Top 10 Hikes To Do in Quebec During Summer (2026 Guide)
Last Updated:October 16, 2026
I’ve been hiking in Quebec for a few years now, and every summer there’s always a handful of trails that are special and unique.
This Summer, I put together a list of top ten that I found to be a solid starting point, accessible and well worth the drive.
Caption: St. Charles River Linear Park
1. St. Charles River Linear Park
We start with a 32 Km trail stretching across 13 connected sectors and linking the old port of Quebec City to St. Charles lake, from East to North
St. Charles River Linear Park is a long urban path and he full trail takes about eight hours to finish, but you don't have to do it all.
You can walk a section, or bike it, or leave a car at each end and explore for as long as you want. Easy to moderate depending where you go but flexible and peaceful all the way.
This park is perfect for you if you don’t own a vehicle or simply don’t want to drive a long way to hike, the bus reaches almost all of the sectors so you don’t have to worry about making it back either.
I recommend starting the trail from the old port all the way to the lake. This direction helps you get away from construction sites and highways to reach a sandy small beach on the water.
Caption: Mount of Dôme
2. Mount of Dôme
The , commonly known in French as Mont du Dôme, is an hike split into two sections: one steep rock climb, one gradual ascent.
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Both lead to a summit with views across Charlevoix. And because of how the trails connect, you can visit nearby peaks without leaving the mountain, making it a favorite for summer backpacking trips.
When you reach the top, watch for the first viewpoint; it's hidden on the left side and that's the one you want.
This point offers open views and spectacular light, and in my opinion it’s the best place for a coffee on the mountain. The highest point is further along, but this is where the view actually opens up.
Caption: The Wolves Trail
3. The Wolves Trail
Near Quebec City, and inside Jacques-Cartier National Park, The Wolves Trail is 10 Km of steady climbing that gets steeper as you approach the top.
The hike leads to Two viewpoints where the first one is considered to be a people’s favorite and honestly it's the better one.
The challenge here isn't the distance or the elevation but rather the technical ground under your feet and because of The close proximity to the city it became a perfect destination for hikers who still want to enjoy a challenge without driving for too long to get there.
Which is why I recommend starting as early as possible cause it can get really crowded at the top.
To reach the trailhead, you have to drive all the way to Kilometer 15 after the entrance and park in the nearest parking lot. Parking on the roadside, near the river, is not permitted.
Caption: The Charlevoix Palissades
4. The Charlevoix Palissades
The Charlevoix Palissades is a mountain adventure park that has a variety of activities: From hiking to climbing and a via ferrata in between.
The mountain is filled with rich history and extraordinary discoveries, such as the 900 Million Years old Rock where you can find a hidden route that leads you to climb from the other side.
While crossing the bridge halfway through the hike, I recommend taking your time to enjoy the uncommon view of both the top and the bottom.
This park is also home for a refuge hidden deep in the forest and even though the summit is only at a 360 meters altitude, it still offers a wide view of the surrounding mountains.
Caption: Acropole des Draveurs
5. Acropole des Draveurs
A favorite for all hikers in Quebec, The Acropole des Draveurs is a famous hiking trail in The Maple Mountain in Charlevoix.
The full trail consists of an 11 Km Hike to the Last Summit and there are Three Summits.
The second and third are optional as the first is right where the trail ends. And in my opinion, the first one is the best in terms of view and relaxation.
Keep in mind that it can get really crowded, especially on the top so try to start your hike really early, to be able to spend a longer time surrounded by the large landscape.
Caption: Mount St. Joseph
6. Mount St. Joseph
Further away to the south, Mount St. Joseph is a 14 Km hike connected to a large chain of high altitude mountains ranging from 900 to 1200 meters.
The trail is located in Mount Megantic National Park, near the Canadian border with Maine and New Hampshire.
The park is also known for having one of Canada's fourth largest observatories, with a research lab dedicated to astrophysics and discoveries behind it.
The trail offers many viewpoints, but the last one is the calmest. It has a lookout on almost all of the southern region, as well as Mount Victoria and the observatory tower.
Caption: Lac des Cygnes Autumn
7. Lac des Cygnes
Back in the north, Mount Lac des Cygnes is one of the most popular hikes in Charlevoix. The trail is a 9 Km round trip that ends in a steep 200-metre climb to the summit.
I hiked this trail in the fall, when the colors were vibrant and during Winter when lake is frozen solid.
However, it's just as popular during Summer and despite the warmer temperatures, you'll still want to bring a light jacket, as the summit is fully exposed and can be surprisingly windy.
The reward is a vast panoramic view stretching across the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Caption: Paysan Trail
8. The Paysan Trail
One of the lesser-known hikes in the region, the Paysan Trail is a 9 Km hidden gem in Charlevoix.
The hike begins near an old farm and follows a forest path that reaches a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
Located in the Éboulements mountain, the trail sits within the Canadian Appalachians and offers a unique blend of mountain scenery, forests, and open landscapes.
Caption: Mount Kaaikop
9. Mount Kaaikop
Located about four hours from Quebec City, Mount Kaaikop is a mountain in the Laurentides region of Quebec.
In my opinion, it's one of the best places to hike and disconnect, especially if you're looking for a weekend getaway.
The trail starts near the lake and follows a well-marked 8-kilometre route, climbing to an elevation of 850 meters and Mosquitoes can be quite active on the mountain during Summer, so I recommend bringing insect repellent.
Since it's a long drive depending on where you're coming from, staying in one of the nearby cabins can be worth it. It gives you more time to recover after the hike and enjoy other activities such as canoeing or exploring the area.
Caption: Mount Morios
10. Mount Morios
The final hike is by far my favorite of them all. Mount Morios is a unique mountain for those who enjoy rugged terrain and steep climbs.
There are two common ways to hike it: You can head straight to the summit for a 10 Km hike, or do what I did last summer and backpack for two days to reach it from the other side, completing a 25 Km loop.
Parts of the mountain are located within an exploratory zone, so it's important to purchase your access pass through their website before your trip.
Whether you hike directly to the summit or complete the full loop, you're rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The weather can change quickly at higher elevations, so make sure you're well prepared.
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A Note From Elie
