10 exotic places to visit in Quebec this summer.

Quebec: Are you looking for a place that’s a little out of the ordinary for your vacation?

No need to go too far to get a change of scenery! Quebec is full of breathtaking spaces to explore.

Here are 10 unusual and little-known destinations to stay at this summer to play outside.

SAINTE-ANNE-DE-SABREVOIS, MONTREGIE

In the municipality of Sainte-Anne-de-Sabrevois, it is possible to sleep in a Polynesian-style hut right on the Richelieu River! Domaine Pourki, a family business in the region, offers this unusual experience, to say the least, less than an hour’s drive from Montreal. The huts are accessed via a long wooden platform. There, you can admire the sunset before settling down in your floating house.

OUTAOUAIS RIVER, OUTAOUAIS

Surprising, but true! The Horizon X company offers an extraordinary experience: an 8km rafting trip in the light of the full moon. The outing begins at 10 p.m. and takes you on the river for an outing of almost 4 hours where you will encounter rapids up to class II. A package including two nights of camping near the banks of the river is also offered for those who wish to extend their stay in the region — or simply to rest immediately after the effort.

ANTICOSTI ISLAND, NORTH SHORE

We’ve all heard of it, but few of us have been there. Anticosti Island, located on the North Shore, offers an incomparable nature experience to outdoor enthusiasts. You can visit Anticosti National Park, where the sublime landscape includes a majestic canyon, an immense waterfall, caves, and beaches as far as the eye can see. Explore the territory by bike, on foot, or by boat — and don’t forget to say hello to the deer for which the island is famous.

CANYON OF THE GATES OF HELL, BAS-SAINT-LAURENT

It is near Rimouski that we find this truly amazing park which offers a wide range of outdoor activities of all kinds, for the whole family. The 5km canyon is overlooked by a suspended wooden footbridge (the highest in Quebec) which can be crossed on one of the many hikes offered in the area. On-site accommodation is available in the form of furnished cabins or campsites — the choice is yours.

KUURURJUAQ PARK, NORTHERN QUEBEC

You have to go very north to admire it, but the journey is worth it: Kuururjuaq Park, in Nunavik, is the base of Mont D’Iberville, or the highest peak in Quebec, straddling Labrador. It is an incomparable playground for lovers of hiking, but also white water sports, because of its thousand-year-old rivers, such as the George River. The park is, however, recommended for those who are more keen on the outdoors, since the activities that can be practiced there are aimed at initiates rather than novices.

MONASTERY OF THE AUGUSTINES OF QUEBEC, NATIONAL CAPITAL

One of the most original accommodations in Quebec City is located in a century-old building that once hosted the Augustines. Now completely renovated, the heritage space offers wellness packages (spa, massage therapy treatments, silence retreats) including one or more nights in the calm and bright old cloister, and invigorating healthy meals. Something to recharge your batteries.

WHITE FISH REGIONAL PARK, LAURENTIDES

Does camping on an (almost) deserted island sound like something to you? This is the experience offered by the Poisson Blanc regional park, which offers dozens of canoe camping sites located on islands or peninsulas accessible only by boat. Trips of 1km to 11km are offered depending on your level of expertise… and your desire to paddle!

THE MINGAN ARCHIPELAGO, NORTH COAST

It is on the North Shore, near Havre-Saint-Pierre, that we find this astonishing archipelago, which has the largest concentration of monoliths in the country. In the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve (Parks Canada), you can admire nearly 1,000 islands and islets populated by seabirds, such as Atlantic puffins and penguins. Explore them by kayak, hike, or even through a guided boat expedition.

SAINT-CASIMIR DE PORTNEUF, NATIONAL CAPITAL

Stop at Le Trou du Diable cave, which, with its 980-meter development, is one of the longest (and accessible to the public) in the entire province. There, you can try out caving on a 1-kilometer underground route. Accompanied by a guide, you can explore the cave on a cramped and sometimes muddy route where you will have to climb, crawl, and, of course, get wet.

CHELSEA, OUTAOUAIS

The small town of Chelsea offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including several hikes in the sublime Gatineau Park, located nearby. However, its main attraction is the Morrison Quarry, a former limestone quarry that has become an emerald-blue artificial lake, which attracts scuba divers, swimmers, and bungee enthusiasts! Will you have the nerves strong enough to jump into the void?