Here are 7 beautiful regional parks to explore this fall
Surprisingly, there are almost twice as many regional parks as national parks in Quebec. While some are well-known, the network itself is not.
There are currently 44 parks accredited by the Association des parcs régionaux du Québec (Parq), which meet around fifty mandatory quality and safety standards.
In addition to these, there are around twenty parks in the process of being accredited.
Thanks to the Accès nature program, it is possible to reserve free access, depending on availability, to a participating park from the following website: www.toutlemondedehors.ca .
Monte-à-Peine and Dalles Falls Regional Park
Photo provided by Fabien Proulx-Tremblay
Footbridges, bridges, and lookouts adorn the area, which boasts three superb waterfalls north of Joliette. Access is via Saint-Jean-de-Matha, Sainte-Béatrix, and Sainte-Mélanie.
Trails: over 26km. Map for your phone with the Ondago app. Dogs allowed on leashes.
Val-David–Val-Morin Regional Park
Photo provided by Val-David–Val-Morin Regional Park
As the name suggests, there are two entrances. The Val-Morin sector is less busy. Beautiful views. Over 60 km of hiking trails. Dogs allowed on leashes.
Mountain bike trails: 35km. Famous rock walls for climbing.
The Grandes-Coulées Regional Park
Photo provided by Kim Roberge
The area near Plessisville is distinguished by its ancient forest crisscrossed by 12km of trails. Most are even accessible with large-wheeled strollers.
River trout fishing. Dogs allowed on leash. Ready-to-camp, shelter, rustic camping, and RV rest stop.
The Gentilly River Regional Park
Photo provided by Sébastien Jubinville
Near Gentilly, in the Centre-du-Québec region, the park is a small paradise for mountain biking with trails for all levels (24 km). Bikes of all sizes are available for rental.
Hiking trails: 25 km. Dogs allowed. Horseback riding trails. Trout fishing. Cabins and equipped tents for rent. Camping.
Coaticook Gorge Park
Photo provided by Marc Hébert
The famous Foresta Lumina illuminated trail is right here, in this park east of Magog. It takes place on a hiking trail that transforms at night, but is also accessible during the day.
The 169-meter-long suspension bridge is said to be one of the longest in the world. Camping and equipped tents are available for rent.
Appalachian Park
Photo provided by Parc des Appalaches
Eskers, peat bogs, waterfalls, and mountains—this area east of Quebec City, near the Maine border, is not short of attractions. What about its footbridges spanning the waterways?
Extensive trail network: 130km. Dogs welcome, even in lodgings. Bikes and rentals. Camping, mountain huts, equipped tents for rent, chalets and hostels.
Kiskotuk Coastal Park
Photo provided by Dios Photography
Between Cacouna and L'Isle-Verte, in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region, the area is breathtaking for its coastal landscapes. The 10km trails traverse natural environments ranging from salt marsh to boreal forest.
Downloadable maps. Dogs allowed. Rustic cabins for rent. Wild camping. Sanitary facilities.
LE Journal de Montreal
