Highlights along the Trans Canada TrailLearn More

La Belle Province’ is not only beautiful, it is also gigantique. It is Canada’s largest province, containing more fresh water than any other province, its forests representing 20% of all Canadian forests and 2% of the world’s forests. Not surprisingly, it is also Canada’s main producer of maple syrup!

The province is divided into 3 geological regions and a further 21 tourist regions. The St. Lawrence River Valley is the most fertile and developed geological region, by far. In fact, the name "Quebec" pronounced correctly as kay bek is derived from the Algonquin word "kepék" meaning "the place where the river narrows” – referring to this major waterway, which opens up to the Atlantic Ocean.

The majority of the population of Quebec lives in these lowlands, mainly in and between Montreal and Quebec City. The cities, themselves, are the highlights of this region; world-renowned for their European vibe, cobblestone-lined ‘old/vieux’ neighborhoods and lively festivals. South of the valley, is the Appalachian Mountain region, which extends from the Gaspé Peninsula, across the US/Canada border, and all the way down to Alabama. Gaspésie is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream, with contrasting landscapes ranging from undulating countryside to mountains overlooking the sea. 650km/404mi of the International Appalachian Trail traverses the region, passing through National Parks, the Chic Choc Mountains, along shorelines and capes, and through villages until reaching Cap Gaspé at the eastern end. The peninsula is also home to the largest colony of gannets in the world; at breath-taking Percé Rock & Bonaventure Island bird sanctuary. Just north of the St Lawrence Valley, a huge expanse of Canadian Shield covers almost 90% of the province all the way up to the Arctic. It is a vast region composed of thousands of lakes, thousands of square kilometres of forested area, and mountainous regions including the Laurentians (Les Laurentides) which are home to fantastic summer and winter trails, including the start/end of La Traversée de Charlevoix (part of the Trans Canada Trail) and Le P’tit Train du Nord linear park, the longest park of its kind in Canada, a 232km/144mi cycle path built over old railway line also part of The Great Trail. Further north, leisure cyclists from around the world come to enjoy the trails along immense Lac-Saint-Jean and the majestic fjord lands surrounding the mighty Saguenay River. And even further north, ultimate adventurers come to explore the truly wild tundra, taiga forest, and scenic mountains of the Arctic Inuit region called Nunavik, not to be confused with the Canadian Territory of Nunavut, which covers the northern third of the province – An area larger than the state of California.

Finally, a unique highlight of Quebec lies far off its coast. In fact, it’s closer to the province of PEI than it is to Quebec, and therefore not part of the aforementioned geological zones. The Magdalen Islands is an archipelago composed of elongated landforms with sweeping sand dunes, rolling green hills, ochre cliffs plunging into the sea. Brightly painted farmhouses and pretty lighthouses dot the landscape adding to the already inviting atmosphere, great for cycling and day hikes.

Find your Quebec trip

 

Self-Guided Active Travel Experts

As the pioneers of self guided active travel in Quebec you can expect a seamless experience. Our quality tour notes and logistical expertise sets us apart and ensures a quality experience for you.

Exceptional value for money

Quality services at the best price make our active Quebec hiking & cycling trips great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, luggage transfert and our navigation APP. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your active adventure.


 

Dedicated to Canadian Trails

Included in all tour packages which use the Trans Canada Trail is a donation to support ongoing trail maintenance and continued success of the project.

100% Carbon Offset

All our trips are 100% carbon offset and will directly support renewable energy and reforestation projects across the world.




Due to Quebec’s size, temperatures and conditions vary tremendously from region to region. On average, the coldest month of the year is January and the warmest is July with the shoulder seasons of spring and fall (autumn) being quite comfortable.

In general, northern Quebec has an arctic climate with permafrost and very cold winters; the rest of the Canadian Shield and Lowlands have a subarctic climate with long, cold winters and short, warm summers.

Spring brings melting snow, budding flowers, and delicious treats from March to May in the form of fresh maple syrup at local sugar shacks (cabane a sucre). The cities come alive with food trucks popping up, Bixi bikes hitting the streets, and outdoor patios filling with happy patrons.

Summer (mid-June through September) is in Southern Quebec can be hot and muggy, with temperatures between 18C (64F) to 28C (82F) that can feel much warmer with the added humidity. Summer is the time to get out and play on the countless lakes, rivers, hiking and cycling trails, and to enjoy the seaside in Quebec Maritime. Quebecers kick back and cut loose with festivals in every region celebrating music, dance, the circus arts, comedy or terroir products. There are endless possibilities for good times, from marvelling at fireworks and hot air balloons to taking part in sandcastle competitions!

Autumn (mid September to November) sweeps in with a burst of colour, aroma and flavour. Forests don fiery hues of reds, yellows, and oranges; vines and orchards are laden with fruit, and clouds of snow geese fill the skies as they travel south. A great time for outdoor activity with crisp, dry air and brilliant blue skies.

Winter (November through March) brings an abundance of snow and plenty of opportunities for ice skating, skiing, snowshoeing, or even dog-sledding. Temperatures is southern Quebec can change dramatically from -20C (-4F) to -5C (23F) and without warning within a 24-hour period, so if you’re going out to play, be sure to wrap up warmly: snow pants, down/fibre-filled jackets, boots, hats, mittens and so on.

We recommend visiting Environment Canada’s website for information specific to the region and time in which you are travelling.


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