Portneuf: Unbeatable outdoor summer adventures
By David C, April 23 2026
Exploring the region of Portneuf in the summer is all about getting to know a place where you can set off on an adventure or just relax in the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. With forest hiking trails, bike paths, navigable rivers, and activities for all ages, the region offers a wide variety of experiences that let you connect with the outdoors in whatever way you like. Look for an unbeatable summer experience? Here is a bird’s eye view of outdoor activities awaiting you.
Hiking
In the great outdoors
Our expansive natural landscapes are crisscrossed with trails that offer something for everyone, from casual hikers to seasoned trekkers. Parc naturel régional de Portneuf, with its variety of environments, offers more than 70 km of trails winding through spectacular cliffs, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks. Vallée Bras-du-Nord has more than 80 km of hiking trails crisscrossing mountains, forests, and sweeping panoramas—perfect for day trips or multi-day adventures.
Read more: 10 top hiking spots in Portneuf
Along the shoreline
For a unique experience in keeping with the rhythm of the tides, Promenade-Fleuve offers a chance to explore nearly 20 km of Portneuf’s coastline. Its eleven trails, accessible at low tide, allow visitors to walk directly on the St. Lawrence River tidelands, observe the coastal flora and fauna, and explore landscapes that are usually inaccessible.
Read more: Promenade-Fleuve: Interactive walks along the shoreline
Other places to get inspired
The region is also home to some unique and enchanting places to explore. FloreSsens features more than 50 themed gardens and 2 km of trails dotted with artworks and ambient sounds. Set in the heart of a vast forest, Jardins du Grand Duc offers a colourful artistic journey through an extraordinary natural setting. For a fun family outing, The Secret Valley invites young and old alike to embark on an immersive and entertaining treasure hunt adventure.
Cycling
Road
Road cyclists will find the region of Portneuf to be the perfect place to ride at their own pace. Route verte runs through the region, connecting villages, farmland, and the shores of the Saint Lawrence River. Véloroute Portneuvoise offers a safe, signposted course that brings out the Portneuf’s most beautiful sights.
Read more: Cycling 5 summer getaways
Hit the trail
Those who enjoy long bike rides will love Portneuf’s Vélopiste Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf, a trail that stretches over 60 km through forests, along rivers, and across villages. Centre de plein air Dansereau complements the experience with its Dansereau–La Liseuse trail, a peaceful route that runs along the Jacques-Cartier River and offers stunning natural scenery.
Read more: An accessible cycling trip from Portneuf to Wendake on the Vélopiste JacquesCartier/Portneuf trail.
Mountain biking
Portneuf is also a top destination for mountain biking. Vallée Bras-du-Nord is recognized as one of Quebec’s finest trail networks, offering a variety of options ranging from beginner to advanced-level trails. Sentiers récréatifs Portneuf also offers a diverse network for singletrack enthusiasts. And Centre Nature Saint-Basile provides accessible, well-maintained trails that are perfect for beginners or family outings.
Read more: 7 must-try cycling trails in Portneuf
Nautical activities
La route bleue
The Portneuf section of the Route bleue offers an exceptionally rich paddling experience with its 15 routes certified by Canot-Kayak Québec. You can also paddle on the majestic St. Lawrence River, the Sainte-Anne River, or one of the region’s many peaceful lakes. The itineraries vary from calm waters to more dynamic sections and looped trails, allowing both beginners and experienced paddlers to find their comfort zone.
Read more: Paddle your way throughout Portneuf!
Tours
There are several companies that offer guided tours, making it easy to enjoy your time on the water. Parc naturel régional de Portneuf offers inflatable rafting trips that let you explore a 6.6-kilometre stretch of the Sainte-Anne River. Rivière Concept also offers guided tours down a 9.5-kilometre stretch of the spectacular Jacques-Cartier River. At Vallée Bras-du-Nord, you can paddle down the river that shares its name. The site offers 17 km of calm waters set against a majestic backdrop. And of course, Õ Pagaie organizes food tours and stand-up paddleboarding lessons on the region’s lakes
Holiday centres and camps
Families and groups will find several vacation resorts offering a variety of water activities. At Camp Portneuf and its outdoor activity centre, Terra Dehors, you can enjoy kayaking, swimming, paddle boarding, and more. Camp Kéno also boasts a wide variety of water activities. Centre vacances Lac Simon, with Eau Claire beach and the centre’s water sports equipment, is the perfect place to enjoy the water at your leisure. At Camping du Lac Blanc you’ll find a well-known campground and its famous water slide.
Canyoning
For a rush of adrenaline, canyoning in Vallée Bras-du-Nord is top of the list. Vertaco offers waterfall rappelling, natural slides, and unique adventure courses set against a spectacular backdrop. A truly immersive experience that combines sports, nature, and the thrill of the great outdoors.
Read more: A unique canyoning experience and adventure in Vallée Bras-du-Nord!
Accessible outdoor activities
In association with the Association régionale de loisir pour personnes handicapées de la Capitale-Nationale, the Association des personnes handicapées de Portneuf and Autisme Québec, the MRC de Portneuf has created an outdoor activities map detailing twelve sites in the region that are accessible to people with reduced mobility.
Portneuf is a summer destination with something for everyone, whether you’re looking to go hiking, biking, kayaking, or to simply enjoy the great outdoors. The region is the perfect place to slow down, take it all in, and fully embrace summer in a rich and diverse natural landscape.