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***This experience and tour was provided courtesy of Quebec Cite Tourism. All opinions are my own.
The rain is disappointing. Hiking in Jacques-Cartier National Park is on today’s schedule. I’m excited to set foot in my first Canadian National Park. The tour is booked. The weather is not ideal, or so we think. However, we are travelers. We are prepared. After putting on our waterproof hiking shoes, donning our rain jackets, and adding our rain pants to our backpacks, we set off for the day.
One of my favorite things about Quebec City tourism is that most buses, shuttles, and walking tours depart from a central location. Standing between the tourism information center and the Frontenac Hotel, we are on the lookout for the Quatre Natures shuttle bus. Right on time, the shuttle appears.
The small bus stops, and our driver and guide, Olga, from Quartre Natures, greets the gathered tourists. There is no time to waste. We board our transportation and set off for the National Park.
The tall city buildings disappear, replaced by a rising green forest. 45 minutes later, we arrive at Jacques- Cartier National Park’s visitors center. Shuttle bus guests are split into two groups. Some only booked a round-trip shuttle ride with Quatre Natures. When you book your shuttle bus only ticket, the park’s entrance fee is automatically added to your cart. The Shuttle bus only ticket gives visitors the entire day to explore at their leisure. Since it is our first time hiking in Jacques-Cartier National Park, we opt for Quatre Natures’ guided hike. Our guide gives us time to use the restrooms and prepare for the hike. Learning a valuable lesson from our Red Rocks flash flood incident, we wisely step into our rain pants.
Click Here to read about our Red Rocks Flash Flood Experience
Click Here to read about our stay at The Frontenac Hotel
Sadly, Canadian National Parks do not have National Park Passport Stamps.
The Visitors Center
The visitors center is designed to maximize the enjoyment of nature. Comfy seats face large windows that overlook the inspiring landscape. There is a cozy fireplace that adds warmth and ambiance in the winter. If you are on a family trip, a less mobile family member can enjoy taking in the scenic views while others in the group kayak or hike.
The information center includes a few educational exhibits and a nice gift shop. If you aren’t taking a guided hiking tour, be sure to bring your own food/snacks.
Les Cascades Trail
Hiking group assembled, Olga leads us along the Les Cascades Trail. Rain droplets ping off our rain jackets.
It’s steady but far from a downpour. There are wonderful advantages to visiting Jacques-Cartier National Park in the rain. The summer mosquitoes are the size of small birds (this is an exaggeration, barely). The mosquitoes are aggressive. Even with long sleeves, pants, hiking shoes, rain jackets, and bug spray, we receive sneaky, nefarious nibbles. The rain helps keep the attacks under control. The rainfall causes the moss, leaves, and plants to show off a vibrant green. Cloud cover provides the perfect lighting to take spectacular photos. One of the advantages of taking a guided hike is that our guide knows the best photo spots. While hiking in Jacques-Cartier National Park, Olga leads us slightly off trail and gives us time to safely enjoy up-close views of the river.
She also provides information about the trees, river, and ecosystem of the forest. On dry days, guests can taste nature along the way.
We can’t sample most of the nature, but we are able to taste a few things.
Hiking in Jacques-Cartier National Park is easy until… The final section of Les Cascades Trail is an incremental climb to a lookout. The path is well-maintained. Others in our group walk uphill with ease. I struggle. My Pulmonary Hypertension causes my breath to come up short. The sound pounds in my ears, shouting, “Don’t forget you are chronically ill.” I’m not in any danger, I’m just annoyed at my body. In group situations like this, being a travel content creator comes in clutch. I can pretend I’m suddenly very interested in capturing videos or photos of an interesting tree or moss covered rock. Meanwhile, I am actually taking a little hike break. I’m last in the group to reach the top, but I did it, and with minimal breaks. There is a nice feeling of accomplishment. The lookout provides views of the Sautauriski Mountain.
The current weather does not disguise the view’s splendor. In fact, the cloud cover makes me feel like I’m on a journey in a fictional fantasy novel. Our guide gives us ample time to gawk at our surroundings and capture pictures.
Some guided hiking tours put all their effort into the beginning of the hike, stop at the hike’s highlight, then make a beeline to the end. Quatre Natures makes certain that the entire hiking experience is rewarding. If our guide spots something of interest on the way back, she gathers the small group around and teaches a quick lesson.
Lunch
Hiking in Jacques-Cartier National Park is hungry work. Fortunately, Quatre Natures packs a lunch. Lunch is provided for those who booked the guided hiking tour. I don’t have high expectations for lunch, figuring this is merely sustenance. Never underestimate Quebec City’s culinary passion. The starter is a cracker topped with cheese and wild berry jam.
Toasty ham and cheese sandwiches and chips (Canadian Pringles are better) are served as the main course.
The meal ends with maple cookies. We sip on tea and even get a nip of a local spirit. The picnic is caringly served, and everything is delicious.
During lunch, we have a delightful chat with our guide, Olga, as she shares her journey from France to becoming a hiking guide in Quebec City.
L’Apercu Loop Trail
Nourished and rested, we have two hours to explore the park on our own. Quatre Natures stresses the importance of being on the bus at the departure time. They can only wait so long for stragglers. Since we have a time constraint, we seek out a short hiking trail. The L’Apercu Loop Trail takes about an hour. Our friend Ruby
from A Journey We Love is also on today’s tour. The three of us set off right away in search of the trail’s start. The L’Apercu Loop is a boardwalk trail that crosses over a picturesque stream.
The sound of the rushing water, combined with the surrounding bright green flora, reminds us that nature is astonishing. The rain finally stops, and we get our first glimpse of wildlife (aside from the vicious mosquitoes).
Though not difficult for most, there are a lot of stairs. This may be challenging for some. I find it doable, as long as I take my time. It’s a gorgeous, tranquil hike.
The forest smells wonderful after the rain.
We return to the visitors center with time left to make gift shop purchases and meet the shuttle.
Conclusion
It was the last day of our trip. Hiking in Jacques- Cartier National Park was the icing on the cake of our Quebec City visit. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or a new traveler, Quebec City is an ideal destination. The city is extremely walkable. The majority of attractions are easy to get to on foot. For attractions outside of the downtown, like Jacques-Cartier National Park, Montmorency Falls, and Orleans Island, there are tours and transportation options that depart from the visitor information center.
Click Here to read about our visit to Montmorency Falls
Click Here to read about taking a Quebec City Walking Tour
I was overwhelmed with awe while visiting my first Canadian National Park. The scenery reminded us of Alaska.
Lush green, moody mist, and the song of moving water. Though you are in a designated park, the nature feels untouched. There is majesty, yet a humble peacefulness to this this type of nature. If you are visiting Quebec City, you should spend at least one day in Jacques-Cartier National Park. I recommend taking the guided hiking tour with Quartre Natures. Lunch was tasty, education was top priority, we captured stunning pictures, and came away with unforgettable memories.
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