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A via ferrata in Québec is both terrifying and exhilarating to me. I cannot understand how people do this death-defying activity but it intrigued me nonetheless. There are many road trips and routes you can take in Quebec but I found this particular one very unique. In the province of Quebec, there is a route dedicated to fourteen via ferrata (many located along the St. Lawrence River).
This cross between rock-climbing, hiking (and insanity, IMO) began in the Swiss Alps and has become very popular in the province of Quebec. Although it may not be something I attempt, I’m sure if my adult children have the opportunity to try it when we travel to Bas St. Laurent, they will do it! Would you consider this ‘extreme’ climbing experience? I know a few that would!
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I first saw courageous climbers scaling the walls of St. Anne Canyon (just north of Quebec City) as they made their way along the via Ferrata. As I whizzed through the air on the Air Canyon ride, I could see these people hanging on to the mountain cliffs. They were tethered to a line and climb up on metal stairs that have been hammered into the rock.
Via Ferrata in Quebec
Attitude Nordique – Baie Comeau, Côte-Nord, Quebec Maritime
Fancy a little adventure with a climb and a zip? Come and try the via Ferrata at Attitude Nordique in Baie Comeau which runs along the St. Lawrence River and the glacial grooves! The location is perfect for possible whale watching in Quebec Maritime. The course ends with two zip lines passing over the St-Laurent (Unique in Quebec). The guide will be happy to interpret the fauna, flora and history of the place.
Projected Opening date: June 12, 2021
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
Montmorency Falls is located just north of Quebec City. It’s an easy day trip if you are visiting the provincial capital of Quebec. Set up along the Boischatel crevasse, these cliffside adventure circuits are accessible to seasoned enthusiasts and to beginners from the age of eight. This is a provincial park and you can access camping or a day pass.
Connected to a continuous cable, you’ll never have to handle your carabiner. The small-group experience also includes the services of a professional guide who’ll be close at hand throughout the excursion. A memorable experience and a stunning view of the waterfall cove and of Île d’Orléans await you.
Projected Opening date: May 27, 2021
Projet vertical, Via Ferrata at the Canyon Ste-Anne
Canyon Sainte-Anne, located in Beaupré, only 30 minutes away from Québec City, is the only summer and winter Via Ferrata! With Nepal aerial bridges, rappelling and ziplining, Projet vertical offers packages for beginners, intermediates and for people who love adventure.
Projet Vertical offers Via Ferrata for kids 6 years old and over. It is the perfect adventure for families, friends and couples. Explore the Canyon from 60m over the gorge. Kids as young as 4 years old can come and try the Zipline! All packages include Via ferrata paths and 1 Zipline: Giant’s Pothole package, La Grande-Virée package, La Chute package, Le Chevronné package (with or without rappelling).
This is a video of the overall park with plenty of family fun to be had. I really recommend the Air Canyon ride as it gives you a bird’s eye view (literally) of the canyon, Ile d’Orlean and even Quebec City. It’s very invigorating.!
Projected Opening date: May 15, 2021
Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux
PIN IT FOR LATER
On our Girl’s Getaway Tour to Quebec, we stopped at Cap Jaseaux. The staff was prepping for the beginning of the season (we there in early May) but we absolutely loved the high ropes course. Later on, as we kayaked on the Saguenay River we saw the via ferrata from the water. I understand you can scale the cliffs along the Saguenay fjord, on the via ferrata during a night excursion on full moon nights. How cool is that???
The best part is you can stay in a dome or a ready camp. This area is spectacular and will have you come back for more. No question about it.
Projected Opening date: June 5, 2021
Fjord-du-Saguenay National Park
Discover a spectacular via ferrata circuit on the imposing walls of Baie Éternité in Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay . Three landscaped itineraries will allow you to discover breathtaking views of the most impressive bay of the Saguenay Fjord . Imagine walking a wall over 200 meters high, overlooking the Saguenay Fjord.
From an inverted nine-meter ladder, admire the grandiose panorama of Eternity Bay. End in style with the crossing of an 85-meter-long suspension bridge. Strong sensations guaranteed! During the ascent, a professional guide will accompany you to progress safely and at your own pace. Kayakers and cruise passengers will suddenly seem very tiny!
Projected Opening: June 5, 2021
Reservation beginning: May 27, 2021
Mont-Tremblant National Park
Advanced hikers looking for a real challenge should check out Via Ferrata du Diable (the Devil’s Via Ferrata). Featuring a 200-metre ascent and a challenging trek across the face of the Vache Noire cliff, this hike is an adventure not to be forgotten. It’s so challenging that hikers are clipped into a steel cable that runs the length of the hike as they cross the face using built-in steps, handles, beams, and various bridges overhanging the winding Rivière du Diable.
Projected Opening or Reservation beginning: May 27, 2021
Tyroparc
Located in Ste-Agathe-Des-Monts in the Laurentians, Tyroparc is a mountain adventure park that offers adventure thrills between the earth and the sky in complete safety with four mega zip lines amongst the longest and highest in Canada and a Via Ferrata.
You can visit Tyroparc to experience our mega zip lines, our Via Ferrata, rappelling, hiking. come play outside with our passionate and certified guides. A unique outdoor sports event in the Laurentians!
Now you know what to do for your outdoor adventure, escape in the wild or family vacation with the Tyroparc activity packages.
Projected Opening or Reservation beginning: Now open
Abraska Rawdon
Via Ferrata initiation wall, with 3 routes available to climb to the top of Mont Pontbriand. Climb to the summit and enjoy the breath-taking view of Lanaudiere. At Arbraska Rawdon, you can combine this out of the ordinary activity with another adventure, such as a treetop trekking.
Become as agile as a lizard! Safely climb enormous rocks thanks to metal grips. The brave can opt for a more challenging experience by using the rocks only ! This original activity is perfect for a day out with friends, allowing you access to 3 different climbing routes of different levels easy to intermediate.
Projected Opening or Reservation beginning: May 22, 2021
Parc de la Caverne Trou de la Fee
Unique phenomenon in Canada by its origin. Formed in granite, the Trou de la Fée is the ideal location to live a first experience in speleology. Easy to visit, the cavern offers a safe environment.
Two Via Ferrata lanes and two zip lines allow you to cross the Métabetchouane River 50 meters above the water. The arrival of the first zipline, 150 meters long, is done smoothly on a platform attached to the granite wall. To reach the second zip line, two sections of Via Ferrata connected by a cable trail lead you to the platform from which you will run 200 meters.
Projected Opening or Reservation beginning: TBA
National Grands Jardins Park
Located in another provincial park, you can access plenty of outdoor activities including a via ferrata.
The park partners with Parcours Aventure., for you to discover the via ferrata circuit on the prestigious Mont du Lac des Cygnes. Two safe itineraries, equipped with beams, a bridge, etc., provide an opportunity to explore fascinating environments with spectacular views.
You’ll navigate the rock face safely and at your own pace. Accompanied by a professional guide during the entire hike, participants will enjoy an exclusive experience in a small group (6 pers. maximum).
Projected Opening or Reservation beginning: June 12, 2021
Aventurex / Palissades de Charlevoix
Palissades de Charlevoix is isolated in the mountains, with its lake, river and cliff 400 m high by 4 km wide, located just 10 km from the village of St. Siméon on route 170. The Palissades offer 2 very natural via ferrata routes, a spectacular aerial bridge 200 meters above the valley, a magnificent 70-meter rope abseiling and two 250-meter zip lines that cross the lake. It is also possible to go hiking (routes up to 15 km), rock climbing (200 traditional and sport routes) as well as challenging ice climbing (30 routes) in the winter.
Projected Opening or Reservation beginning: TBA
Aventurex/ Vallee-du-Bras-du-Nord
The Northern Via Ferrata is a mountain “hike” secured by steel cables attached to the rock face where participants progress from terraced balconies for a maximum of 2h30.
A sustainable tourism development project, carried out by an innovative cooperative, recipient of more than a dozen awards since 2002. Aventurex is an adventure company with a beautiful Via ferrata, rappel station and 3 ziplines 5 min from the parking lot.
Projected Opening or Reservation beginning: TBA
Via Batiscan
Located in the Mauricie region of Québec, Via Batiscan has three options for adventure: via Ferrata and zipline, high ropes course in the trees plus large zip line or the large zip line alone. The Via ferrata is built on a rock wall over the Batiscan river. Try this daring adventure a few meters above the perilous river. Via Batiscan has both day and night excursions, when the water level is high or low, it’s 200 meters of thrilling adventure on a totally secured course! Complete the experience by facing the 2 courses in the trees with high ropes courses and the 7 ziplines, 3 of them crossing the river over falls and rapids.
Projected Opening or Reservation beginning: TBA
One of the most exciting outdoor activities that you can try in Quebec. Be sure and check with each company before heading out. Many have COVID-19 protocols in place and forms that may need to filled out before registering. All have online registration to make your planning easier.
Lastly, here are a few items you should consider bringing with you when you go:
● Closed-toe shoes or walking boots
● A large waterbottle
● An energy snack
● A backpack
● A raincoat and clothing adapted to the temperature
● A change of clothes
● Sunscreen and sunglasses
● Bug spray
● Fully charged cell-phone
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