enjoy fresh waffles or locally made ice cream before heading home.
1. Stoneham
Just 25 minutes north of Quebec City, Stoneham is where you go to swap city streets for forest paths. Surrounded by mountains and dense woods, this small town is ideal for a family day filled with nature and comfort.
The town has a special place in my heart, as it’s where I spent all my summers at my grandparents’ house on the Jaune River and all our springs at our family sugar shack.
The morning starts well at Les Gamines Café. It’s a cozy spot located inside the Auberge Des Korrigan in a century-old house. It’s known for its homemade waffles, served either sweet or savoury. We tried the French toast with oyster mushrooms, arugula, poached egg, and hollandaise sauce. It was amazing! The atmosphere is relaxed, with a few games to keep little ones entertained and picnic tables outside for when the sun is out.
After breakfast, head to Mont Wright Park. This 190-hectare forest is perfect for hiking. During our visit, we hiked the Rock Shelters trail (Abris Sous Roche). It’s a shaded 4 km loop with just enough challenge to keep things interesting. Along the way, you might spot colourful mushrooms, birds, and even a few snails clinging to the trees.
It’s easy to forget you’re so close to the city. There is an $8.00 entrance fee per adult, and the welcome center often posts seasonal activities on its board, such as outdoor movie nights, forest bathing walks, and more.
To finish the day, you can stop at Les Marais du Nord on your way back to Quebec. This wetland reserve has easy walking trails, a peaceful lake, and canoe/kayak rentals. If you visit early in the morning or late in the evening, you have a better chance of spotting birds and wildlife, such as herons, ducks, and frogs, along the paths.
When we visited, we walked the Roche-Plate and Les Méandres trails, had a picnic, and ended with one last loop (Les Marais and La Tourelle) before heading back.
BONUS: Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
If you have an extra day to spend near Stoneham, I recommend a visit to the Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier. It’s about 30 minutes north of Stoneham. It’s one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Québec, the spectacular Vallée de la Jacques-Cartier. It’s the perfect place to go on a hike or try whitewater rafting.
Expéditions Nouvelle even offers family rafting day trips for kids as young as 3 years old. If you’re considering hiking, one of my favourite hikes is the Les Loups trail. It’s 5 km round-trip to the first viewpoint or 11 km round-trip to the second viewpoint. It’s a bit challenging, but the view is so rewarding.
But it’s recommended to visit early in the morning, because the capacity of this trail is limited. When the maximum number of hikers is reached, the trail becomes inaccessible.
2. Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier
Less than 40 minutes from Quebec City, Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier is a peaceful town surrounded by rivers, trails, and family-friendly stops. It’s the perfect choice for a relaxed but active day outside.
Start your morning with a visit to Expérience Mini-Chevaux – Élevage De Lessard. This small farm is home to miniature horses, Canadian horses, chickens, and goats. Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially on weekends. Note that it’s best to have one child per adult to ensure each child has their own horse; otherwise, they will have to share.
The kids got to brush, groom, and walk their own miniature horse. I forgot the name of the horse we had. The favourite part for the kids was brushing the horses.
After the one-hour session, the farm tour continues with stories from the owner, Normand, who’s as passionate as he is entertaining.
After your time with the animals, take a break at Parc du Grand Héron. It’s a riverside park right in town. On hot summer days, the park gets busy, so try to arrive early to secure a parking spot. There’s a splash pad, sports fields, and a big playground.
It’s also a great launch point for paddleboarding or kayaking on the Jacques-Cartier River. If you didn’t bring your own board, Yogi Nomade rents them Thursday through Sunday. We visited on Tuesday, so we sadly didn’t get to try paddleboarding.
If your family is still up for more adventure, head to the Chemin de la Liseuse. It’s a wide multi-use trail that follows the river toward Pont-Rouge. It’s stroller-friendly, great for biking or walking, and has poetry stops along the way. The trail is about 15 km round trip, but you don’t have to go far to enjoy it. There are shady spots and rocky riverbanks that are perfect for a snack break or a quick dip. It was so hot when we were there that we didn’t go as far as I hoped because the kids were craving an ice cream 😉
End your day at La Sainte-Crème, a charming ice cream shop with picnic tables and a small playground. The menu is huge, with hard and soft serve, gelato, and even dog treats, so it may take a little while to make all your choices. The kids can run around while you enjoy one last quiet moment before heading back.
3. Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval
Just 35 minutes from Quebec City, Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval feels like a secret hideaway in the woods. With quiet lakes, stunning mountain views, and creative local spots, it’s a great destination for a day that combines nature and comfort.
Stop by La Bulle Café-Boutique, a cozy spot that combines a coffee shop and a local market. The café serves great lattes, baked goods, and eco-conscious gifts. We rode out a rainstorm here with board games and a good latte. The kids discovered a new obsession with Monopoly. I also ended up buying a few items (a skirt, earrings and a reusable snack bag).
Then, you can make a stop at Parc Richelieu, a bit outside the heart of the town. There’s a playground, a small lake (no swimming), and access to forest trails like Montagnard.
BONUS: Overnight at Bora Boréal
One of the most unique experiences in Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval is at Bora Boréal, a floating cabin resort situated on a private lake surrounded by mountains. If you have the time (and if there are some availabilities), consider extending your visit to an overnight stay.
The cabin comes with complimentary paddleboards and kayaks. The kids will also love looking out for frogs and dragonflies. Just don’t forget the bug spray—mosquitoes are part of the package too.
Final Thoughts: Best Day Trips from Quebec
If you’re looking for easy and rewarding day trips from Quebec, La Jacques-Cartier region is full of great options. From the forest paths of Stoneham to the riverside charm of Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier and the peaceful lakes of Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval, these small towns offer a perfect mix of outdoor fun and local flavour.
Each destination is less than an hour from Quebec City, making them ideal for families needing a break from the city without going too far. You’ll be able to paddle, hike, meet miniature horses, or just enjoy a quiet coffee while the kids play. This region delivers.
