Dive into nature for spring’s awakening

Spring in Quebec is a time when all kinds of natural phenomena take place, and it’s a perfect time to make discoveries all across various regions of the province. Spring is synonymous with sugaring-off, orchards in bloom, melting ice and freshets, the return of beekeeping activities and migratory birdwatching. Take the opportunity to appreciate these unique wonders and read on for more inspiration on how to explore spring without moderation!

Maple syrup in the spotlight

Spring signals the beginning of all things maple syrup! So why not pair some maple delights with a chance to learn how these are made and discover new types of products. Welcome to the world of maple sugaring! From the harvesting of maple water to the transformation of maple syrup and the production of maple alcohol and by-products, the process involved in making this Québécois staple is truly fascinating! Whether you opt for a maple exhibit, a guided tour or a meal at a sugar shack, it's a spring date you won’t want to miss!

Read more: Sugar shack season in Quebec: best places to go and things to do for the ultimate experience

The return of migratory birds

In April, noisy and impressive flocks of snow geese arrive on the shores of the St. Lawrence. They stay there until the end of May, resting, feeding and recharging their batteries.

Montmagny in the Chaudière-Appalaches region is one of the most popular places to admire them, thanks to its many observation points with parking. Half a million snow geese also stop off at Baie-du-Febvre, east of Sorel-Tracy in Montérégie. Canada geese and several species of ducks can also be seen.

In Montréal, Héritage Laurentien is an organization that offers bird-watching activities at the Parc des Rapides, in the LaSalle borough next to the Lachine Rapids.

Another top ornithology spot is the greater region of Victoriaville, where parks are home to a wide variety of bird species and there are plenty of easy-to-access trails near the city.

Starting in mid-April, the marshes and shores of Parc national de Plaisance in the Outaouais region host thousands of Canada geese. In the same region, Parc nature Éco-Odyssée is a prime springtime spot for watching geese, ducks, cranes and great blue herons, to name just a few.

Ducks Unlimited Canada is a good source for finding out more about the conservation of wetlands in Quebec.

The beauty of snowmelt

Wondering what could be so interesting about a spring thaw? See for yourself on the floating path at Parc national de Plaisance, a fan-favourite feature that makes it possible to access areas of the park during spring floods and admire its rich flora and wildlife. Raised walkways on trails leading to the Zizanie-des-Marais docks and along the Le Carouge trail mean that these parts of the park can be reached during the spring transition.

Spring is also a marvellous season for waterfall-watching and spotting flowing cascades along hiking trails. These thundering forces of nature are sure to impress! Just be sure not to go on trails that are closed and obey any warning signs.

Read more: Tips for safe, eco-responsible outdoor activities for spring in Quebec

Melting ice putting on a show

It’s no exaggeration to say that lakes and rivers are truly spectacular sights when the ice starts to melt. One great spot to witness this is at the Taureau reservoir in the Mauricie region. During one of the calmest months of the year (between April and May), the ice there melts in less than a few weeks. It's the perfect time of year to go for a walk, admire scenery you can't see anywhere else, and even go fatbiking between sand and snow.

Magical flowering apple orchards

The Lower Laurentians, Charlevoix, the Eastern Townships and Montérégie are some of the best regions for admiring apple trees in bloom. White and pink blossoms in the orchards and cider houses create breathtaking scenery and tempt us to go on fragrant strolls. It’s a great time to awaken all the senses, and enjoy springtime activities like picnics and nature hikes!

Bees getting back to work

Another sign that spring is here: bees are back and activity resumes around beehives. Why not take the opportunity to look into what beekeepers are up to and allow honey-making to pique your curiosity!

Miel des Ruisseaux is a honey farm in Alma specializing in mead production and a family business with a beekeeping economuseum on site. It even offers a virtual reality experience, where visitors can take a guided tour and admire an actual beehive. Don't forget to sample the products harvested from the hives!

Ferme Les Petites Écores is a vegetable farm in Pointe-Fortune, Montérégie, that offers a VIP beekeeping tour. It includes a presentation of the beekeeping profession, a look at different equipment and tools, the opening of a hive with interpretation and tasting of different products.

Le petit rucher du Nord is a family-run beekeeping farm located in Brébeuf, in the Laurentians. It produces artisanal honey and mead, breeds queen bees and manufactures and markets reusable beeswax food packaging. The shop is now open year-round!

Nature has so much to offer foodies and fans of outdoor activities this spring. Happy discovering!