Home to vast natural environments featuring the sea, mountains, forests, lakes and rivers, Eastern Québec is the perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, you’ll find plenty of things to do outdoors in Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Côte-Nord and the Îles de la Madeleine. Here are five suggestions for a vacation in nature in the maritime regions of Québec!

Événements Gaspésia

Would you like to combine a sports challenge with time spent in breathtaking surroundings? Head to the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula to take part in one of the many races organized by Événements Gaspésia.

From June 19 to 21, 2026, athletes of all levels are invited to participate in the Ultra Trail Gaspesia 100, an ultra trail-running event that takes place between sea and mountains in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Beginner-friendly courses are available on Bonaventure Island, while more experienced runners can enjoy routes ranging from 5 km (3 mi.) to 35 km (22 mi.). Are you a seasoned athlete? Long-distance races ranging from 55 km (34 mi.) to 160 km (99 mi.) await you!

From September 18 to 20, 2026, immerse yourself in the stunning fall scenery of Forillon National Park by taking part in the Ultra Trail Forillon. Ranging from 1 km (0.6 mi.) to 160 km (99 mi.), the courses will take you along the coast or through the mountains, culminating at the heart of the national park. If you want to extend the fun, you can also opt for a 3-day stage race, which will give you the opportunity to admire even more scenery, seals and whales!

Note to beginners looking to try trail running for the first time: both of these events are part of the Pace du Bonheur (“happiness pace”) program, which means there are no time cutoffs for certain courses. Sign up now!

Bioparc de la Gaspésie

Located in Bonaventure, the Bioparc wildlife park offers visitors the opportunity to encounter about 40 animal species indigenous to the Gaspé Peninsula in environments that closely resemble their natural habitats.

Several new features are on the agenda for the 2026 season. First, the outdoor trail will showcase a brand-new species: arctic wolves. In addition, the habitats of the otters, caribou and arctic foxes have been completely redesigned. Thanks to viewing platforms and observation windows, you can take in amazing views of their living environments! In the indoor pavilion, you’ll find a travelling exhibition on bears as well as a photo exhibition. The picnic area has also been enlarged and improved. Don’t forget to bring your lunch when you visit!

All these new additions complement what the site already had to offer, which includes observing a variety of wildlife species (including Canada lynx, seals, black bears and moose) as well as interactive discovery activities, a live collection of insects and amphibians, and the “Overnight with the Wolves” activity.

The Bioparc wildlife park is open from June 1 to October 12, 2026.

Putep ’t-awt marine mammal observation site

Meaning “whale trail” in the Wolastoqey language, Putep ’t-awt offers a unique outdoor experience in Cacouna, in Bas-Saint-Laurent.

After a 2-km (1.2 mi.) hike during which you can learn more about Wolastoqey culture, you’ll reach an impressive observatory perched on the side of a mountain. From the top of this structure, you’ll be utterly amazed by the vastness of the St. Lawrence! Scan the horizon to catch a glimpse of the white backs of the belugas that inhabit the estuary. This is an opportunity to observe these marine mammals respectfully, without disturbing them.

To learn more about this species of whales, be sure to participate in the “Window on Belugas” activity led by an interpreter guide, which uses various technologies to immerse you in the fascinating world of these marine mammals. This is a great opportunity to test your knowledge and ask lots of questions!

The Putep ’t-awt site is open from late June to early September.

Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

Located off the coast of Havre-Saint-Pierre in Côte-Nord and home to the largest concentration of erosion monoliths in Canada, the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve invites you to enjoy an unforgettable stay in a protected area made up of about 20 islands and over a thousand islets and reefs.

To discover the natural wonders found in the park reserve, lace up your hiking boots and set off on an adventure! With over 80 km (50 mi.) of trails spread across nine islands, you’ll have plenty of options. Along the way, you can discover a variety of habitats, from the shoreline and boreal forest to barrens and peatbogs.

Depending on the trail you choose, you can admire seabirds, seals and whales as well as observe exceptional plants and have fun identifying the unusual shapes of the park reserve’s famous monoliths. To deepen your knowledge of the area’s wildlife, geology and history, you can participate in various guided excursions led by Parks Canada heritage presenters, which are offered on some of the islands.

The Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve is accessible by boat from mid-June to early September. Dates and hours of operation may vary depending on the sector.

Outdoor fun in the Îles de la Madeleine

Nestled in the middle of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Îles de la Madeleine are a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, whether on land, on the water or in the air.

The archipelago is made up of seven inhabited islands, which you can explore on foot at your own pace. There are several trail options available, ranging from short walks to long treks. If you’re a cycling enthusiast, you’ll want to explore the Route Verte bike route along Route 199 to discover the region from one end to the other!

To experience the Islands’ landscapes in a whole new way, hop into a sea kayak and paddle along the region’s iconic red sandstone cliffs. You can also explore caves along the coast in a wetsuit!

The Îles de la Madeleine are particularly known as a wind sports destination, much to the delight of kitesurfing enthusiasts! Thanks to shallow lagoons and steady winds, the Islands offers conditions that are perfect for athletes of all skill levels.

Whether you visit the archipelago early in the season, in the summer or in the fall, you’ll find lots of outdoor activities to enjoy!

Are you ready to experience the great outdoors in our regions? Start planning your nature vacation in Eastern Québec today!