Summer vacation is the perfect time to slow down, head outdoors and discover somewhere new. Just minutes from Québec City, the Côte-de-Beaupré offers everything you need to make the most of the season: mountains, the St. Lawrence River, hiking trails, mountain biking, great food, heritage sites and lively events.
Here are a few ideas to help you make the most of your summer vacation on the Côte-de-Beaupré.
Some attractions are simply part of the region’s identity and deserve a visit, even if you’ve been here before.
A visit to Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is a must. Its spectacular 83-metre waterfall never fails to impress. The suspension bridge, walking trails and scenic viewpoints overlooking the St. Lawrence River make it a perfect outing for families and photography enthusiasts alike.
A little farther east, Canyon Sainte-Anne invites visitors to cross the spectacular McNicoll Bridge, suspended 60 metres above the Sainte-Anne River. The site also features a breathtaking 74-metre waterfall, which is even higher than the famous Niagara Falls.
Finally, take time to visit the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré. Regardless of your beliefs, its remarkable architecture, mosaics and rich history make it one of Québec’s most impressive heritage landmarks.
The Côte-de-Beaupré is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
The Mestachibo Trail is considered one of the region’s finest hikes. Following the Sainte-Anne River, it winds through forests, crosses footbridges, passes rocky outcrops and offers spectacular viewpoints along the way. Recent improvements have enhanced the hiking experience while preserving the trail’s wild character. Please note that this is a challenging hike.
For a more accessible outing, the Jean-Larose Loop Trail leads visitors through a beautiful forest to one of the region’s most impressive waterfalls. It’s an excellent choice for families and casual hikers.
Those looking for a longer adventure will also enjoy Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix, renowned for its breathtaking views of the St. Lawrence River, numerous backcountry shelters and opportunities for overnight hiking.
Mountain biking enthusiasts will find two completely different experiences on the Côte-de-Beaupré.
Thrill-seekers will love Mont-Sainte-Anne Resort, where the downhill trails rank among the best in North America. Riders access the bike park via gondola, and the resort hosts international competitions every year.
Just a few kilometres away, Sépaq’s Parc du Mont-Sainte-Anne offers a completely different experience. Its extensive network of cross-country and enduro trails winds through an exceptional natural setting. The trails are suitable for both beginners and experienced riders, and admission fees directly support trail maintenance and future network improvements.
Vacation is also about enjoying great food.
Take the opportunity to explore the Côte-de-Beaupré Gourmet Trail, where passionate producers, processors and artisans showcase the region’s local flavours. Whether you’re looking for regional specialties, locally crafted beverages or fresh products, you’ll find plenty of delicious discoveries along the way.
The region is also home to several outstanding restaurants, including Coquette, recently awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction. Bistro Nordik, La Grange – Brasserie Italienne, Auberge & Campagne, and Auberge Baker are also excellent dining destinations.
For a coffee break or a casual lunch before continuing your adventure, Les Trois Becs, Pain des Pistes, and Café Apollo are always excellent choices.
Summer also brings a vibrant calendar of events that attract visitors from across Québec.
The Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Novena welcomes thousands of visitors each year to this renowned heritage site. The Arts & Reflets Symposium transforms Château-Richer into an open-air art gallery, while Rythmes et Papilles celebrates local flavours in a festive atmosphere.
In August, the Rodeo MSA adds a western flair to the summer season with professional competitions, live entertainment and activities for the whole family.
After a day spent hiking or biking, treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation.
Spa des Neiges, located along the St. Lawrence River, offers a peaceful setting where Nordic baths, saunas, a hammam and quiet relaxation areas invite you to completely unwind.
Just minutes from Parc du Mont-Sainte-Anne, Versant Mont-Sainte-Anne provides a more intimate experience surrounded by nature. Its thermal facilities blend seamlessly into the forest, creating the perfect environment to recharge after an active day.
The best vacation memories aren’t always the ones we planned. More often, they’re the unexpected detours, the memorable encounters, the breathtaking viewpoints that make us stop for a little longer, or the charming café discovered between two adventures.
The Côte-de-Beaupré has a unique way of encouraging you to slow down, even when you’ve planned a busy day. You come for a hike, an event or a bike ride… and before you know it, you’re extending your stay.
And perhaps that’s what the best vacations are all about: returning home with the feeling that you’ve discovered a place you’ll want to visit again.
The region offers a wide variety of activities, including hiking, mountain biking, visiting Canyon Sainte-Anne, Parc de la Chute-Montmorency, the Basilica of Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, as well as numerous events and gourmet experiences.
Two or three days are enough to visit the region’s main attractions, but a full week allows you to fully enjoy the outdoor activities, events, restaurants and extensive trail network.
The Mestachibo Trail, Jean-Larose Loop Trail, Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix, and the Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area are among the region’s best hiking destinations.
Downhill riders will enjoy Mont-Sainte-Anne Resort, while cross-country and enduro enthusiasts will find an extensive trail network at Sépaq’s Parc du Mont-Sainte-Anne.
The Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré Novena, Arts & Reflets Symposium, Rythmes et Papilles, and the Mont-Sainte-Anne Rodeo are among the region’s signature summer events.
Spa des Neiges and Versant Mont-Sainte-Anne are two excellent options for enjoying a Nordic spa experience after an active day.
