Summer
Road Cycling: Whether you're into road biking, hybrid biking, or mountain biking, discover the Jacques-Cartier/Portneuf Bikeway. Built on a former railway line, this 68 km path links St-Gabriel-de-Valcartier to Rivière-à-Pierre. You'll enjoy this unique trail rich with lakes, rivers, and mountains. Along the way, take in the charm, services, warm hospitality, and picturesque appeal of the neighboring towns. The Bikeway connects directly to the city of Québec via the Corridor des Cheminots.
Hiking: The Bras-du-Nord Valley boasts one of the largest hiking trail networks in Québec. With both short and long trails, you'll encounter breathtaking viewpoints and a peaceful atmosphere. There are over 80 km of developed, marked, and year-round accessible trails offering a wide variety of nature experiences for all ages.
Beach: Eau Claire Beach, with its fine sand, surrounding trees, and picnic areas, is reserved exclusively for swimming. The water quality is excellent and swimming is safe. A must-visit, just 2 minutes away.
Arbraska (Tree-to-Tree Adventure): Enjoy an unforgettable treetop adventure in tune with nature! Whether you're out with family or friends, our five adventure courses include 76 games and 12 zip lines, sure to please everyone.
Mountain Biking: Mostly on private land, the Saint-Raymond sector runs through fields and mountains, offering beautiful rural scenery just 10 minutes from the Family House. Short “singletracks” that are often flowy and sometimes technical allow cyclists to carve out a custom route.
Canoe/Kayak Descent: The Bras-du-Nord river descent by canoe or kayak is the perfect family activity. This 17.6 km stretch of calm water includes sandy beaches and winding bends. Flowing through rugged mountains, the river is graced by the stunning Delaney waterfall. This 3 to 6-hour adventure offers wild, contemplative beauty and a rustic charm reminiscent of a bygone era.
Fishing: The Rondeau River is directly accessible from the property. Fishing enthusiasts can enjoy trout fishing just a short walk away.
Vallée Secrète: Embark on an interactive and educational forest adventure that delights both kids and adults. Your hosts, Gustave and Rosie—two cheerful gnome-like "Tinin-Nains"—await you in the magical Hideout for an unusual show! Don your gnome hat, grab a map, magnifying glass, gnome counter, and keys, and hit the trails in search of the secret code to enter the whimsical world of the Tinin-Nains. Multiple trails are available based on age.
Duchesnay Tourist Resort: Whether for a nature getaway or a family vacation, Duchesnay is perfect. This four-season resort on the shores of Lake Saint-Joseph covers 89 km². It's a majestic playground for activities like hiking, cross-country skiing, canoeing, climbing, archery, guided activities, ice fishing, dog sledding, and more. Enjoy fine dining and quality accommodations—a true delight for all ages!
Valcartier Vacation Village: One of North America's favorite recreation destinations. Now the largest winter amusement park in America, it offers a wide variety of activities for families, including rafting, water park fun, and snow tubing.
Golf:
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Club de Golf des Pins: Offers ideal playing conditions at unbeatable prices. Known for its immaculate greens and a great challenge for amateur golfers, you're sure to enjoy your round.
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Le Grand Portneuf: A stunning 36-hole golf course surrounded by peaceful landscapes. A nature course that's accessible and affordable for all golfers.
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Golf Lac Sergent: A beautiful 9-hole course in a breathtaking setting—perfect for games with friends, couples, or groups.
Tennis: Fully renovated in spring 2011, a double court is available free of charge from late May to late September, just two minutes by car.
Horseback Riding: The Aurélie Picher Equestrian Center offers horseback or carriage rides in a stunning natural setting.
Domaine des 3 Moulins:
This beautiful vineyard is located on the banks of the St. Lawrence River in Neuville. Activities include:
Open for self-guided visits during business hours. Guided tours by appointment from Tuesday to Sunday.
Portneuf Regional Natural Park: Hiking, canoeing/kayaking, climbing, caving, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are just some of the activities available in this vast park. Awe-inspiring scenery awaits!
Fromagerie des Grondines: Sample organic raw milk cheeses (cow, sheep, and goat) directly from the producer. In a warm setting, discover a range of local and regional products that make Portneuf a gourmet destination. Self-guided or guided tours (by reservation) reveal the cheesemaking process from pasture to wheel, including the farm.
Inukshuk Maze: This twelve-sided wooden maze features 2.5-meter-high walls and nearly 275 doors. A fun and accessible challenge for all ages. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.
ATV Trails: Over a hundred kilometers of trails nearby for quad adventures.
Raid Extrême: Experience or relive the Bras-du-Nord Raid! Renowned as the most popular mountain bike raid in the province, it offers endurance athletes steep climbs and nearly 2000 meters of elevation. Newcomers will be wowed by an immersive challenge into unexplored territory. Tailored options include various distances and technical difficulties.
Playgrounds and School Park: Slides, swings, and climbing structures help kids have fun while developing coordination and agility. These two adjacent parks are perfect for children of all ages to play and burn off energy.
Winter
Snowmobiling: With direct access to trail #73, the Family House is ideal for snowmobile enthusiasts. Explore up to 1,200 km of trails from the residence and enjoy cozy comfort in the evening. Snowmobile rentals available.
Snowshoeing: The Family House sits on forested land, perfect for snowshoeing just steps away. Come admire the beautiful Allen's Mill landscapes.
Skating: Skating options abound—from covered rinks to forest trails and a 12 km ice loop—there's something for every skater.
Cross-Country Skiing: Five trails totaling 25 km are groomed annually in the heart of the village. A top-notch family activity—prepare to be dazzled!
Saint-Raymond Ski Center: A family-friendly and safe environment. Enjoy great snow conditions with 100% natural snow. Activities include skiing, snowboarding, ski school, terrain park, and snow tubing—all in one location.
Dog Sledding: Once a traditional mode of transport, dog sledding is growing in popularity in Québec. Discover the special bond between musher and dogs while exploring the forest.
Hok Skiing: Hok skis are a versatile blend of cross-country skis and snowshoes, primarily for off-trail use. With partial climbing skins and universal bindings, they work with many boot types and are easy for beginners. They allow faster off-trail movement than snowshoes—try this new winter toy, crafted by a Québec expert and inspired by an ancient tradition from the Altai Mountains!
Bras-du-Nord Valley: A popular outdoor destination in Québec, known for hiking trails, mountain biking, and river canoe descents.
Vallée Secrète: A magical forest adventure with gnome characters—fun for the whole family!
Duchesnay Tourist Resort: Outdoor destination with activities like treetop trekking (Arbraska), hiking trails, ice fishing, segways, dog sledding, and more.
Domaine des 3 Moulins:
Same as in summer, with added snowshoeing and warm wine tastings in a magical winter setting.
Portneuf Regional Natural Park: Offers all-season activities—hiking, canoe/kayak, climbing, caving, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing—with incredible views throughout.
Fromagerie des Grondines: Open year-round for cheese tastings and tours, showing the cheese-making process from pasture to product.
Festival Neige en Fête: A winter festival featuring antique snowmobiles.
Snowmobiling: Federated snowmobile trails are directly accessible from most of our cabins.
Fishing: The Sainte-Anne River is just minutes from the cabin—ideal for trout fishing enthusiasts.
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