Sports and leisure activities Quebec

A veritable village in itself, it offers a host of activities in all seasons, from downhill skiing to water sports, mountain biking or fatbike riding, golf, zip-lining, alpine hiking, and the list goes on. A host of boutiques, bars, restaurants and hotels/condos have also made their home at the foot of the mountain. Add to this a packed calendar of events and the immersive, interactive Tonga Lumina night-time trail, an experience by Moment Factory. Not to be missed!

For the ultimate vacation, L'Istorlet is a smart choice. This outdoor base specializes in nautical activities and offers boat rentals (sailboat, windsurf, wingsurf, paddleboard, sea kayak, bicycle, etc.). Guided sea kayak tours are also available, as are courses, day camps and sailing progression sessions (for ages 10 to 14). Ask about the Swallow Card (3 x 2-hour courses and 3 x 2-hour rentals).

Located between the islands of Cap aux Meules and Havre Aubert, the Havre-aux-Basques lagoon is a renowned ornithological site in the area, frequented in particular by waterfowl during the nesting season. A migratory bird sanctuary has been set up here, and it is of course forbidden to hunt within its boundaries. It's also a favorite spot for kitesurfing and other sailing sports. You'll often see improvised mini-camps set up along the dunes.

There's no better way to discover the Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park than by sea kayak with an experienced guide. L'Anse à la Cave offers four excursions: À la découverte du Saint-Laurent (half-day or full-day), the 2-day kayak-camping, Les lève-tôt for early risers, and L'Éveil nocturne, which lets you listen to marine mammals using hydrophones. Paddle surfing is also available, both here and in Tadoussac. Lodging at Anse à la Cave (camping, ready-to-camp and rustic huts).

Experienced guides, Katia and Thibault share with you their knowledge and passion for dog sledding, in the heart of the Papineau-Labelle wildlife reserve with which they have an exclusive contract. To introduce you to the sport, half-day or full-day excursions are offered (option of one or two people on the sled). For the more athletic, join one of the 2 to 5 day raids with nights in a refuge and meals included. A memorable winter adventure to do at least once in your life!

Located 10 minutes from downtown, in the direction of Percé, is a superb sandy beach considered among the most beautiful in Quebec (supervised from late June to late August). There are several services such as a snack bar, picnic areas, a playground for children, showers and toilets. You can also go fishing or play a game of beach volleyball. And with a little luck, you can even admire the ephemeral works of art created during the annual sand castle contest organized by a citizens' committee.

The fishing period runs from the end of May to the end of September. You will buy the daily fees to fish for salmon in the York, Dartmouth and Saint John rivers. You can weigh and wash your catches on site. For a top-notch experience, Pavillon Saint-Jean offers all the services necessary for a high-end fishing trip: fishing rights, exclusive access to pits, equipment, guide service, transportation, accommodation, gourmet meals with local flavours, etc. Sale and rental of fishing equipment on site.

At the yacht club, just opposite the train station, sailing courses are offered. All courses are tailored to suit the interests and levels of each.

This company offers several activities and various formulas so that everyone can find the right shoes for their feet. Surfing lessons take place at the foot of Habitat 67, on the wave at Guy. Kayak and SUP (stand up paddle) courses are offered, as well as equipment rental (boats, helmets, paddles, jackets, skirts, wetsuits, etc.) for those who already have the skills to navigate independently (first come, first served). Good to know: insurance is included for all activities and excursions.

The Inukshuk Lodge base camp is located on the shores of Ungava Bay. Here you can test yourself against Arctic char, sea trout and Atlantic salmon for an exceptional fishing experience in Quebec's Far North. For a more leisurely adventure, the lodge also offers photo workshops of Arctic landscapes, fauna and flora around Ungava Bay. Please note that the camp has a limited capacity, so reservations well in advance are not a luxury.

This solidarity cooperative offers you the great outdoors of Abitibi-Témiscamingue on a silver platter! The coop specializes in equipment rentals for both summer (camping, bike touring, watercraft) and winter (winter camping, fatbikes, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing). Luggage transport and road shuttle services are also available. Reservations are essential. To double the fun, the coop has another site at the Val-d'Or recreational forest.

This outfitter is nestled on the shore of the Leaf River estuary, which benefits from high tides, bringing with it abundant schools of fish, including Atlantic salmon and brook trout, but more particularly vigorous Arctic Arctic char. Entirely operated by Inuit, the outfitter provides an authentic fishing experience, while sharing their ancestral way of life with them for a few memorable days.

Located on the banks of the tumultuous Ottawa River, Esprit is first and foremost a whitewater rafting mecca. The company offers a wide range of adventures from rafting to canoeing expeditions to riverboarding (swimming in whitewater with a board and fins). Many combos are also offered, including rafting and bungee or rafting and zip line. Adventures take place on various rivers and bodies of water in this region bordering Quebec and Ontario. Adventure trips outside of Canada are also offered.

Stretching 234 km between Bois-des-Filion and Mont-Laurier, the trail follows the route of the old "Train du Nord". It is mainly used by cyclists and cross-country skiers, but also by hikers and snowmobilers (on certain authorized sections). Crossing the linear park in its entirety, you'll discover several municipalities, nestled between rivers, mountains and lakes. A number of services are available: bike (and self) transport to stations, luggage transport from inn to inn, bike rental (autobuslepetittraindunord.com).

The first GR® in America, this mountain circuit can be done independently in the different sectors (Avignon, Vallée-de-la-Matapédia, Haute-Gaspésie, etc.) and introductory courses to long hikes are also offered with Nature Aventure. These hikes are classified from beginner to difficult and take place on various terrains with some changes in altitude. Services for autonomous hikers on the IAT (car transport, shuttle, supplies).

The Grande Échouerie beach is an immense stretch of sand bordered by dunes and red sandstone cliffs, accessed by an interesting interpretive trail, which leads from a stunted forest of balsam fir and white spruce to the dune held back by short-liguled ammophilia. The beach follows the southern shoreline of this reserve which juts out into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, northeast of the archipelago. Good place to observe the grey seal.

It is accessed via Chemin du Sable in Havre-Aubert, and is one of the most famous beaches in the Islands. Miles of sand as far as the eye can see to the tip of the Bout du Banc, where the view of the sea and Entrée Island is simply magnificent (plan a 3-hour round trip to reach the tip). At the foot of the dune, the clear waters of the sea invite you to swim. Sandy Hook is the venue for the famous annual Sandy Hook Sand Castle Competition in August. A really great event where creativity and excesses are on the agenda.

The Super Glissades St-Jean-de-Matha have been a must for almost forty years. There's something for everyone, whatever their age. In fact, the rafting side has some of the fastest runs in Quebec, and many of the runs are floodlit in the evening, shared between the two sides (family, adrenaline). Many other winter activities are available on site, including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing (rentals on site).

A 256-kilometre loop circuit around Lac Saint-Jean. It provides access to Pointe-Taillon National Park and to picturesque municipalities located on the outlying roads. The circuit offers multiple opportunities for visiting natural sites, restaurants, camping, hotels and B&Bs. It also links many tourist attractions and overlooks the tributaries of Lac Saint-Jean.For information on available services or to rest, stop at one of the Maisons du vélo

Attitude Nordique is first and foremost a team with a passion for the outdoors, sustainable tourism and the region's terroir. Summer and winter alike, our supervised outings allow you to discover the region's beauty, all in a safe environment. Sea kayaking, paddleboarding, indoor climbing, via ferrata, suspension bridges and zip lines, ice fishing, etc., not to mention day camps, training courses (first aid in remote areas, etc.), events (like wine tasting on the beach or kayak and sushi evenings) and much more.

Les Vagues is a young company specializing in stand-up paddleboarding. To get off on the right foot, group courses are offered, including initiation, SUP Zen and SUP Fit. You can also take a guided excursion to Grosse and Petite île au Marteau in the fabulous Mingan archipelago just off Havre-Saint-Pierre. If you're comfortable with SUP, you can rent all the equipment you need from our store.

Opened more than ten years ago, Maeva Surf is an indoor surfing center and was the first of its kind in Quebec. Here you can practice "flowboarding", a mix of different sports like skateboarding, wakeboarding, surfing and snowboarding, all on an artificial wave. No previous experience is necessary but an introductory course is mandatory. It will allow you to learn all the safety rules, the behavior of the wave and the bodyboard and FlowBoard techniques. So, are you ready to tame the wave?

It is the oldest and most important ski resort in the region (71 trails on three sides, 19 lit at night). At the top of the slopes, just before you hit the powder, enjoy the view of the river. In addition to skiing, the site is the ideal location for a number of outdoor activities (equipment rental service on site): hiking, mountain biking, golf (par 72), canyoning, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, alpine hiking, fatbike (winter biking)... Numerous events in all seasons.

Entirely managed by Inuit, the company offers summer and winter stays in the Hudson Bay region. It is advisable to be in very good physical condition before registering, especially for the winter escapades (night in igloo, dog sledding, snowmobile, etc.). Scuba diving courses and excursions are also offered from Puvirnituq, as well as Arctic survival training on the ice floes (igloo building, orientation and navigation, etc.).

Overlooking the George River, this lodge is best known for its Atlantic salmon, brook trout and lake trout fishing packages. Through its Golden Peninsula Tours division, guided or self-guided tours are also available to discover the wonders of Arctic Quebec and Labrador, in a region called the Golden Peninsula, whether it's to observe polar bears, trek over the Hebron Fjord, float down a river in an inflatable raft or even ride a fatbike across the tundra. Unique adventures!

Specialized in adventure tourism, Chic-Chac has made Murdochville and its surroundings a true 4-season outdoor destination with five activity sites. For example, in the summer, you can take advantage of York Lake with its nautical activities, trout fishing and warm rustic chalets. In the winter, snow sports take center stage with powder snow that will make you dream in this incredible off-piste paradise. And as if that weren't enough, Chic-Chac also offers various lodging and restaurant services. At the top!

Need to stretch your legs and take a deep breath of fresh air? This 4-season nature activity center offers a la carte or package activities (possibility of multi-activities), from dog sledding to horseback riding, including zip-lining, a visit to the bison reserve, an introduction to survival in the forest or ice fishing. To prolong the pleasure, you can sleep in a refuge, cabin, teepee or wilderness campground. Meals are also offered à la carte, in a Swiss fondue formula or a home-made menu.

Eskamer Aventure offers daily guided kayak trips. Half-day or sunset, the choice is yours. The program includes encounters with whales, seals and colonies of seabirds. For the more adventurous, canyoning at Ruisseau-Castor, des Sauteux or Beaulieu will give you a thrill: hiking, cliff jumping, natural sliding in giant pools of clear, turquoise water, passing under waterfalls, climbing... Finally, for a thrill in the air, the area also offers the Tyrolienne du Castor.

In the heart of the Vaudray-Joannès Lakes Biodiversity Reserve is this exceptional place for a day in the great outdoors. In addition to the exhibits at the reception pavilion, a host of activities are offered: a miniature golf course in the forest, hiking and mountain biking trails, a hebertism track, a 3.5 km labyrinth, a giant foosball table, an adventure park with an accrobranche course (aerial courses of different levels of difficulty), etc. Please note that the park is only open on weekends from the end of August to the end of September.

This 105 km trail winds through the heart of the World Biosphere Reserve, surrounded by mountains reaching 1,000 metres. The full crossing (105 km) and half-crossing (3-4 days) can be done on foot or on Nordic skis, while the day hikes can be done on foot or on snowshoes. Bicycle raids lasting 2-4 days are also possible. In all cases, good physical fitness is a must.

Experience adventure with professional kiteboarders. Aerosport was the first kite school to open in the country, and enjoys a great reputation for wind sports. The traction kite develops enough power to pull a person in a buggy or surfboard. Wingsurfing courses are also available, as well as equipment rentals such as paddleboards, single and double recreational kayaks, surfboards and kitesurfing. Access to a private site at the Havre-aux-Basques lagoon.

Equipped with a harness, you have to brave your fears to cross the forest, walking from peak to peak. Dozens of aerial games in the trees are available here. A night course is also proposed as well as a via ferrata and the Village Arbre en Ciel for the 3-17 years old. Those who are afraid of heights will have to abstain, but thrill-seekers and nature lovers will be happy here! Also on site: snack bar and bistro-bar (open from June 24 to Labour Day), souvenir store.

The main activities are rafting, kayakraft and hydroluge. You can also go canyoning, opt for a combination of hiking and canoeing in the Mauricie Park or simply rent a watercraft. Adventure packages are offered as well as expeditions with experienced guides (different locations in Quebec). Training courses are also offered, such as calm water canoeing, river kayaking or first aid and rescue.

This heritage site offers a range of outdoor activities: sea trout and salmon fishing (6-day salmon fishing package also available, salmon observatory at Pool #24; best time in July), 11 km canoe trip (the "backwaters" area is known as an exceptional place, with its surprising meanders and lush nature), hiking (easy 3.5 km trail). It is also possible to stay on site thanks to the rental service of cottages, yurts and camping sites.

A new local ecotourism company, it offers unforgettable adventure holidays in the Gyrfalcon Islands, off the Inuit community of Tasiujaq in Leaf Bay, home to the world's highest tides. You'll discover a larger-than-life wilderness and fabulous Arctic wildlife, including polar bears in their coastal habitat, all while being fully immersed in Inuit culture. We'd also like to emphasize the comfort of our ultra-modern accommodations, from which you'll also be able to observe the famous Northern Lights in all their splendor.

The boreal forest is a great playground for outdoor enthusiasts and this company understands that. Its flagship activity is the Boreal Safari tour aboard a Pinzgauer, an all-terrain vehicle that is robust enough to venture into the backcountry. The three-hour tour takes you through the Périgny Valley. A must! We can also put on our boots to discover the famous Amazon waterfall. For a gentler adventure, a therapeutic forest bath inspired by the shinrin-yoku is just right.

The young company Cindy Hook specializes in paddleboarding (SUP) and recreational kayaking, whether in stand-alone mode, on guided excursions or in SUP and yoga or fitness packages. Looking for a different kind of escape? The gourmet excursion combines the sporting experience with a meal featuring the flavours of the Islands (breakfast or picnic). Cindy Hook also has an equipment boutique and a café where you can recharge your batteries while admiring the sea. An excellent reference for a breath of fresh, salty air!

Appearing in recent years, this amazing activity has been a great success in several cities... and Montreal is no exception to this new hobby! After a brief presentation of the technique, you will be introduced to the art of axe throwing on a wooden target, under the supervision of the team on site. Wearing closed and flat shoes is mandatory. If you stay a while in Montreal and if you're a fan, don't hesitate to join the leagues to compete against other "pitchers" of all levels.

Want to express your artistic talents without getting your hands (too) dirty? Here is the ideal activity: here, you can skip the manufacturing step and directly choose one or more already shaped ceramic pieces (many choices at varying prices), sit down with friends around a table in this café-workshop, let your imagination run wild and decorate your pieces using the tools and accessories available on site, then come back to pick up your unique works a week later, after firing. An original and colourful activity!

What could be better than discovering brewing techniques in a city with so many microbreweries? And on the premises of Ma Brasserie, a brewery solidarity cooperative, what's more! The one-day training course allows you to immerse yourself in the art of brewing and leave with 20 litres of homemade beer prepared under the guidance of the team of professionals on site. Note that the institute also offers distillation courses.

This boutique-kitchen offers a wide selection of gourmet products and culinary accessories, as well as classes on classic (Christmas menu, world cuisine, homemade pies) and less classic themes (insect recipes, molecular cooking). Workshops devoted to basic techniques are also on the program, enough to become a real chef at home. And the best part: the guild offers parent-child classes and even multi-day sessions during the holidays so your kids can learn to cook while having fun!

With such a natural playground, it's not surprising that adrenaline-filled experiences take pride of place. Extrême Chic-Chocs specializes in guided excursions by snowmobile off-piste, as well as by Jeep and side-by-side vehicles adapted for off-roading. And no need to be a seasoned adventurer, beginners are well catered for on our guided outings. A minimum of two participants is required for the Jeep and side-by-side, and for the snowmobile, the amount depends on the number of people. Great adventures in the heart of the Chic-Chocs!

Want to set sail and (re) discover the beauty of the Gaspé Peninsula? La Belle Vie Sailing offers it to you on a silver platter! Aboard a Lagoon 400 S2 multihull sailboat, you'll enjoy a memorable sailing experience. We offer sunset cruises with a 3-course meal and rum tasting, as well as the 24h Stay package, which lets you spend a night aboard this spacious, luxurious catamaran (3 meals and rum tasting included). Sailing courses are also available for all levels.

Isle-aux-Coudres is an excellent spot for wind sports and this is what this kitesurfing company is banking on. In duo or solo, initiation courses to become a rider are offered here during the good season. Paddleboarding trips are also organized as well as outdoor yoga sessions. In winter, snowkiting on skis or snowboard is offered, always in solo or duo formula. Note that the company does not only rent equipment but also sells it. We recommend it!

The company is well known for its two flagship activities, rafting and dog sledding. The former offers a variety of river-rafting packages, from half-day trips to 24-hour adventure escapades. As for the winter season, it gives way to dog-sledding excursions, again according to the same formulas. Expeditions are also available for 2 or 3 days. For packages of 24 hours or more, you'll spend the night in a refuge or chalet, whatever the season.

Fishing enthusiasts, this is your base camp in the region. As the name suggests, there are three rivers to choose from for salmon, trout and estuary fishing: Petit Pabos, Grand Pabos Ouest and Grand Pabos Nord. For those who'd like to spend a few days there, three camps are available for rent, two on the Petit Pabos River and one on the Grand Pabos Nord River (the latter also includes a sauna). All camps are well-equipped, but you'll need to provide your own bedding. Enjoy your fishing trip!