Accessible tourism: exploring Portneuf in spring
By David C, February 16 2026
In spring, the Portneuf region becomes a vast playground of discovery where nature comes back to life, the villages buzz with activity and the countryside is bathed in soft colours. Whether you’re looking to take in the fresh air by the river or in the mountains, sample local produce or enjoy a relaxing stay, Portneuf offers a wide range of accessible activities.
Accessible outdoor activities: enjoy nature to the fullest
Along the St. Lawrence River, several of Portneuf’s wharves offer fully accessible areas where you can soak up the springtime weather. In Neuville, Cap-Santé, Portneuf, Deschambault and Grondines, the wharves have been equipped with stable platforms and observation areas, allowing everyone to gaze out over the river, watch migratory birds and breathe in the fresh air in peace and quiet.
To make hiking accessible to all, Parc naturel régional de Portneuf provides specialized equipment so that everyone can enjoy the trails to the fullest come springtime. In the gorge area of the Sainte-Anne River, two Joëlettes (including one for children) and a Trackz all-terrain wheelchair can be booked free of charge.
While waiting for summer
As soon as the trails are open and the lakes are warm enough for swimming, a range of activities and facilities will be available in the region. In Parc naturel régional de Portneuf, visitors can also enjoy water sports using the paddleboard ramp, a specially adapted Trident paddleboard and a 15-metre AccessMat beach mat.
At the Lac Simon Holiday Centre, Kartus racing wheelchairs, adaptive solo kayaks, Chartrand electric bikes, Trackz HP+ models and swimming wheelchairs are available for rent.
Other sites also offer specialized equipment. You can consult the directory here (from page 39).
Accessible accommodation: comfort and relaxation
Across the region, there are accommodations equipped with ramps, walk-in showers and spacious areas that allow for easy movement. These establishments allow you to enjoy a relaxing stay with no need for compromise. Here are a few of them.
Looking for the perfect spot to recharge your batteries in the great outdoors? Les Chalets Tourisma offers three beautiful and accessible chalets (Le Caribou, Le Chalet du 4ième and La Voisine) in Saint-Léonard-de-Portneuf and Lac-Sergent.
In Deschambault-Grondines, Le Chavigny (Econolodge) offers fully accessible, refurbished rooms. The restaurant, which serves comfort food, is also accessible.
In Saint‑Raymond, the must-visit restaurant, microbrewery and hotel Le Roquemont offers accessible rooms, accessible communal areas and a warm, welcoming atmosphere. This restaurant is also accessible.
Accessible restaurants: enjoy Portneuf worry free
The start of spring heralds one of the highlights of the year: maple syrup season! In March and April, Cabane à sucre Chabot in Neuville serves up its traditional meals in a festive atmosphere. Pea soup, pancakes and grands-pères (maple syrup dumplings): maple is the star at both lunchtime and dinner.
Portneuf is renowned for its microbreweries. If you’re a beer lover, be sure to check out Brasserie La Fosse and Microbrasserie La Shed in Donnacona, as well as Saint-Raymond’s Le Roquemont. On top of enjoying a beer brewed on the premises, you can also have a meal full of local flavours.
Here are a few more suggestions for must-visit restaurants in the region: Le Calvados in Pont‑Rouge, La Croquée and Le Nocturne in Saint‑Raymond, Le Chavigny in Deschambault‑Grondines, and many others.
Useful resources
In collaboration 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 a detailed outdoor activities map showing twelve sites in the region that are accessible to people with reduced mobility. See the map here.
More than 600 public places and shops in the region were also visited by volunteers with disabilities. A list of the main access points is available on the Accès Portneuf website.
Portneuf ushers in spring with a wealth of places to explore, great restaurants to discover and wonderful moments to savour. Whether you’re exploring the coastline, hiking the trails or simply enjoying the peace and quiet, the region offers an amazing backdrop for getting the most out of spring. Be sure to share your favourite moments using the #PortneufInegalable tag.