3 days in Portneuf this summer
By David C, April 22 2025
From the banks of the St. Lawrence River to the lush green Laurentians, summer in the region of Portneuf is the ideal time to enjoy the great outdoors, rivers, public markets and the rich countryside and its produce. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a culture buff or a lover of food, three days in our beautiful region promises to be a holiday like no other! Here are our suggestions.
Day 1 – Chemin du Roy, river and land
The renowned Chemin du Roy needs no introduction! A living testimony to New France and the first roadway linking Quebec City to Montreal, this road is second to none with its beautiful village centres and landscapes along the St. Lawrence River.
Start your day with a leisurely stroll in Neuville’s Réserve naturelle du Marais-Léon-Provancher. Here, you can explore ecosystems ranging from marsh to forest to the St. Lawrence and take in the fresh air. If you prefer to explore the shoreline, check out Promenade-Fleuve, which offers eleven itineraries accessible at low tide, right on the tidelands. If you’re the kind of person who never leaves home without a kayak or paddleboard, the Route bleue’s four trails along the St. Lawrence River await you!
From east to west, you’ll find a host of foodies stops along the way. In Neuville, Chez Médé and Ferme Syldia farm stores are brimming with local produce. Be sure you also stop off at one of the many local garden produce stands along Route 138. Also in Neuville, Domaine des 3 Moulins welcomes visitors to its enchanting site and offers wine tastings and tours of the vineyard. On Saturdays, don’t miss the Deschambault public market, with its twenty or so producers, processors and craftspeople.
For lunch, the Esprit de clocher microbrewery offers a delicious bistro menu with their beers. In Donnacona, Brasserie La Fosse serves up tasty dishes with local flavours and brewed-on-site beers. At La Shed Microbrewery, you can also discover delicious beers brewed on the premises along with refreshing cuisine in the most welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. If you prefer to eat on the go, stop off at a wharf or rest area for a picnic or try one of the many snack bars, such as the popular Casse-croûte de Neuville or Casse-croûte du Roy, which uses many of Portneuf’s local ingredients.
History and heritage buffs can visit exhibitions at the Biennale internationale du lin de Portneuf, art galleries, churches and some of the most beautiful villages in Quebec.
Looking for a place to stay the night along the Chemin du Roy? Drop in at Demeure du Capitaine in Neuville, the Sous les charmilles motel in Cap Santé, or Auberge de l’Ouest in Deschambault!
Day 2 – Hiking in Parc naturel régional de Portneuf
Parc naturel régional de Portneuf is a vast territory divided into four sectors with dozens of kilometres of trails for hikers of all levels. The gorge sector of the Sainte-Anne River offers stunning views of the rocky cliffs overlooking the river. In the Lac Long sector, the Chutes à Marcotte trail is a must, and the Montagne de la Tour trail offers a particularly spectacular view of the region. Discover the park’s sectors and trails here.
Another must-see microbrewery in Portneuf is Les Grands Bois in Saint-Casimir. Stop in for a visit and pick up some of their brews to enjoy along the banks of the Sainte-Anne River. The microbrewery also organizes the village’s public market, Les vendredis sains, as well as a number of shows performed in their entertainment hall.
When your day is over, you can spend the night in Parc naturel régional de Portneuf and choose among several options: chalets, ready-to-camp accommodations or rustic cabins. In Saint-Casimir, you can opt for a room at Hôtel le Couvent, which is housed in a picturesque 19th-century stone building.
Day 3 – Cycling in Vallée Bras-du-Nord or on Vélopiste Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf
For this third day, we’re looking forward to seeing you in Saint-Raymond, a paradise of stunning landscapes for mountain bikers!
With 100 km of singletrack trails in two different sectors, Vallée Bras-du-Nord is known as a top destination for mountain biking. We bet you’ll want to take a few breaks to take in the breathtaking scenery of the valley and its mountains. Hiking and water sports are also available.
You can also choose another regional icon: Vélopiste Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf. This trail was built on the former 68 km railway right-of-way. Heading west towards Rivière-à-Pierre, the route has a slight gradient, which will be to your advantage on your way back! Here are ten reasons why you should try it!
To round off the day, a good meal is in order, and there’s no shortage of choice in Saint-Raymond: Le Mundial, La Croquée, Le Nocturne, Sushi M et Cie, Ti-Oui snack bar, and many others. Don’t miss Saint-Raymond’s Farmers’ Market, held in front of the church every Thursday from 4 p.m. You can also try the Roquemont, a microbrewery, restaurant and hotel all in one! Other accommodation options include Villa Eco at the gateway to Vallée Bras-du-Nord, and Chalets Tourisma, which offers a variety of cottages in the surrounding area.
Three days flew by in no time! For other suggestions for activities, you can visit our blog, events, foodie tours, nature and culture sections. You’ll find plenty of ideas to help you plan your next trip to the region. And remember to tag us with #regionportneuf when you share your photos on Facebook or Instagram. Enjoy your stay!