Jacques-Cartier National Park in Quebec, Canada - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-10-24. Check linked official notices before travel.

Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier protects a deep river valley and forested plateaus north of Québec City. Sépaq operates this Québec provincial national park. Start by choosing between a valley walk, a more demanding hike and a seasonal paddling trip. The river has both quiet reaches and rapids, while road access changes with snow.

Highlights in the Jacques-Cartier valley

• Follow a riverbank or forest trail beneath the valley's steep sides.
• Choose a seasonal canoe or kayak route suited to its actual water conditions.
• Explore the contrast between broadleaf valley forest and conifer-covered plateaus.

Plan for the river, road, and season

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Review Sépaq admission before travel. A day admission is separate from rentals, accommodation and special activities. Buy access in advance when possible. A trail or sector can reach capacity even while the park remains open.

Match the route to your skills

Do not assume that a quiet-looking section represents the whole river. Ask staff about the route, water level and required skills before a descent. For a hike, carry a map, water and extra clothing. Choose the return time around daylight and the actual road limit.

Protect water and wildlife habitat

Clean a personal watercraft thoroughly before arrival. Watercraft are allowed only on identified waterways, not every lake. Stay on developed hiking routes and observe wildlife without feeding it. Check the park's designated dog areas before bringing a pet.

Separate valley activities from backcountry permits

Children also need authorized access, despite their free admission rate. Reserve accommodation or a paid river service through Sépaq for its operating dates. Backcountry expeditions need an access permit; allow up to seven days for processing. Water outings in the Épaule, Sautauriski and Jumeau sectors also require the specified backcountry access process. Check the activity and permit details before planning beyond the main valley.

Location and the valley road

From the Québec City area, use Route 175 and exit 182 toward chemin du Parc-National. The discovery center lies at km 10 of the park road. Select the actual trailhead or booked sector rather than navigating to a generic park location. The official directions and service schedules explain the different sectors.

Other parks for a separate road trip

Parc national des Grands-Jardins is in Charlevoix, approached on Route 381 through Saint-Urbain or La Baie. La Mauricie National Park is farther west near Shawinigan, with entrances reached from Highway 55. These are regional alternatives that need their own drive and entrance choice.

Walk the valley or plan a river outing

The hiking network includes riverbank, yellow-birch forest and higher viewpoint routes. Choose the distance and elevation from the trail table before starting. During the operating season, canoeing, kayaking and guided river services provide other ways to travel through the valley. Confirm the service date and route rather than assuming a summer shuttle runs year-round.

Discovery center and selected accessible services

The discovery center provides reception, rentals, a shop and first-aid service during its opening hours. Accessible features include the center and selected washrooms at Alluvions, Belleau and Pont-Banc. Ask about the precise route or campsite needed for your visit; these facilities do not make every trail accessible.

About Jacques-Cartier

Protection of a Laurentian landscape

The park was created in 1981. It protects a Laurentian landscape of river valleys, lakes and high plateaus. Broadleaf and mixed forest in the valleys contrasts with more boreal conditions above.

Valley and plateau wildlife

Moose, beavers, white-tailed deer, foxes and porcupines occur here. Watch from the trail or a permitted water route without approaching an animal. A wildlife-focused trip still needs an appropriate route and realistic expectations.

Contact Jacques-Cartier

Call 418-848-3169, extension 6, for park information. Sépaq reservations: 1-800-665-6527. Read the daily conditions before a trip affected by weather or road access.