Maple, culture and nature for a lovely spring in Portneuf

The beautiful Portneuf region offers a thousand and one ways to welcome the season of renewal. From gourmet pleasures to heritage discoveries, every moment becomes an invitation to savour nature as it comes back to life. In the sugar shacks, maple takes center stage, in an infinite variety of sweet treats. This region is also a place to learn about the rich past of New France by following the river and the Chemin du Roy and to go on invigorating hikes under the sunshine of spring.

Maple syrup and sugar shacks: a party for your taste buds

In Portneuf, sugaring off is a real celebration! Sugar shacks offer a tasty experience, from hearty meals to irresistible maple taffy on snow. Some sugar shacks also offer petting farms sure to delight the whole family or sleigh rides to discover through the beauty of the forest. Feel like bringing a bit of sweetness back home? Local producers have plenty of sugary treasures to tempt you: syrup, sugar loaves, cones and more! And for an original gourmet touch, why not take the opportunity to indulge in a maple beer at a local microbrewery?

A road trip back in time on the King’s Road

Bordering the mighty St. Lawrence River, the Chemin du Roy (King’s Road) is one of Quebec's most iconic tourist routes. In Portneuf, this road runs through five municipalities known for their picturesque villages, ancestral homes and architectural gems that bear witness to the region's rich past. Along the way, numerous public access points invite you to take a contemplative break along the St. Lawrence.

Appreciate calm and nature on a hike

With hundreds of kilometres of trails, Portneuf is a paradise for nature hikes. Among the region’s must-sees is the Parc naturel de Portneuf, where the gorges of the Sainte-Anne River offer spectacular views of the cliffs, while the Lacs Long and Montauban areas are ideal for more experienced hikers. The Vallée Bras-du-Nord is another must-see, with breathtaking panoramas and trails ranging from leisurely strolls to long hikes. As for the Parc familial des Berges, it's the ideal option for a short stroll with the kids, thanks to the interpretation trails along the banks of the Jacques-Cartier River.

Craving more nature and wildlife watching? Consider these other three hidden treasures: the Réserve du Marais-Léon-Provancher in Neuville, the Promenade Jacques-Cartier in Pont-Rouge and the Quai de Portneuf.