This Road Trip Across the West of Québec Is the Ultimate Voyage Through Nature
From towering Laurentians to thousands of lakes.
The west of Québec is a patchwork of diverse natural landscapes waiting to be explored. From Abitibi-Témiscamingue’s rugged terrain and the Outaouais’ serene waters to the Laurentians’ towering peaks, Lanaudière’s rolling vistas, and Mauricie’s many charms, there’s so much you likely haven’t seen.
What does exploration look like in this corner of the province? That depends on you. Whether you spend your days hiking through dense forests, paddling quiet rivers, or finding new and memorable ways to soak in the surroundings, a road trip through this part of Québec invites you to connect with the province’s scenery in all its glorious, untamed splendour.
Go wild in Abitibi-Témiscamingue.
Just few hours’ drive from major cities in Ontario, Abitibi-Témiscamingue promises untouched wilderness with over 4,000 sparkling lakes and lush forests that are home to moose, beavers, and other woodsy critters. It’s an ideal escape to embrace the wild beauty of the Canadian Shield.
Tucked between the calm waters of Lake Timiskaming and Lake Kipawa, Parc national d’Opémican is a draw for outdoor activities like kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and stand-up paddleboarding — all set against the peaceful backdrop of lakeside cliffs. For the geologically inclined, Parc national d’Aiguebelle takes center stage with its unique pillow lava formations and towering rocks known as “giant’s kettles.”
More outdoor adventure awaits at the Réserve faunique La Vérendrye, where you can hike, fish, and canoe in one of the most vast and lake-filled areas of Québec. All that recreation might leave you curious about how Abitibi-Témiscamingue came to be the playground it is today. For a deeper exploration of the land’s history, the Lieu historique national d’Obadjiwan–Fort-Témiscamingue opens a window into the region’s Indigenous and fur-trading past. Discover the legacy of the First Nations peoples and early European settlers who trod here before you did while strolling through ancient forests and exploring the remains of a 17th-century trading post.
To truly unwind, set up your base camp at La Bannik. At one of its comfortable cottages overlooking the waters of Lake Kipawa, you can soak in your private outdoor hot tub after a day of exploring this phenomenal region.
Play lakeside in Outaouais.
Home to over 15,000 lakes and rivers, Outaouais seamlessly blends rich cultural heritage with stunning natural beauty. Here, you can explore one of North America’s oldest (and largest) private nature reserves and stay in the world’s largest log cabin.
At Kenauk Nature, find off-grid, eco-friendly chalets deep in the wilderness. With your beautiful lakeside chalet comes access to an impressive fish and game reserve and all the recreation it entails — fishing, canoeing, hiking, you name it. If wildlife is your focus, go for a drive-through safari at Parc Omega to see deer, bison, wolves, and moose across 1,500 acres, or birdwatch at Parc national de Plaisance. Located on a series of islands along the Ottawa River, the park’s marshlands and forests are inhabited by more than 250 bird species. You can call it home, too, by spending a night at one of the campgrounds. Alternately, enjoy a refined stay at Fairmont Le Château Montebello, the world’s largest log cabin, which combines rustic charm with five-star amenities including a pool and cabanas in summer.
The more you explore the region, the more you’ll see that the Outaouais is dotted with surprising discoveries like the Chutes du Moulin, a dramatic 35-metre waterfall with hiking trails that provides historical insights into North Nation Mills. Elsewhere, along the Petite-Nation River, you can paddle to Baie Noire or Baie de la Pentecôte, or hike accessible trails like the floating Zizanie-des-Marais path and the Marais-aux-Rubaniers boardwalk. And that’s just the start of the outdoor activities that await.
To up the adrenaline, Arbraska Laflèche offers zip lines, suspended bridges, and an underground adventure in the Laflèche Cave, one of the largest in the Canadian Shield. See if you can catch a glimpse of the bats that live here, perched high on the cave walls.
Reach new heights in the Laurentians.
The Laurentians, just north of Montréal, is a mountain range with plenty going on between its peaks — think nature parks, dense forests, and endless lakes alongside vibrant towns and villages. The region appeals to both outdoor adventurers and those seeking local culture.
Mont-Tremblant is one of the finest snapshots of the area, with year-round activities like zip lining, mountain biking, hiking, and swimming. In summer, the lively village becomes a hub for dining, shopping, and cultural events. Under an hour away, Saint-Sauveur Valley entertains with art galleries and boutiques, as well as the exciting Sommet Saint-Sauveur Water Park. Don’t miss one of the season’s highlights: the Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur, celebrating music and dance.
Cycle or hike Le P’tit Train du Nord, a 234-kilometre linear park along a former railway. Explore charming villages and enjoy farm-to-table dining at places like Maison de Soma, where regional agricultural traditions shine in every dish. For a bird’s-eye perspective of the area, head to the 40-metre-tall tower at Sentier des cimes Laurentides. This treetop adventure gives panoramic views of the Laurentians forests along an accessible boardwalk.
The Laurentians are also home to beautiful regional parks like Poisson-Blanc, Kiamika, and Montagne-du-Diable — ideal for hiking, canoeing, camping — and a long list of other scenic venues for outdoor experiences.
Breathe deep in Lanaudière-Mauricie.
Lanaudière and Mauricie are two special regions between Montréal and Québec City that are true testaments to Québec’s wild beauty. Stroll through vast forests, swim in crystal-clear lakes, and experience nature’s raw allure.
Visit Auberge du Lac Taureau, a luxury getaway set on the shores of a pristine lake, where you can kayak, fat bike, or simply soak in the surrounding tranquility. Just a short distance away, Auberge du Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire is a lakeside inn set amid thousands of acres of forest. It features a renowned aquatic center with an Olympic-sized pool, a health center, and a variety of activities, including fishing, wildlife observation, and water sports.
Minutes from La Mauricie National Park, Nature Nature offers eco-friendly-chic accommodations for a more rustic escape. Choose from micro-cabins or traditional camping and enjoy the beauty of the St. Maurice River. Whether hiking nearby mountains or relaxing by the campfire, this peaceful spot invites a deeper connection with nature.
Food lovers should take a guided forest walk with Marcheur des Bois to forage for the unique flavors of the forest, followed by a gourmet meal that highlights the land’s seasonal bounty. Meanwhile, adventure-seekers will love Batiscan River Park, featuring 20 kilometres of hiking trails and 10 kilometres of mountain biking paths. With the added excitement of via ferrata and zip lining, it’s a perfect stop for families to explore, with fun for all ages and abilities.
As you’ll quickly see, road-tripping the west of Québec is a complete voyage through nature. Breathtaking mountains, wild forests, tranquil waters, vibrant villages, stunning lakes, charming towns — the list of what awaits is long and intriguing. Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, immersive accommodations in the wilderness, rich cultural experiences, or a calm retreat to reconnect with nature, this is the Québec for you. 
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