4 ideas to have fun near quebec city
The snow has accumulated on the Côte-de-Beaupré and it’s time to get outside! As the winter begins, who doesn’t look forward to breathing some crispy, wintry fresh air? With its canyon, its mountains and its river, our region is an infinite playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In this article, we introduce you to four great places to visit to oxygenate yourself and discover our beautiful region.
The Mestachibo Recreational Trail
Simply magnificent, the Mestachibo trail offers an elevation gain of 650 metres and runs along the Saint-Anne River Canyon for 22.2 km. It offers a dozen viewpoints giving impressive panoramas on the rocky ridges. It’s simply majestic! In winter, the trees get covered with snow and the scenery completely changes.
The Mestachibo includes three 70-metre suspension bridges linking the two banks of the Sainte-Anne River: a real Indiana Jones journey! The entire route, from Mont-Sainte-Anne to Saint-Tite-des-Caps, takes about 6 to 8 hours of active walking. You can start on the west or east side of the trail to get the hang of it. The west side connects Mont-Sainte-Anne to Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges and is 13.8 km long, for a total of 3 to 5 hours of walking. The east side*, on the other hand, links Saint-Ferréol to Saint-Tite-des-Caps and takes 2 to 4 hours of hiking. This is the only part of the trail classified as “advanced intermediate,” as everything else is designed for advanced hikers with some mountain experience. Accordingly, hiking poles and hiking boots (or snowshoes) are a must! Additionally, the trail does not loop, so you will need to plan for transportation at the end.
* Due to the significant amount of rain received during the holidays, the east side linking Saint-Ferréol to Saint-Tite-des-Caps is closed for an undetermined period. Follow the Mestachibo Trail Facebook page to be notified as soon as it reopens.
Montmorency Falls Park
The Montmorency Falls… there is so much to say! It is without a doubt one of the most significant emblems of our region. The splendour and strength of the 83-meter-high waterfall is unmistakable and can be felt intensely when you cross the suspended footbridge.
But did you know that the waterfall is just as beautiful in winter? Indeed, it offers a unique spectacle to visitors: when it is very cold, the fine droplets projected by the waterfall freeze and form the famous sugar loaf, a natural ice cone. Why not enjoy some fresh air on-site? You can even walk along the river thanks to the Resurgence Trail, a secret still too well kept.
Mont-Sainte-Anne
Côte-de-Beaupré’s signature mountain awaits you to come out and play! Once again this year, despite the current sanitary situation, the mountain will be accessible to all skiers. Of course, there will be a few rules to follow, but the ski season will definitely take place!
With its 71 trails and two sides, Mont-Sainte-Anne is one of the largest alpine ski resorts in Quebec. There is something for everyone and every level. Moreover, did you know Mont-Sainte-Anne also had cross-country ski trails? Located only 7 km from the alpine ski centre, the cross-country ski centre has 20 trails, four of which are expert level. Two techniques are available: classic skiing or skate skiing. Snowshoeing enthusiasts will also be pleased with the nine walking trails, while fatbike enthusiasts can have fun on six different trails. There’s plenty to enjoy at Mont-Sainte-Anne this winter!
Jean-Larose Falls Trail
The Jean-Larose Falls, located near Mont-Sainte-Anne, is composed of three waterfalls, the highest of which stands at 41 metres. It offers visitors a magical landscape and a great opportunity to spend a day in the great outdoors. Since the stairs that lead directly to the waterfall are being renovated, you must now go the long way to see it. Just follow the trail and admire its splendour! Warning: the trail is quite steep in some places, so be sure to bring the proper equipment. This is an intermediate hike.
Photos : Renaud Gagnon / David Dorion / Isabelle Cayer / @Chris80
