Tours & Activities in Quebec
A vast province of geographical contrasts, Quebec is multifaceted in every sense; year-round recreation, a vibrant, European-style cultural atmosphere shaped by strong ties to tradition and history, and a great blend of urban and rural experiences have created destinations of world-class calibre. The awe-inspiring Appalachian Mountain Range, numerous freshwater lakes, the remarkable St. Lawrence River estuary, rolling countryside, charming villages and sprawling metropolises, including Montreal and Quebec City, comprise Quebec's diverse physical landscape, setting the scene for top-notch tours and activities. Every part of the province has its own distinct brand of adventure, appealing to a broad range of travellers. As per the province's motto, je me souviens (I remember), visitors are sure to glean knowledge and memories to last a lifetime.
WINTER FUN
A veritable wonderland of snow from November to March, Quebec's white and invigorating winters draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to its world-class ski hills, tobogganing and tubing parks, cross-country skiing trails and extensive networks of interprovincial snowmobiling trails. Sports enthusiasts can catch an NHL (National Hockey League) game in Montreal, while families will appreciate the novelty and excitement of a back-to-nature dog-sled excursion. Ice fishing on the famed Ste. Anne River in Ste-Anne-de-la-Perade, ice climbing a frozen cliff face in Mont-Tremblant, staying in an authentic ice hotel and celebrating the magic of winter at Carnaval de Quebec are just samples of the one-of-a-kind winter adventures that await.
WATER EXCURSIONS
With the majestic St. Lawrence River at its core, it's no surprise that adventures on (or in) water are popular throughout the province. The renowned river and its numerous tributaries and lakes lend themselves to outstanding and unique activities. Carved by ancient glacial ice, the awe-inspiring Saguenay Fjord and the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park are navigable via kayak tours and guided boat excursions. Whale watching from June to October is another preferred activity along the St. Lawrence, which is home to the endangered beluga whale and over a dozen more mammal species. Intimate encounters with nature are attainable through one of many canoe tours offered across the province, including multi-day adventures down novice- to intermediate-level waterways. Those seeking a wet and wild adventure needn't travel farther than the Lachine Rapids in Montreal's southeast, where an exhilarating jet boat tour is sure to provide a pure adrenaline rush. Equally thrilling white-water rafting tours are at their best following the spring thaw in April when waters are most tumultuous. Kite surfing draws visitors from near and far on the remote Iles-de-la-Madeleine archipelago, where constant breezes and gusty winds result in ideal extreme water-sports conditions.
AIR & LAND ACTIVITIES
Providing a bird's-eye view of the impressive landscapes, airplane and helicopter tours and hot-air balloon trips are great ways to achieve a unique perspective of the province. Year-round helicopter tours are typically available, as are adventure packages and transportation solutions for backcountry sojourns. A paragliding adventure over Mont-Ste-Anne or Charlevoix is another high-flying option sure to inspire.
Those preferring to plant both feet firmly on the ground can choose from a multitude of hiking tours, ranging in difficulty, through expansive eastern Canadian forests and in the Appalachian and Laurentian ranges. Cycling, one of the province's most beloved pastimes, is one of the most accessible of all activities; the Route Verte, which encompasses over 4,000 km (2,485 mi) of trails across the province, is an ideal and intimate way of exploring the province. Guided bicycle tours help take the guesswork out of any Quebecois cycling sojourn. Autumn is a great time for exploring on bike or foot; late September to November provides a showcase of bright oranges, yellows and reds as the hardwood forests prepare for their winter rest, making for a truly inspiring backdrop. All-terrain tours, golf, canyoning, caving, mountain biking and trail rides are other great land-based activities in Quebec.
HIGH-ADRENALINE ADVENTURES & FAMILY FUN
Exhilarating exploits are never far from hand in la belle province, where a keen sense of adventure is at the heart of what makes Quebec tick. Boasting the highest bungee jump in North America, Great Canadian Bungee features a sixty-one-metre-high (200 ft) jump platform suspended over a quarry lagoon. A high-speed cable slide, which reaches speeds of 137 km/h (85 mph), is also on site and caters to those looking for additional thrills. Tree-top aerial courses, which challenge participants with suspended obstacles and thrilling zip lines, are popular among locals and residents alike, but like bungee jumping and sky diving, are not for the faint of heart.
While some of the aforementioned activities are suitable for visitors travelling with children, Quebec indubitably offers opportunities oriented toward family-friendly fun. Expansive and impressive water parks, mini-golf courses, go-cart racing tracks, indoor climbing walls and laser tag and paintball facilities cater to young visitors by offering amusements and entertainment to please any age.
LEISURE & CULTURAL EXPLORATION
Perfect for those looking for a comprehensive and coordinated excursion, guided motorcoach and van tours are an effortless and informative way to explore the stunning countryside or bustling urban centres. Sightseeing and guided walking tours, such as the popular Les Tours Voir Quebec in Quebec City, provide visitors with an insight on local history and customs from a local point of view. Food and wine are true passions for many Quebecois residents, evident in their distinctive regional cuisine and enthusiasm in showcasing it at traditional bistros and restaurants across the province. Establishments in Montreal and Quebec City offer hands-on culinary experiences via behind-the-scenes tours, cooking demonstrations and courses. Orchard tours are an ideal way to get a taste of local flavours, as is visiting the vineyards and wineries of the eastern townships and the many celebrated cheese-making facilities across the province. Farm tours, recreational and relaxation retreats, learning programs and vacations, romantic carriage rides and glimpses into First Nation culture and history round out the special opportunities to explore and enjoy the culture of Quebec.
WINTER FUN
A veritable wonderland of snow from November to March, Quebec's white and invigorating winters draw hundreds of thousands of visitors to its world-class ski hills, tobogganing and tubing parks, cross-country skiing trails and extensive networks of interprovincial snowmobiling trails. Sports enthusiasts can catch an NHL (National Hockey League) game in Montreal, while families will appreciate the novelty and excitement of a back-to-nature dog-sled excursion. Ice fishing on the famed Ste. Anne River in Ste-Anne-de-la-Perade, ice climbing a frozen cliff face in Mont-Tremblant, staying in an authentic ice hotel and celebrating the magic of winter at Carnaval de Quebec are just samples of the one-of-a-kind winter adventures that await.
WATER EXCURSIONS
With the majestic St. Lawrence River at its core, it's no surprise that adventures on (or in) water are popular throughout the province. The renowned river and its numerous tributaries and lakes lend themselves to outstanding and unique activities. Carved by ancient glacial ice, the awe-inspiring Saguenay Fjord and the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park are navigable via kayak tours and guided boat excursions. Whale watching from June to October is another preferred activity along the St. Lawrence, which is home to the endangered beluga whale and over a dozen more mammal species. Intimate encounters with nature are attainable through one of many canoe tours offered across the province, including multi-day adventures down novice- to intermediate-level waterways. Those seeking a wet and wild adventure needn't travel farther than the Lachine Rapids in Montreal's southeast, where an exhilarating jet boat tour is sure to provide a pure adrenaline rush. Equally thrilling white-water rafting tours are at their best following the spring thaw in April when waters are most tumultuous. Kite surfing draws visitors from near and far on the remote Iles-de-la-Madeleine archipelago, where constant breezes and gusty winds result in ideal extreme water-sports conditions.
AIR & LAND ACTIVITIES
Providing a bird's-eye view of the impressive landscapes, airplane and helicopter tours and hot-air balloon trips are great ways to achieve a unique perspective of the province. Year-round helicopter tours are typically available, as are adventure packages and transportation solutions for backcountry sojourns. A paragliding adventure over Mont-Ste-Anne or Charlevoix is another high-flying option sure to inspire.
Those preferring to plant both feet firmly on the ground can choose from a multitude of hiking tours, ranging in difficulty, through expansive eastern Canadian forests and in the Appalachian and Laurentian ranges. Cycling, one of the province's most beloved pastimes, is one of the most accessible of all activities; the Route Verte, which encompasses over 4,000 km (2,485 mi) of trails across the province, is an ideal and intimate way of exploring the province. Guided bicycle tours help take the guesswork out of any Quebecois cycling sojourn. Autumn is a great time for exploring on bike or foot; late September to November provides a showcase of bright oranges, yellows and reds as the hardwood forests prepare for their winter rest, making for a truly inspiring backdrop. All-terrain tours, golf, canyoning, caving, mountain biking and trail rides are other great land-based activities in Quebec.
HIGH-ADRENALINE ADVENTURES & FAMILY FUN
Exhilarating exploits are never far from hand in la belle province, where a keen sense of adventure is at the heart of what makes Quebec tick. Boasting the highest bungee jump in North America, Great Canadian Bungee features a sixty-one-metre-high (200 ft) jump platform suspended over a quarry lagoon. A high-speed cable slide, which reaches speeds of 137 km/h (85 mph), is also on site and caters to those looking for additional thrills. Tree-top aerial courses, which challenge participants with suspended obstacles and thrilling zip lines, are popular among locals and residents alike, but like bungee jumping and sky diving, are not for the faint of heart.
While some of the aforementioned activities are suitable for visitors travelling with children, Quebec indubitably offers opportunities oriented toward family-friendly fun. Expansive and impressive water parks, mini-golf courses, go-cart racing tracks, indoor climbing walls and laser tag and paintball facilities cater to young visitors by offering amusements and entertainment to please any age.
LEISURE & CULTURAL EXPLORATION
Perfect for those looking for a comprehensive and coordinated excursion, guided motorcoach and van tours are an effortless and informative way to explore the stunning countryside or bustling urban centres. Sightseeing and guided walking tours, such as the popular Les Tours Voir Quebec in Quebec City, provide visitors with an insight on local history and customs from a local point of view. Food and wine are true passions for many Quebecois residents, evident in their distinctive regional cuisine and enthusiasm in showcasing it at traditional bistros and restaurants across the province. Establishments in Montreal and Quebec City offer hands-on culinary experiences via behind-the-scenes tours, cooking demonstrations and courses. Orchard tours are an ideal way to get a taste of local flavours, as is visiting the vineyards and wineries of the eastern townships and the many celebrated cheese-making facilities across the province. Farm tours, recreational and relaxation retreats, learning programs and vacations, romantic carriage rides and glimpses into First Nation culture and history round out the special opportunities to explore and enjoy the culture of Quebec.




