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In this article, we’ll present the 18 best national parks in Quebec. We’ll also showcase some other amazing nature parks that aren’t necessarily national parks. We included some of Quebec’s top ecological reserves, provincial parks, Canadian national parks and regional parks.

The nature in Quebec is one of the best things about the province. For those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the big cities, there are plenty of national parks in Quebec, as well as regional and nature parks, that are some of the best in the country.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend escape from Montreal, just a quick day trip, or even a longer road trip destination, we’ve got you covered in this article! We’ll be showcasing all the best national parks and nature parks in the whole province. These are some of the best places in Quebec.

Of course, this list is based on our experience, and what makes a national park great varies from person to person. We’ll make sure to let you know why we think each national park on this list is worth a visit.

And if you’re looking to stay closer to Montreal or Quebec City, make sure you check out our other article about the national parks that are near those two cities.

This article may contain affiliate/compensated links. For more information, please see our disclaimer here. We take all the efforts necessary to ensure the information included in this post is accurate, correct and current, sometimes, things just change! Travel information like opening hours, business operations and prices may change. If you find anything in this post that is incorrect or outdated, please let me know in the comments so I can update it for other readers. Cheers!

What are national parks in Quebec?

In Quebec, there are over 50 national parks. Luckily, for those living near Montreal, there are about 10 that are close to the city, You can check out that article here.

But before we showcase the best national parks, let’s uncover what national parks are in Quebec. Because there are 2 kinds of national parks in the province.

First, you’ll find Quebec national parks that are managed by Parks Canada, an entity of the federal Canadian government. Three parks in Quebec are managed by Parks Canada – Forillon, La Mauricie and the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve. You also have the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, which is managed jointly by Parks Canada and the Sépaq.

Then, you have provincial national parks, which are managed by the SÉPAQ, or the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (The Society for Natural Establishments of Quebec… or something like that!)

Provincial parks in Quebec

This is the second category of national parks, which are more like provincial or regional parks. They are run by the Sépaq, which is a para-governmental organization of the provincial Québec government. There are 24 parks managed by the Sepaq throughout the province of Quebec.

So why are there no provincial parks in Quebec? Since the province of Quebec is officially recognized as a distinct nation, the parks under the Quebec government’s jurisdiction are also called “national parks”. Unlike in other provinces with provincial parks, in Quebec, you’ll only find national parks – some run by the federal government and some run by the provincial government.

However, you also have a ton of regional parks and nature parks in the province. We’ve included some of them here as we want you to get out and explore as much of Quebec’s beauty as possible.

Just note that you may need to pay entrance fees to these parks – national parks all have entrance fees, while regional or nature parks may not. If you plan on hiking or camping often in the Sepaq National Parks, we recommend getting an annual pass for the parks. You’ll end up saving quite a bit of money if you’re a fan of the outdoors!

Discover 2 beautiful Parks Canada national parks in Quebec

First, let’s start with 2 of our favorite Parks Canada national parks that are in Quebec. Although these are probably the furthest parks from Montreal, they are worth a visit. If you have ample time to explore the province, they are pretty amazing national parks to explore. Each one has something unique to offer.

So if you’re heading on a road trip to the furthest ends of Quebec, these parks are worth every extra kilometer you’ll put on your car!

1. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, one of the most unique national parks in Quebec

When we set out to explore the Côte Nord of Quebec, this Quebec National Park was the top destination on our Quebec bucket list. Carine spotted a picture of the Mingan Archipelago, with its rock formations, and that was it. All it took was a 13-hour drive and a ferry ride to get to this mythical place.

The Mingan archipelago is made up of many different islands – Île aux Perroquets, Grande Île, and Île Nue in one bunch and Île Quarry, Île du Fantôme and Île Niapiskau in another. There are plenty of other islands in the Archipelago, but those are the main ones. Excursions usually leave from either Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan or Havre-Saint-Pierre and they head to these islands.

From Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan you can visit Île aux Perroquets, Grande Île, and Île Nue. The first is known for its iconic red and white lighthouse, Atlantic puffins, and razorbills. On Île Nue de Mingan, you’ll find seals and some limestone monoliths. It’s called Île Nue (Naked Island) because there are no trees on the island. For those looking to admire the iconic puffins, these are islands you want to head to!

We chose to head out from Havre-Saint-Pierre and visited Île Quarry, Île du Fantôme and Île Niapiskau. Île Quarry is home to an amazing forest with many trails to explore, and these crazy monoliths. Île Niapiskau has more giant limestone formations and a ton of fossils to discover. Île du Fantôme is known for its arctic & alpine plants, normally found in mountainous areas or beyond the 56th parallel in Quebec. Plus, it has a ton of cliffs, monoliths, and ledges.

We chose to go with a small boat and we loved our choice. Capitaine Richard and his partner were great in explaining where we were going and what we were going to see. They even made extra trips to show us things that were not on the itinerary – whales, birds and different islands. Since they were born in the region, they had so many different hidden gems to share with us.

Because we were only about 12-15 people on the boat, we felt like we had more room, and every time we arrived on an island, we didn’t have swarms of people around us! Most of the time, we had the islands to ourselves. We had so much more time to explore each place before the bigger groups arrived.

If you’re looking to go off the beaten path and explore some of the coolest limestone formations, this is the Quebec National Park you should be adding to your list.

Official site
Entrance fees: $6.25 for adults. Full details here
Amenities: Visitors Centers, as well as bathrooms and fire pits on the islands.
Campgrounds: Yes, as well as different types of accommodations

2. Forillon Park in Gaspésie, another one of the best national Parks Canada parks in Quebec

Forillon Park is another one of the national parks that is run by Parks Canada. It’s probably the furthest from Montreal, that you can reach without having to take a ferry, but it’s well worth the detour. Trust us! It’s about 1,000 km from Montreal and 350 km from the border with New Brunswick.

Located in the Gaspésie region of the province, Park Forillon is a great place to camp and hike. It has amazing beaches, and tons of trails to discover that go through forests, shorelines, coasts, and more. There are also a few animals to spot here. During our last camping trip there, we were lucky enough to see some bears and porcupines. But you’ll see tons of birds and reptiles too!

You can hike the famous Land’s End trail, picnic on the shores, go biking, kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and even go whale watching. There’s a ton to do at Park Forillon and in the Gaspé region of the province, so make sure you take a few days here to take it all in.

If you love hiking, you’re in luck because there are a ton of trails to hike and they vary in intensity. So there’s something for everyone. One of the most famous trails is Les Graves. It will take you to Land’s End as it travels along the broad bay and leads to the end of the road at Cap Gaspé. A lighthouse sits atop the hill, and a belvedere, further down allows visitors to watch for whales. Make sure to bring binoculars because you do have quite a high vantage point there!

Another great trail is La Chute, a moderate trail that winds its way through a mature forest of firs, maples, and pines. It leads to the foot of a beautiful freshwater fall. The waterfall varies in intensity, depending on the season you’re visiting. At the foot of the falls, you will find one of the famous Parks Canada red Adirondack chairs where you can sit and enjoy nature’s show. In the fall, this spot puts on a beautiful show when the leaves change colors.

If you love waterfalls, make sure you check out our article about the best waterfalls in Quebec. You can chase them all around the province!

Forillon Park is one of the best national parks in Quebec for camping – there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from. And best of all, they all come equipped with all the Parks Canada amenities – an indoor space, a play park for kids, free showers and so much more! We spent a few nights camping at Forillon Park and it was some of the best camping we’ve done yet in Quebec! Just make sure you reserve at the opening of the season because spots tend to get snapped up quite quickly!

Forillon National Park offers a combination of rugged coastal landscapes and rich marine life, and it’s one of the few places where the Appalachian Mountains meet the sea. And for so many other reasons, it’s an amazing Quebec national park to explore!

Official site
Entrance fees: $8.50 for adults. Full details here
Amenities: Visitors Centre, campgrounds with firepits, bathrooms, showers and cooking facilities, pool,
Campgrounds: Yes, with and without services. As well as different types of accommodations.

Amazing national parks in Gaspésie

Since we’re already in the most remote parts of the province, why not continue with more Quebec National Parks that are far from Montreal!

Here are some other wonderful national parks in Quebec that are located in the Gaspésie region. The only issue is that they are a bit of a trek. But let us tell you that you will not regret visiting these nature parks. They all have something unique to offer. And if you’re going on a longer Quebec road trip, you can make a pit stop at one of these parks. They will not disappoint!

3. Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Roché-Percé National Park, the most unique national park in Quebec

This national park in Quebec is probably the most unique one yet… well, after the Mingan Archipelago!

Located off the coast of Percé, the Parc National de l’Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé is one of the coolest places in the province. In the Gaspésie region of Quebec, it’s an iconic place to see with your own eyes.

Let’s start off with the Roché Percé. This Quebec landmark is something we all learn about in school. This huge rock structure juts out from the edge of the Saint-Lawrence river and it has a huge hole in it. Roché Percé means pierced rock, so you know that’s where its name comes from.

Seeing this rock, after years of having learned about, it is one of the most unique experiences ever. When the tide is low, you can walk around the Rocher Percé, but we were warned of falling rocks!

Next, you have the Ile Bonaventure part of the park. The island is off the coast of Percé, about a 30-minute boat ride from the port. The ride to get to Bonaventure Island is already quite an adventure, but your time there will be unique as well.

The island used to be an old fisherman’s village but is no longer inhabited now, except for a huge population of Northern Gannets and some seals. What’s so great about the national park is that you still see the homes that were once owned by the fishermen. Today, some of them have been converted to museums to explore.

There are a few hiking trails on the island, about 15km worth. Just beware that the trails are very exposed to the elements, and so are the cruise ships that go there. The ride can get quite bumpy, and trails may close if the weather turns for the worst. Either way, we highly recommend you make your way to this amazing national park in Quebec and explore it when the weather agrees.

Local tip: The price of the ferry to Ile Bonaventure is not included in the price of entry. The price varies between $30-40 per person for a round-trip ride. During the boat ride, they will take you around the Rocher Percé and tell you a bunch of very interesting facts about the Rocher, and the island. If you’re prone to getting seasick, make sure you take some pills before and sit inside. The ride in the back of the boat is quite bumpy and wet!

Extra tip: The whole village of Percé shuts down in the winter months, so we don’t recommend heading up there in the winter, your experience will be very different considering most tourist attractions and accommodations will be closed. Also, the ferries don’t run in the winter, so getting to the island will be impossible.

Official site
Entrance fees: $9.55 for adults (however, you will need to pay for the ferry ride, another $30-40 CAD)
Amenities: There is a small shop on the island, and 2 restaurants, one at the Visitors Center, another at the northern tip of the island, where the gannats are.
Campgrounds: No camping allowed on these islands
Note: Check openings as this park is not open year-round

4. Gaspésie National Park, one of the most beautiful national parks in Quebec

The region of Gaspésie, although far away, has so many amazing things to discover. Cute coastal towns, lush forests, impressive mountains, and wild nature like you’ve never seen before!

The Parc National de la Gaspésie was created in 1937. Its main goal was to preserve the mountain caribou, the Sainte-Anne River and the Gaspesian mountain. In fact, you’ll be able to admire the mighty caribou on many different hikes here.

The Gaspésie National Park is one of the best national parks in Quebec, not only because of the immensity of its territory but also because you can visit it year-round. In the winter, the area is transformed into a true winter wonderland with snow-covered trees. It’s one of the places in Quebec that gets the most snow, so you know it’s really beautiful. The Chic Chocs are renowned for this.

In the other seasons, the Parc National de Gaspésie is a treasure to uncover. The park is spread out into different sections, so you can explore different landscapes and natural wonders. From epic hikes to waterfalls, one of the tallest mountains in Quebec and beautiful lakes, this park has it all!

While here, you can do a short hike to the Sainte-Anne waterfall or to the glacier lake with the Lac-des-Américains hike. If you’re into longer hikes, Mont-Albert is an iconic hike to do in this national park. Mont-Jacques Cartier is equally impressive where you’ll surely see caribou, and get a 360 view of the area. In between the short walks and more challenging hikes, you have the Ernest-Laforce trail which also offers a striking view of Mont Albert and the surrounding mountains.

Camping at the Parc National de Gaspésie is the best way to enjoy nature, although you can also stay in the Gite Saint-Albert too. It’s a unique historic lodge nestled in the mountains, and right by so many trailheads. Recently, the national park also added a shuttle to take you around the different sectors of the park. A great, eco-friendly way to get around!

The Gaspésie National Park is renowned for its stunning mountainous terrain, its Chic-Choc Mountains and the impressive Mont Albert and Mont Jacques-Cartier mountains. For those looking to spot caribou and spend their days hiking up mountains, it’s the perfect park!

Official site
Entrance fees: $9.55
Amenities: Bathrooms, Visitors centers, showers, laundry facilities, Gite Saint-Albert (which is a hotel)
Campgrounds: There are campgrounds and different accomodations in many of the sectors of the park.

The 3 best national parks in Charlevoix

Charlevoix is one of our favorite regions in Quebec. It’s simply stunning! With more rolling hills, coastal villages, beautiful beaches, picturesque towns and a ton of history, what’s not to love!

We’ve visited Charlevoix so many times. In the summer, the winter, the fall. And each time, we fall more in love with it. Each season brings with it a new set of things to do places to go and paks to explore!

So here are the best national parks to explore in Charlevoix.

5. Zec des Martres, an amazing Quebec park worth discovering

Ok, so officially, the Zec des Martres is not a national park. But it’s still one of our favorite parks to visit. It’s home to some iconic Charlevoix hikes, and it’s not as busy as the nearby SEPAQ national parks.

ZECs are different than the national parks in Quebec. The acronym ZEC comes from its French definition, ‘zone d’exploitation contrôlée’ or controlled exploitation zone. In the ZECs, visitors are allowed to hunt and fish once they acquire permits. In SEPAQ parks, you’re not able to do that, only to enjoy nature! However, certain SEPAQs are wildlife reserves, and in those parks, you are allowed to hunt and fish.

The ZEC des Martres is a beautiful park with many hiking trails located in different parts of the park. The hiking trails are now a part of the Traversée de Charlevoix association. You have to pay your parking fees at the ZEC, but the entrance to the hikes at the Traversée. It’s not as complicated as it sounds.

The most famous hike in this Quebec nature park is the Mont du Dôme. It’s a 7.8 km intermediate loop with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the St. Lawrence estuary. But there are plenty of other hikes to choose from. One of our other favorites is the Sentier des Sommets (Pic de l’aigle), which is a 12-km loop that is an intermediate trail as well.

You can also choose to camp at the ZEC, but amenities are scarce and most of it is wild camping. Make sure you have the gear for it. You’ll also need a permit to be able to sleep in the ZEC.

With so many different trails in this park, you’ll surely find one that’s right for you. Some are harder with longer trails and big elevation gains while others are shorter and easier. Either way, this is one nature park in Quebec’s Charlevoix that is worth discovering!

Official site
Entrance fees: Vary depending on the hike you want to do
Amenities: Bathrooms and a visitors center
Campgrounds: There are campgrounds and different accommodations in many of the sectors of the park.

6. Grands Jardins National Park, a gem of a Quebec National Park

We’re not going to lie, pretty much all the parks in Charlevoix are our favorites. We love the region and everything about it! That’s why we keep going back! So yes, the Grand Jardins National Park is another one of our favorites! It’s no wonder it made our list of amazing places. to visit in Quebec!

You can also camp in this park, with many of the SEPAQ amenities. But we’ll warn you, if you want to stay in the Mont-Du-Lac-des-Cygnes sector, which is near the better hikes, you should book your stay well in advance. This will apply to all the SEPAQ parks as they’ve gained in popularity over the years.

The stunning rolling hills are what make this park so beautiful! And for avid hikes, there are plenty of trails to choose from with varying lengths, elevation gain and difficulty.

The Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park, and with good reason. The 360 views at the summit are stunning! But if you want to hike this trail, start early. The trail starts off easy (but annoying) with a bunch of switch-backs on a very well-maintained path. It ends with you climbing a ton of stairs. At the top, you’ll get impressive views of the Charlevoix Crater and of the Laurentian mountains.

If you love a challenge and still want to experience the Mont du Lac-des-Cygnes, we recommend starting with the Le Pioui Trail. It’s a rustic trail that goes through the forest and crosses a few of the summits in the park. It’s such a fun trail! It starts off rough with a sustained ascent, but the views are totally worth it. In fact, on this trail don’t forget to turn around and take the view in.

Other fun trails are La Chouenne Trail, a low-effort-high-payoff hike with impressive views, especially at sunrise. Sunset is also quite impressive, but the sun hides behind the mountains quite early. Le Gros-Pin Trail is great for families. It’s basically a stroll in the forest, amongst the tall poplar trees. This trail goes around a large alpine lake. And the Du Brûlé Trail, another rustic trail, is located in the Arthabaska sector of the park. It’s a bit of an odd trail as you can really see the parts of the forest that were affected by the wildfires.

For those looking for an extra challenge, you can also do the Via Ferrata on the Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes. You have a long and a shorter circuit, with insane
views of Gros-Bras valley… basically, because you’re hanging out on the side of the cliffs!

No matter what trail you choose to hike, this park has something for everyone, from avid and experienced hikers to families looking for a nice stroll.

Official site
Entrance fees: $9.55
Amenities: Bathrooms, Visiotrs centers, showers
Campgrounds: There are campgrounds and different accomodations in many of the sectors of the park.

7. Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park, a stunning Quebec National Park in Charlevoix

We had such a great time discovering this national park the first time we ever visited Charlevoix. It’s another amazing place to hike in Charlevoix. It’s also a great campground! The Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park is located past La Malbaie. This park is another natural gem and it’s great for cyclists as many of the trails are reserved for bikers. Plus, since it’s on the river, this national park has many waterways to explore by kayak or canoe as well.

There’s a nice mix of easy hikes in this park, as well as really tough ones! Le Belvédère is an easy stroll that takes you up to the viewpoint near the Le Draveur Visitors Centre. Le Pied-des-Sommets is another quick trail that takes you from the visitor center to the lookout. L’Érablière is a nice walk that’s perfect for families.

If you’re looking for a challenge, L’Acropole des Draveurs is the trail for you! It’s one of the most famous hikes in Charlevoix and a right of passage for avid hikers. This difficult trail will take around 4 to 6 hours to complete. It takes you through a forest to get to the first summit. There, you have a spectacular view of the Malbaie River valley and the surrounding peaks. But you need to be lucky with the weather to hike it. Each time we’ve wanted to, the trail was closed…

This Quebec National Park also has many campgrounds and amenities for those who want to stay the night. You can also rent bikes, canoes and kayaks here, so you can take full advantage of everything this park has to offer. We highly recommend spending a few nights here to truly experience its beauty!

Official site
Entrance fees: $9.55
Amenities: Bathrooms, Visitors centers, showers
Campgrounds: There are campgrounds and different accomodations in many of the sectors of the park.

Other national parks to discover in Quebec

8. Papineau Labelle Wildlife Reserve, a gorgeous lake and park in Quebec

Finding this park was pure luck for us! We wanted to get away one weekend and we wanted to be by ‘a beach’. In Quebec, our chances aren’t always the greatest when looking for a beach, other than Oka or the one in the Old Port of Montreal. Especially not when you’re booking a last-minute trip. But fate had different plans for us – we found the perfect place!

The Papineau Labelle Wildlife reserve is not that close to Montreal, but it’s worth the drive there. It’s about 3 hours driving from Montreal, but only 2 hours away from Ottawa and less than an hour away from Mont-Tremblant. It’s usually a hunting ground and fishing spot for the people in the area, but it’s also a great campground that has its own private lake.

There are a few hikes nearby, but none of them are that challenging. We hiked up and down Mount Bundy in less than 2 hours. And if that’s not your thing, you can spend your time kayaking or canoeing on Lake Nominingue. It’s a great place to just chill out. Just make sure you bring some insect repellent because the forest is thick and the bugs do not stop!

When it comes to the best national parks for camping, this little treasure might be one of our favorites! The main campgrounds are all around the lake, so it’s really easy to grab your things and head out to hang out on the beach. Plus, beaches like this are rare in Quebec, especially near Montreal, so make sure you check the Papineau Labelle Wildlife Reserve out!

Official site
Entrance fees: $9.55
Amenities: Bathrooms, discovery centers, showers, laundry facilities, Gite Saint-Albert
Campgrounds: There are campgrounds in many of the sectors of the park.

9. Bic National Park, one of the most unique national parks in Quebec

The Bic National Park is probably one of our favorite national parks in Quebec! It took us a long time before we made it here – the five-hour drive and the fact that it’s always fully booked were big challenges to overcome. But we’re so happy we made it! And it was worth it all!

This Quebec national park is located in the St.Lawrence Estuary. It boasts a unique landscape made of capes, bays, coves, islands and mountains. Its close proximity to the waters makes this park so unique. The fact that you can see seals basking in the sun, sea birds you rarely see elsewhere, fauna that is unlike anywhere else, the sounds and smell of the sea. It’s truly one of the most beautiful national parks in the province!

The sunsets and sunrises at the Bic National Park are breathtaking. The atmosphere is like nowhere else, not only because of the unique scenery but because of all the little things that make the Bic a must-see place in Quebec, especially if you like being around nature (and seals and fox). Of course, hiking is your best way to discover this national park, but you can also go kayaking, biking, and even geocaching.

There are so many amazing hikes to do here. our favorite had to be the Parcours Le Grand-Tour. This is one of the most unique hikes in any Quebec National Park. It’s a rugged trail (think walking on unmarked trails) that takes you on the steep portions of the coastline on the cliffs, on a beach and in a forest. Since you’re walking on the coastline, this trail is only accessible at low tide. Departure must be 2 hours before the scheduled time of the lowest tide.

Other fun hikes are the Pic-Champlain, a steady 229-metre climb that ends with a stunning view of the Appalachian landscapes and a portion of the estuary. While hiking the Grand-Tour, you can also join other trails like the Scoggan, Les Murailles and the mythical Le Contrebandier, a trail used by bootleggers to retrieve valuable cargo. Or the Chemin-du-Nord, where you can find remnants of past human occupation.

When it comes to the best national parks for camping, the jury is not out yet on the Bic National Park! Although you’re super close to nature, you’re also very close to the highway. This means you can hear trucks passing by at night. IF you can, make sure you book one of the further camping spots. If you’re sensitive to noise, we recommend bringing earplugs.

Official site
Entrance fees: $9.55
Amenities: Bathrooms, Visitors center, showers
Campgrounds: There are campgrounds and different accomodations in many of the sectors of the park.

10. Fjord du Saguenay, the only Quebec national park on the Fjord

This National Park in Quebec is another gem to discover. What makes the Fjord du Saguenay National Park so unique is that it’s the only one that is right on the fjord. Its scenery and landscape are unparalleled. Spanning over 100 km, the fjord is the longest in the world at this low latitude. In summer and winter alike, this park is truly beautiful.

Split into five sectors, you have the Baie de Tadoussac, where you can admire the panorama of the limitless sea, all while checking out the hundreds of migrating birds. You also have the Baie Éternité and Baie Sainte-Marguerite, where there are tons of trails and campgrounds available to you. And finally, you have the Anse-Saint-Jean and the Petit-Saguenay sectors too.

If you want to take in the stunning landscape, we recommend a visit to l’Anse-de-Tabatière, a short walk to a stunning viewpoint. At sunrise and sunset, this view is incredible. We saw it on a foggy day and it was still amazing! You can also try your luck at the Halte du Béluga (a quick stopover), a little stop where you might be able to spot some belugas… we tried, but had no luck – Just bring your binoculars to have a bit more of a fighting chance.

One of the most iconic hikes here is the Sentier de la Statue, a coastal hike that takes you to a large statue of the Virgin Mary watching over the coast. You can expect stunning views through the clearings. The Sentier des Chutes is another great hike. There are 2 trails here, one that takes you to a long waterfall a quick 5km from the road, while the other goes up Montagne Blanche, and that’s a 14-km hike.

If you can, we also recommend you go out on the water. Seeing the fjord from the shores is an incredible experience, but being able to experience it on the water is amazing! We chose to do a kayak excursion at sunset and it was one of the highlights of our time in the Saguenay. We highly recommend you give it a go too, if you want to see the fjord in a different light!

Just like other SEPAQ national parks, this one has all the amenities you need, discovery centers where you can replenish certain goods, and amazing guides that can help you plan your hikes.

There are so many fun and unique things to do in the Saguenay region. If you have a few days, we recommend you take the time to drive up and down the coast, on both sides of the fjord, and even around the Lac-Saint-Jean. It’s really a unique place in Quebec that is worth exploring. It’s fun to do on a long weekend getaway from Montreal, or take a full week and dive into this beautiful region.

Official site
Entrance fees: $9.55
Amenities: Bathrooms, visitors centers, showers
Campgrounds: There are campgrounds and different accomodations in many of the sectors of the park.

11. Entry Island (Ile d’Entrée), a unique place to explore in the Magdalen Islands

Located on the beautiful Magdalen Islands, Entry Island is a little oasis in the middle of the Gulf of the St-Lawrence. Although it’s not technically a park, it’s a beautiful place to discover nonetheless. The various hiking trails sprinkled throughout the Magdalen Islands are truly spectacular.

Although Entry Island is only 7 km², the views from the top of the hill and around the island are simply spectacular. The best way to reach Entry Island is with Excursion en Mer. You can choose to do the boat ride, which lasts about 5.5 hours and gives you 3.5 hours on Entry Island. Or you can go on a zodiac, which is about 5 hours long and allows you to have 2.5 hours on the island. The latter does take time to go around the island and explore the cliffs.

The best trail on Entry Island is the climb up the Big Hill. This is the highest peak of the archipelago. And as we mentioned, the views are amazing. If you don’t want to hike up the hill, you can take a ride with one of the locals. Or you can walk around the town – although, with 60 inhabitants, you’ll have a lot of free time on your hands.

If you don’t want to climb up the hill, you can also explore the hills and cliffs or walk along the beaches. Talk to some of the locals and just chill out. You can even get friendly with some of the local cows – They love a good cuddle and rub-down. Just be careful when going around the cliffs. It’s important to stay at least a few meters from the edge as they have been known to crumble sometimes.

Be warned that it gets really chilly both on the island and on the boat ride there. Make sure to dress warmly. And always use sunscreen, regardless of the weather – you can burn, even in cloudy weather. Pack a lunch because there’s not much on Entry Island. There is a little convenience store and a tiny restaurant. Some people on the excursion ended up getting snacks there, and they even got their hands on the only lobster roll that is sold on Entry Island.

If you want to hike some other trails while on the Magdalen Islands, be sure to check out Île Boudreau, or one of the many mounds like Les Demoiselles, on Havre-Aubert, Butte Ronde, near the Cape Alright lighthouse Butte à Antoine, located off the Chemin des Montants or the famous Butte du Vent. You can also choose to walk around the beautiful beaches on the Islands.

We have a whole article to help you plan your trip to the Magdalen Islands. They’re a beautiful place in Quebec, and well worth the long ride to get there. If you’re a fan of the outdoors, it’s an amazing place to go! And make sure you visit in the off-season, early summer or early fall, as the tourists will have left and you’ll get such a cooler vibe. Some things may be closed, but the beauty of the place and the lack of crowds will make up for it!

6 other notable national parks in Quebec

Here are some other Quebec national parks we love that are worth mentioning. Since they’re all in our article about the best national parks in Montreal, we didn’t want to repeat them in this article. But we recommend you check them out nonetheless, especially if you have a short time in Quebec and you’re setting up camp in Montreal.

1. Mont-Orford National Park. Located in the Eastern Townships, another great region of Quebec. Summertime beaches, winter snow biking, hikes for every season and year-round fun make it a must. For hikers, bikers and water sports fans, this is a great national park.
2. ZEC Louise-Gosford: Another park in the Eastern Townships, this Quebec nature park is home to the impressive Mont-Gosford, the highest peak in southern Quebec, this ZEC is another great one! It’s known for its old-growth forest and panoramic views. It’s also in the Dark Sky Reserve of Mont-Mégantic, so for astrophotographers, it’s a great place to camp.
3. Marais Rivière-aux-Cerises: This is another unique trail that is located in the Eastern Townships. Going through a beautiful forest and then walking on the boardwalk on top of the marshes in the area. The view is spectacular at both sunrise and sunset.
4. Parc de la Chute-Montmorency: A SEPAQ property, this place is famous for its impressive waterfall, which is even higher than Niagara Falls. You can walk on the suspension bridge for breathtaking views from the top of the falls, or walk the stairways to get different vantage points. In. the winter, you can even walk on the river below and get to the foot of the waterfall!
5. Forêt-La-Blanche Ecological Reserve: This is a protected park in Quebec’s Outaouais region that is known for its rare and diverse plant species. This nature park in Quebec is home to some of the oldest trees in Eastern North America. It’s a hidden gem of a nature park in Quebec, so you’ll likely have the trails to yourself!
6. Parc National des Îles-de-Boucherville: One of the closest parks to Montreal, this SEPAQ park not only has a unique combination of natural landscapes but it’s also home to some very friendly deer. If you’re looking for a quick escape from the city, this is the place for you.
7. Mont-Tremblant National Park: This national park is probably one of the most visited in Quebec. It’s the oldest national park in the province. You can find it all here, from mountains to beaches. In the summer, winter or fall, it’s a great place to explore.

What you should know about visiting National Parks in Quebec

If you want to plan your next trip to a national park in Quebec, we’ve got you covered! Here are some of the most important things you should know about visiting these nature parks.

Do I have to buy my access ahead of time?

Although it’s not necessary, we do recommend you purchase your access cards ahead of time. The parks in Quebec only allow a certain number of people in each day, so if you’re planning on going during the weekend or during public holidays, you might want to make your purchase before you go.

Also, a quick note – most parks have wifi access at their entrance gate, so you can purchase your ticket on-site.

Can you visit a national park in Quebec without a car?

The short answer is no! However, most of the official websites for the national parks have Public Transit access info in the Information Tab of their website.

From the city of Montreal, there is the Navette Nature that can take you to some of the national parks near Montreal. You can check out which parks they go to on their website.

But if you’re planning on going to the further ones on our list, it won’t be possible without a car… or it will be very hard!

For Quebec residents, you can always sign up for Communauto, a car cooperative where you can rent a car for varying lengths of time. Or you can simply rent a car from one of the trusted rental companies.

Are there guided tours or activities available in Quebec national parks?

Yes, there are! But they’re not really considered tours.

The SEPAQ and other nature parks do a great job of offering workshops and activities. Most of them take place over the weekend and they’re especially convenient for families (most are kid-friendly). In some national parks, you’ll find rangers walking along the trails. They’ll talk about the different flora and fauna in the park.

You can check the official website of the park you’re looking to visit or call them to see what they have going on.

Can you camp in the national parks in Quebec?

For the most part, yes! The SEPAQ national parks often have campsites available. They also offer a variety of accommodations, from rustic campgrounds to ready-to-camp sites or little cabins where all you need to bring are your sleeping essentials and food.

As for the ZECs, most offer wild camping, where you can pitch your tent and sleep off the trails. Some also have cabins that you can rent out for longer multi-day hikes. And some parks also offer different kinds of accommodations like yurts, cabins and more. You need to book your space to sleep in the ZECs.

A quick note – campgrounds in the SEPAQ parks are known to go really quickly, especially on weekend stays and during construction holidays (end of July, early August). If you want to camp on the national park grounds, make sure you book ahead of time.

What are the opening hours of the Quebec national parks?

The opening hours vary, as well as the seasonality. Most national parks will close their campgrounds and hiking trails around November 1 and open on April 1 or May 1. Other parks are open year-round and you can do winter hikes there.

As for opening hours, they also vary from park to park. Your best bet is to check the official website of the park you want to visit, and you should have all your information there.

Are Quebec national parks open in the winter?

The short answer is yes! Pretty much all the national parks in Quebec are open year-round – one we know has a very short visiting period is Anticosti National Park which stays open for about 2 months in the summer. However, not all sectors in the park will be open, and not all activities will be available. This widely differs from one park to the next, so we recommend taking a look at the official website of the park you’re planning on visiting and you’ll find the necessary information there.

What are the best times to visit the national parks in Quebec?

The best time to visit the national parks completely depends on what you plan on doing. Some parks are open throughout the year, so you can go hiking in both summer and winter. In the winter, you can also opt for activities like snow-shoeing, cross-country skiing, or fat biking in some of the parks. However, every park is different, so it’s better to check beforehand and choose the one that suits you best.

If you want to enjoy the park to the fullest, the summer months are the best time to visit! Although it can get busier, especially on weekends, you will be able to see a wider variety of plants and animals, and take advantage of the best weather that Quebec has to offer!

Can you spot wildlife in Quebec nature parks?

That’s right! The parks are home to a diverse range of animals, birds, and other wildlife. Your chances of spotting them are high, especially during sunrise or sunset when there are fewer people around.

In some parks, you can see animals regardless of when you go. For example, in Boucherville park, you can see deer all the time. At the Bic national park, you’re likely to see fox. At Forillon park, there are moose, beavers and bears, as well as whales, seals and seabirds.

How to be more eco-friendly when visiting Quebec National Parks

As always, we encourage you to be as eco-friendly as possible on the trails. Here are a few tips to help you leave no trace in the beautiful national parks of Quebec.

Adopting sustainable practices when visiting Quebec’s national parks helps preserve their natural beauty and contributes to environmental conservation. Here are some tips on how to be more sustainable when exploring these parks:

1. Follow the principles of ‘Leave No Trace’ camping: This means leaving the place as beautiful and clean (if not more so) than when you arrived. Pack your waste and take it home with you.
2. Follow the park rules and guidelines: Each national park in Quebec is different. Make sure you check the rules they have in place and follow them. Some parks have noise and light curfews. Others have fire bans depending on the weather. No matter what the rules are, make sure you follow them!
3. Use Sustainable Transportation: Carpool with others who are going to the park. The least amount of cars you can take, the better.
4. Always stay on the designated trails: The trails are really well marked in the SEPAQ national parks as well as other regional or provincial nature parks in Quebec. To ensure you don’t disturb the fragile ecosystem of the park, stay on the trail.
5. Respect wildlife: Never get too close or touch them. A lot of animals can carry disease, and you can transmit other germs to them, so make sure you keep a safe distance. And if you find an injured animal, don’t touch it. You should advise the park rangers as soon as possible.
6. Bring a water filtration bottle with you: This way, you can filter any freshwater available on the campground or in the park. Some SEPAQ and ZEC parks don’t offer potable water, which is why it’s great to have your own bottle with you.
7. Avoid single-use plastic: If you can, only use reusable goods or packaging. And if you do have single-use plastic, make sure you use it more than once. It’s only single-use if you want it to be!

By adopting these sustainable practices, you can contribute to the conservation of Quebec’s national parks, ensuring that they remain pristine and enjoyable for future generations.

The top 18 national parks in Quebec

There you have it! The best 18 national parks in Quebec that we highly recommend you visit! As a reminder, here there are again, in no specific order, but grouped by proximity.

1. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve
2. Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé National Park
3. Forillon National Park
4. Gaspésie National Park
5. Zec des Martres
6. Grands Jardins National Park
7. Haute-Gorge-de-la-rivière-la-Malbaie National Park
8. Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve
9. Bic National Park
10. Fjord du Saguenay National Park
11. Entry Island
12. Mont-Orford National Park
13. ZEC Louise-Gosford
14. Marais Rivière-aux-Cerises
15. Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
16. Forêt-La-Blanche Ecological Reserve
17. Parc National des Îles-de-Boucherville
18. Mont-Tremblant National Park

Which park you’re most excited to visit? Are there other parks we should have added to the list? Let us know in the comments and we’ll be sure to update the article. Also, let us know if there’s other information you want us to add. We always strive to give you the most comprehensive articles to make your trip planning easy and fun!

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