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Located along the U.S. border, the Eastern Townships region - with its mountains, large lakes, and expanses of verdant countryside - offers bucolic settings that make for the perfect vacation. The region is renowned for its quaint towns that enchant visitors with their impressive Victorian homes, authentic feel, and history. In addition, the Wine Route and various regional products, such as Lake Brome duck, are an irresistible invitation to gastronomic discovery. The Eastern Townships region is home to many national and regional parks, including those at Mount Orford, Mount Mégantic, Yamaska, and Coaticook Gorge, where an array of outdoor activities are offered. Following the Summit Drive, one is taken from mountaintop to mountaintop, discovering truly breathtaking vistas along the way. Mount Mégantic and its ASTROLab provide a perfect view of the most beautiful starry skies in the region. In summer, sports enthusiasts can enjoy hiking along the Estrie trails and others, water sports on Brome, Massawippi, Mégantic, and Memphrémagog lakes, or golf on one of the region's many courses. Cyclists can also indulge their passion on some 500 km of bicycle paths, 200 of which are part of the Route Verte network. In winter, downhill skiing at Orford, Sutton, Bromont, and Owl's Head is very popular, as is snowmobiling.
Discover this region's nautical activities
Located halfway between Montréal and Québec City, the Central Québec region is an ideal spot for the gastronomic discovery of agrotourism products such as maple products, cranberries, and cheeses. To fully immerse oneself in the region's heritage, a trip to the Village Québécois d'Antan is a must, and be sure to also follow the Antiques Roadways and Byways route to discover a wealth of objects representing Québec's past. In the spring and fall, observing the migrating snow geese at Baie-du-Febvre is a not-to-be-missed event. All year long, an array of sports activities can be enjoyed, from cyclotourism on 1,200 km of bike paths - including a portion of the Route Verte -, to snowmobiling on two vast networks of marked trails, to golf on a number of courses.
Discover this region's nautical activities
The sea and the mountains create a spectacular backdrop in the Charlevoix region. A vacationland par excellence, the region offers an impressive array of year-round outdoor activities at such sites as the Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie and the Parc national des Grands Jardins where one can enjoy hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Le Massif ski station is also renowned throughout the region for its vertical drop - the highest east of the Rockies - and its magnificent view of the river. To discover the region in a truly unique way, journey along the Route des Saveurs (Flavour Trail), which showcases the work of regional farm producers and chefs. Savour the specialities of the Charlevoix region and purchase local products such as Charlevoix veal, Le Migneron cheese, and much more.
Discover this region's nautical activities
Lanaudière is a region of vast wilderness that is regarded as a snowmobiler's paradise, with 2,330 km of snowy trails that are guaranteed to delight. Also, as one of Québec's leading agricultural regions, Lanaudière offers local specialities that can be discovered by following its five Country Roads tours. The Rouge-Matawin and Mastigouche wildlife reserves are tops among outdoor enthusiasts for a wide variety of activities including canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and cycling. The enchanting and refreshing settings of majestic Taureau Lake, the Noire River, Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles Falls, and Cascades Park are just as perfect for family strolls and picnics as they are for various aquatic activities.
Discover this region's nautical activities
Winter and summer alike, this resort paradise of mountains and lakes attracts vacationers in search of fresh air and wide-open spaces. The Laurentians region is renowned for its ski and sliding stations, its vast network of cross-country ski trails, its bike trails - including the P'tit Train du Nord -, and its top-notch golf courses. The Parc national du Mont-Tremblant offers a wide array of outdoor sports, while the villages of Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur are host to popular bistros, bars, and boutiques. In autumn, the forests of the Laurentians take on dazzling colours, bringing to life the festive spirit of the entire region! The Laurentians also offer excellent regional specialities: cheeses, ciders, maple products, etc.
Discover this region's nautical activities
The Mauricie region, a vast forested domain punctuated with lakes and rivers, is a veritable outdoor paradise. The region's Parc national de la Mauricie and the Mastigouche and Saint-Mauricie wildlife reserves offer spectacular vistas and a wealth of outdoor activities that include hiking, canoeing, and kayaking. Mauricie is also known for its breathtaking rivers, where one can ice fish for tommy cod. To make their way across the landscape, snowmobile and quad buffs can rely on thousands of kilometres of marked trails. The King's Road, Canada's oldest roadway, travels through Trois-Rivières, scenic villages, and an ecological treasure: Lac Saint-Pierre, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The King's Road can also be travelled by bike, as several sections have been marked as part of the Route Verte network.
Discover this region's nautical activities
A vast rural territory, the Montérégie region takes its name from the six Monteregian Hills: Saint-Hilaire, Rougemont, Yamaska, Saint-Grégoire, Saint-Bruno, and Rigaud. With slopes boasting orchards, maple groves, and vineyards, these mountains are an invitation to indulge in gastronomic discoveries. One can enjoy all of the local specialities Montérégie has to offer by crisscrossing the region on two itineraries, the Countryman's Tour and the Cider Route. History is everywhere in Montérégie and can be experienced at such sites as Fort Chambly, the Sanctuaire Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes, and along the Route des Patriotes. The Îles-de-Boucherville and Mont-Saint-Bruno parks are ideal for a full range of outdoor activities. An impressive 600 km network of bike paths that link up to the Route Verte network is sure to delight cyclists, while fans of golf, hiking, cross-country skiing, and water sports will also find spots to meet their needs. From the Sorel Islands to Lake Champlain, boaters simply adore sailing along the Richelieu River.
Discover this region's nautical activities
The Outaouais region has two sides as markedly different as they are attractive, offering urban escapades and countryside escapes. The cities of Gatineau and nearby Ottawa, the nation's capital, are a mere stone's throw from hills, valleys, and parks. Gatineau Park, the Parc national de Plaisance, and the Papineau-Labelle and de la Vérendrye wildlife reserves are ideal spots to discover the region's fauna and flora, and to enjoy an array of outdoor activities. The region offers something for everyone: cross-country skiing, hiking, rafting, dog-sledding, snowmobiling, hunting and fishing, and more. Museums are also a popular highlight including, among others, the remarkable Canadian Museum of Civilization. Cycle tourists haven't been forgotten either, for the Outaouais region offers up some lovely itineraries, particularly along the Ottawa River. The original Route des herbes in the Outaouais' Petite-Nation region presents an interesting introduction to the harvesting and processing of herbs, medicinal plants, fruits, vegetables, and edible flowers.
Discover this region's nautical activities
Québec City, the only fortified city in North America, is overflowing with charm, history, and romance. The surrounding area is just as enchanting, with its lush countryside and large natural parks. The 83 m high Montmorency Falls alone are worth the trip. The Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier's landscape of abruptly dipping valleys offers a multitude of outdoor escapes. The Québec City region is a sports lover's dream come true, both in summer and winter, with golf courses, bike paths, and majestic ski slopes like those at Mont Ste-Anne and Stoneham. To visit with some of the region's local artisans and experience an agrotourism adventure, the Gourmet Route proposes five equally interesting discovery tours.
Discover this region's nautical activities
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Quebec Resorts & Country Inns receives financial support from Tourisme Québec |
