Parc des Laurentides, a breath of fresh air near Quebec City

Réserve faunique des Laurentides is a natural park covering an impressive area of just under 8,000 square kilometres. The reserve is part of Quebec's network of wildlife reserves. They are managed by the Ministère des Forêts, de la Faune et des Parcs and the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec. The two founding organisations strive to conserve and protect Canada's biodiversity through wildlife reserves, national parks and eco-responsible tourist establishments. The reserve's countless lakes attract tourists from all over the world, as well as Canadians, to experience the almost sacred peace and quiet of Quebec's natural environment.

Where is Réserve des Laurentides?

Réserve faunique des Laurentides is located in the Laurentides region, a large mountain range in Quebec. The park is 60 km from the capital, Quebec City, and 35 km from Saguenay. It's a popular park because it's relatively close to both cities, especially Quebec's tourist capital.

History of Parc des Laurentides

The history of the wildlife reserve begins with a small dirt track that locals used to reach Lake Saint-Laurent from Quebec City. This path is not passable by car, and it takes three days to cross the 260 kilometres that separate the two places. Over the years, various roads were built through the dense Laurentian forest. The first discussions about a potential nature park began in the late 1800s. The park was created in 1895 by the Commissioner of Crown Lands. The park evolved with the construction of Route 175, which ran along the park's borders, and the various structures built to accommodate tourists: first-aid posts, restaurants, chalets, etc.

Lush hikes in the Laurentides park

Réserve faunique des Laurentides is one of the best places near Quebec City for forest walks, with a wide variety of trails. You can venture to the park's highest peak, Mont Belle-Fontaine, which stands at 1,151 metres. If you prefer a more accessible walk, you can wander among the fir and white birch trees of the boreal forest. Discover the hiking trails and their routes on Alltrails.

Doncaster River Park Trail

We recommend this easy 9-kilometre route along the River Doncaster, which is child-friendly and takes you past riverbeds where you can stop for a picnic or an afternoon of trout fishing.

The trail is open to the public every day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays, Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Visit Let's Go Play Outside for more details and photos of this hike in the Parc des Laurentides. You can also hike in the Parc des Laurentides in winter, wearing a pair of cross-country skis.

Trout fishing in the park's countless lakes

As well as hiking, trout fishing is very popular in Réserve faunique des Laurentides, where over 5,000 trout are caught each year. Don't forget to apply for your permit on the Sépaq website.

Cross-country skiing in the snow

In winter, cross-country skiing is one of the main activities in the nature park. Discover the trails for your next outing, how to book your skis and the rates for day passes on the Sépaq website.