Unbeatable springtime: hiking, wildlife observation and the great outdoors
By David C, March 13 2024
From the melting of the ice on the St. Lawrence to the blossoming of the first flowers, springtime and the return of sunny days are full of promise. Put your snowshoes away and put on your hiking boots, because in Portneuf, you can enjoy the great outdoors all year round! Here are just a few things you can do in Portneuf this spring.
Discover the Réserve naturelle du Marais-Léon-Provancher
A place to relax and learn about nature’s wonders, the Réserve naturelle du Marais-Léon-Provancher is a natural reserve dedicated to the protection of flora and fauna. Stretching over two plateaus between the north shore of the St. Lawrence River and Route 138 in Neuville, the site offers a network of trails accessible year-round. With 209 bird species identified to date, this area enjoys a solid reputation among birdwatchers!
The Les saisons au marais Léon Provancher podcast tour (in French) is available to make your hike even more enjoyable. Each episode presents a season in all its uniqueness. Springtime and nature’s awakening are full of surprises, with flowering trees and plants, lush ferns and migratory birds.
Stroll along the St. Lawrence shoreline
Speaking of migratory birds, majestic flocks of snow geese and Canada geese make their spring stopover along the St. Lawrence! Chances are you’ll be able to spot them on one of the region’s wharves between Neuville and Grondines.
Six podcast tours are available to let you discover the shoreline and its charming villages. These forty-minute walking tours come with a mobile application highlighting the rich heritage of some of the most authentic villages on the Chemin du Roy and the people who shaped their history.
Hiking at Promenade Jacques-Cartier and Parc naturel régional de Portneuf
Promenade Jacques-Cartier is a 4.6-kilometre walking trail linking Maison Déry and Moulin Marcoux, two heritage sites in the heart of Pont-Rouge. This trail on the banks of the spectacular Jacques-Cartier River boasts magnificent flora and a wealth of history, which is presented on 30 interpretive panels. Come spring, the river and its natural surroundings awaken to offer a breathtaking spectacle.
The spectacular icy cliffs of the Parc naturel régional de Portneuf may be nothing more than a winter memory, but the unique gorges of the Sainte-Anne River are accessible all year round. With the snow melting in the early spring, we suggest you bring some good boots!
With a little extra patience . . .
By late spring, hundreds of kilometres of trails throughout Portneuf will be ready to welcome you, from Vallée Bras-du-Nord to the Chutes de la Marmite to Centre nature Saint-Basile. Discover 10 top hiking spots here. If you are a cyclist or a mountain biker, we haven’t forgotten you! Find out more here!
Microbreweries, maple products and much more
Have all those springtime surprises made you hungry for more? Head over to a local microbrewery or restaurant: they are always happy to offer you menus brimming with local flavours. When spring rolls around, maple delights are also in the limelight.
All that’s left is to wish you an unbeatable spring! For more suggestions, follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Be sure to tag us with the #unbeatablePortneuf—we love hearing about your adventures in the region!