Tips for safe, eco-responsible outdoor activities this spring in Quebec

Outdoor enthusiasts are always happy to see the return of spring, when days get longer, temperatures get milder and nature wakes up from her snowy slumber. That being said, spring is also when trails are at their most fragile and when rivers are running wild! How do you make wise, safe and responsible choices? We wanted to share some tips on where to look for the answers.

When it comes to outdoor activities, Quebec's specialized federations are a reliable place to start. Passionate teams of experts work hard to provide the right information to help outdoor enthusiasts plan safe and enjoyable outings. Beginners will find everything they need to know to enjoy the outdoors independently, while experienced outdoor enthusiasts will be able to take their knowledge to the next level.

Out on the hiking and mountain biking trails

When it comes to hiking in spring, be sure to keep this mantra in mind: if it sinks, think again. Many parks and trails close for a few weeks during the thawing period to protect the environment and prevent erosion, which means it’s important to stay away from unstable terrain. Whether the surface is snow or mud, hikers must always respect any signs in place.

Balise is a platform by the Rando Québec organization that makes it easy to find information on trail conditions. This free directory is regularly updated by trail managers, and features a range of effective search criteria: open or closed, free, accessible, dog-friendly, etc. Although the website is in French only, it is easy to search by region and find information on trails by clicking on the map.

If you’re looking to learn from other hikers, consider using the Strava application to track your activities and share your experiences with like-minded, community-oriented users.

Looking for biking info instead? Vélo Québec offers an interactive map of mountain bike trails directory and a series of videos (in French with English subtitles) on best practices. It's important to respect trail closures, which are often numerous in spring, to avoid damaging the quality of the trail in the long term.

You can also refer to the websites of the Sépaq parks network as well as the regional parks of Quebec to find more trails that are accessible in spring all across the province.

Riding the rapids and exploring waterways

Adrenaline-seekers look forward to adventures on the rivers in spring in Quebec. But it’s well worth pointing out that canoeing, kayaking and white-water rafting require experience, knowledge and the right equipment.

Knowing how to self-assess, being secure about basic techniques, recognizing rapids and identifying dangers are all things to be aware of for safe outings on the water.

Regarding equipment, wetsuits are a must when venturing onto the water early in the season. In rapids, it's best to protect your head with a helmet. And in all cases, no matter the season, a PFD (personal flotation device) must be worn at all times.

For more safety tips and information, be sure to visit the Société de sauvetage du Quebec, which offers a wide range of training and advice to optimize your experience on the water.

Another idea for a different and refreshing activity: river surfing! Water sport providers have started to specialize in this sport and a number of destinations in Quebec are ideal for it, including the Ottawa River, the Habitat 67 wave near Montreal's Old Port and the Guy wave in LaSalle.

If you’d be interested in trying out a water activity as part of a group with a certified guide, Quebec Adventure Outdoor is your reference for all things adventure tourism.

Leave No Trace

The 7 Leave No Trace Principles are a great basis for anyone wanting to practice outdoor activities ethically and responsibly. This educational program is based on science and is easily applicable to outdoor outings you can do in Quebec:

• Plan ahead and prepare
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces
• Dispose of waste properly
• Leave what you find
• Minimize campfire impacts
• Respect wildlife
• Be considerate of others

Happy spring adventures!