Quebec City: Jacques-Cartier National Park Snowshoeing Tour

If you’re visiting Quebec City in winter and looking for an outdoor adventure that combines natural beauty, easy activity, and expert guidance, this snowshoeing tour in Jacques-Cartier National Park might be just what you need. For $107 per person, you’re picked up from downtown Quebec, whisked away to a pristine landscape, and led on a scenic, low-impact trek through snow-laden forests and along winding creeks. With a 4.9/5 rating from 99 reviews, this outing has clearly struck a chord with travelers seeking authentic winter experiences.

Two aspects stand out immediately: the convenience of roundtrip transport, which lets you relax and enjoy the scenery without worrying about logistics, and the insightful, friendly guides who make the experience educational as well as fun. You’ll learn about local flora and fauna, with wildlife sightings being easier in winter because animals tend to be more visible against the snow.

A potential consideration? The tour isn’t suitable for those with mobility issues or children under 8, so if you’re traveling with young kids or need accessible options, this might not be the best fit. But for active travelers, nature lovers, and anyone eager to try snowshoeing in a stunning setting, this trip offers excellent value and genuine adventure. It’s particularly well suited for those who appreciate small groups and personalized attention, as the tour is limited to just 10 participants.

Key Points

• Beautiful Scenery: Explore the Laurentian Mountains, Belleau Creek, and the Sautauriski River in winter’s quiet beauty.
• All-Inclusive: Equipment, park admission, transportation, lunch, and hot drinks are covered—no hidden costs.
• Easy to Join: No experience needed; guides show you how to snowshoe and keep the pace manageable.
• Flexible Planning: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance or reserve now and pay later, offering peace of mind.
• Authentic Insights: Learn about local trees and wildlife from knowledgeable guides, adding depth to your experience.
• Family Friendly (over age 8): Suitable for active travelers, but not recommended for those with limited mobility or very young children.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Discovering Quebec’s Winter Landscape

The Jacques-Cartier National Park snowshoeing tour is an ideal way to see Quebec’s winter scenery without the need for intense hiking or specialized mountaineering skills. The day begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or central location in Quebec City, followed by a comfortable 30-minute drive through snowy countryside to the park. This transportation component is a real plus—it means you can relax, enjoy the views, and avoid the hassle of parking or navigating unfamiliar roads.

Once at the park, your adventure begins with a friendly briefing from your guide, who will provide all necessary equipment—snowshoes and poles—and explain how to use them. For many, snowshoeing is a new activity, but guides are adept at ensuring everyone feels comfortable. You’ll notice that no experience is needed; if you can walk, you can snowshoe. The activity itself is low-impact but offers a good workout, especially on inclines or uneven terrain.

The trails you’ll follow are peaceful and mostly quiet, winding through forests of birch and fir, alongside the flowing Sautauriski River, and into the valley of Belleau Creek. As one reviewer noted, this is “a lovely walk, good exercise, and a beautiful park”. Wildlife is more visible in winter, so keep your eyes peeled for tracks or animals that might be out and about in the snow.

A Well-Curated Itinerary

Your guide will lead you along scenic, well-maintained trails, with multiple stops for photos, rest, and insights. Stops at scenic overlooks provide perfect opportunities to capture the moment, and the guide’s commentary enriches your understanding of the area’s natural features.

One highlight is the stops at a heated tent for lunch and hot drinks, which offers welcome warmth and a chance to relax amid the cold. Many reviews mention how much they appreciated this break, with several noting the delicious snacks, hot chocolate, and even wild blueberries. The timing is well-organized: you leave Quebec City at 9 am, arrive around 10, and start your snowshoeing around 10:30. By 2 pm, the guided activity wraps up, and you depart the park at 3 pm for the return trip, arriving back in Quebec by 4 pm.

What Makes This Tour Special?

The knowledgeable guides are a major asset. Multiple reviews describe guides as friendly, well-informed, and accommodating. One reviewer from Mexico praised their “hospitable and interactive” approach, while another appreciated the detailed explanations about trees and wildlife. This personal touch elevates the experience from a simple outdoor walk to an educational journey.

The scenic variety is another big plus. From lofty mountain views to tranquil riverbanks, the diverse landscape keeps the walk visually engaging. The stunning winter scenery—snow-covered trees, frozen streams, and quiet wilderness—provides a backdrop that’s both peaceful and invigorating.

Practicalities and Value

At $107 per person, the tour offers solid value. It includes transportation, all equipment, park admission, and a hearty lunch—all essentials covered. The convenience of having all logistics handled means you can focus entirely on enjoying the experience.

A notable aspect is the small group size, limited to 10 participants, which encourages personalized attention and a more relaxed atmosphere. Many reviews highlight how guides expertly balanced the group, accommodating different paces, and answering questions along the way.

Clothing is not included but is recommended to be weather-appropriate and warm, especially in winter. The tour offers winter clothing rental, which can be helpful if you don’t want to pack bulky gear. Since weather can affect outdoor activities, it’s worth noting that the tour is subject to fair weather, so it might be canceled or rescheduled if conditions are unsafe.

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Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re an active traveler eager to see Quebec’s winter landscapes in a relaxed, guided setting, this tour is perfect. It’s especially suitable for those who want an authentic outdoor experience without technical difficulty. Families with children over 8 find it manageable, and wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy spotting animals in winter’s clear light.

However, if you have mobility issues or are traveling with very young children, you may want to consider other options. The activity involves walking and snowshoeing on trails that aren’t fully accessible for wheelchairs or strollers.

FAQs About the Jacques-Cartier Snowshoeing Tour

Is previous snowshoeing experience necessary?
No. Guides explain easy-to-follow techniques, and if you can walk, you can snowshoe.

What should I bring?
Wear weather-appropriate, warm clothing. You can rent winter gear if needed, so packing heavy winter clothing isn’t mandatory.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is about 7 hours, including transportation, activity, lunch, and breaks.

Is the tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for children over 8 years old. The activity requires active walking and snowshoeing.

What is included in the price?
Round-trip transportation, equipment, park admission, a guided experience, and lunch with hot drinks.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes. Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is subject to weather conditions. If weather is unsuitable, it may be canceled or rescheduled.

How many people typically participate?
Limited to small groups of 10, ensuring personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

Where exactly do I meet the guide?
Near the tourist information center in Quebec City, where you’ll see a minibus with the partner’s logo.

Is this tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not recommended for those with limited mobility due to the nature of the terrain.

Final Thoughts

For travelers seeking a blend of outdoor activity, natural beauty, and local knowledge, this snowshoeing tour in Jacques-Cartier National Park is an excellent choice. It offers scenic vistas, well-organized logistics, and an intimate atmosphere that makes winter exploration accessible and enjoyable. The focus on educational commentary and the inclusion of lunch and equipment make it a good value, especially for those who want a hassle-free experience.

While it might not be for everyone—particularly those with mobility challenges or very young children—the majority of active travelers will find it a rewarding way to see Quebec’s winter landscape up close. It’s a chance to breathe in crisp mountain air, learn about local ecology, and return with memorable photos and stories of a snowy wilderness adventure.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a first-time snowshoer, or simply looking for a different way to enjoy Quebec’s winter, this tour delivers an authentic, well-rounded outdoor experience that’s hard to beat.

You can check availability for your dates here: