QUÉBEC — Steeped in centuries of European history, fortified stone walls, and cobblestone charm, Old Québec is a sight to behold. But venture just outside the city limits, and you will find yourself surrounded by the dramatic Laurentian Mountains, roaring glacial rivers, and deep river canyons.
From world-class national parks just a short drive away to scenic urban lookouts, here are the top 7 best and most stunning trails to check out in and around the Québec City region.
1. The Glacial Valley Panorama: Les Loups Trail (Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier)
What makes it unique: Spectacular, jaw-dropping views of a massive U-shaped glacial valley carved by ancient ice.
The Experience: Located about 40 minutes north of the city, this challenging ~9.6 km trail climbs up through dense boreal forest to ridge-line lookouts. You’ll gaze down at the Jacques-Cartier River winding far below through a steep gorge. (Tip: If you don't want the full climb, you can turn around at the first major viewpoint for a shorter trek).
2. The River & Waterfall Challenge: Bras-du-Nord Trail & Delaney Falls (Vallée Bras-du-Nord)
What makes it unique: A rugged backcountry trail that hugs a wild river straight to a towering cascading waterfall.
The Experience: Situated in Saint-Raymond (roughly an hour northwest of the city), this 8 km route takes you deep into a lush valley. Following the rushing river leads you to Delaney Falls, where you can climb up the mountain flank for an incredible view from the top of the drop.
3. The Accessible Forest Loop: L’Eperon Trail (Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier)
What makes it unique: A crowd-pleasing, moderately easy loop that offers a taste of the national park without an exhausting climb.
The Experience: Perfect for a quick half-day trip just 40 minutes from downtown, this 5 km trail winds through quiet woods and opens up to lovely clearings overlooking the valley. It’s an ideal option if you want great scenery, clean mountain air, and a well-maintained path.
4. The Dramatic Canyon Suspension Bridge: Canyon Sainte-Anne
What makes it unique: A thrilling private natural park featuring suspension bridges built high above a roaring 74-meter waterfall.
The Experience: Located about 35 minutes east of the city, the trail network here is short, punchy, and heavily focused on jaw-dropping views. You'll walk across safe, sturdy suspension bridges dangling directly over a deep, rocky chasm carved by the Sainte-Anne-Nord River.
5. The Ultimate Mountain Ascent: L’Acropole-des-Draveurs (Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie)
What makes it unique: One of the most famous and rewarding alpine hikes in the province, boasting staggering vertical height.
The Experience: Though it requires a bit more of a drive (about 2 hours northeast), this demanding 10.6 km trail features an intense 800-meter elevation gain. Emerging above the tree line onto the exposed rocky plateaus provides panoramic valley views that genuinely leave hikers speechless.
6. The Historic Waterfall Walk: Montmorency Falls & Resurgence Trail
What makes it unique: Towering waterfalls that are actually 30 meters higher than Niagara Falls, paired with a hidden local river trail.
The Experience: Just 15 minutes from downtown, you can walk the dramatic cliffside boardwalks and suspension bridge right over Montmorency Falls. To escape the main tourist crowds, take the quiet Resurgence Trail, a peaceful 2.5 km path running along the river upstream.
7. The Ultimate Urban Scenic Stroll: Promenade des Gouverneurs & Plains of Abraham
What makes it unique: A historic boardwalk and cliffside path connecting Old Québec's military heritage directly to massive urban parklands.
The Experience: If you don't want to leave the city, this is a must-do. Starting from Dufferin Terrace (right below the Château Frontenac), the wooden boardwalk of the Promenade des Gouverneurs climbs past historical monuments and cliffs, offering sweeping views of the St. Lawrence River before opening up into the sprawling green lawns of the Plains of Abraham.