Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier — Attraction in Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury

Four days of driving brought us to the gates of National Parc de la Jacques-Cartier in Quebec, Canada in April 2022. We had booked our reservations the year before on their website. After a kind greeting, the girl at the entrance window promptly told us our cat asleep on my wife’s lap was not allowed in the park. My response was a totally blank stare in shock. We had never been to a park that prohibited cats. I couldn’t imagine why that policy would even exist. After voicing my disappointment I asked for a refund before searching for another campground. After calling someone, she told us we couldn’t get a refund because the policy was in the confirmation email we received. I again voiced my displeasure, and we left to find somewhere to spend the next three nights. Luckily, we found a delightful campground about 20 minutes away.

After getting settled at our new spot, I searched my emails to find the park’s pet policy. I finally found it by drilling down multiple ‘more info’ tabs on their website. Only dogs were allowed. I emailed the Quebec park system requesting more information and received a reply saying “Park regulations say it is forbidden to … introduce animals …in the park except a dog on a leash at all times.” No other animal is mentioned. Therefore, all other animals are prohibited in a park.

Why would a park forbid cats? What threat could they possible pose? They stay in the RV. Even if they escaped it wouldn’t be long before they became a meal. But then I began to look at my cat. She was giving me a strange look I’d never seen before. It was like a ‘My cover’s blown!” look. Maybe the park service was onto something. I slowly began to understand. It wasn’t cats in general that were forbidden. It was just this cat. This cat was THE cat the Quebec park system had been fearful of for decades. Our cat! We suddenly realized we were in possession of the only cat in existence with the mysterious ability to destroy the entire Quebec ecosystem and completely bring the entire Canadian territory to its knees.

We began to fear our cat. The tender feline we’d loved for years was only using us to migrate north for the sole purpose of destroying Canada. We had to take action. The next day I installed a video surveillance system in the back bedroom. I lured her into the bedroom with her food, water, litter box, and toys and closed the door. There she will be sequestered for the rest of her life. We sneak in her food and water when she’s asleep. I have informed the Quebec park system of the cat’s status and promised to update them monthly on her location and behavior.

We would like to thank everyone in the Quebec park system, and especially the girl at the gate, for opening our eyes to the incredible destruction a soft, kind, well-mannered feline can cause. Without them and their regulations, the effects on Quebec and all of Canada would have been disastrous. The $108.15 we lost on the reservation was well-worth the price to save our friends...

Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier: A Haven for Nature Lovers

Nestled just a short drive from Quebec City, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a stunning blend of natural beauty and recreational activities. Whether you're an avid hiker, a kayaker seeking tranquil waters, or simply looking for a peaceful escape amidst towering pines and cascading waterfalls, this park has something for everyone.

Hiking Trails for All Abilities

With over 100 kilometers of well-maintained trails, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier caters to hikers of all levels. For those seeking a challenging adventure, the strenuous climb to the summit of Mount Loups offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. For a more leisurely stroll, the Sentier du Calvaire meanders through a serene forest, leading to the charming Chapelle du Calvaire.

Water Activities for the Adventurous

The Jacques-Cartier River, the park's centerpiece, provides ample opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and whitewater rafting. Experienced paddlers can navigate the river's rapids, while gentler sections are perfect for leisurely paddles. For those seeking a more relaxing experience, guided boat tours offer a unique perspective of the park's natural wonders.

Camping and Wildlife Encounters

Camping enthusiasts will find several campgrounds within the park, offering a variety of campsites to suit different preferences. Whether you're seeking a rustic backcountry experience or prefer the convenience of amenities, there's a campsite perfect for your needs. As you venture into the park's backcountry, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this region home. Moose, deer, black bears, and various bird species are among the many creatures that inhabit the park's forests and waterways.

A Year-Round Destination

Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier offers a captivating experience throughout the year. In summer, the park bursts into life with lush greenery and vibrant wildflowers, while autumn paints the landscape with fiery hues of red, orange, and yellow. Winter transforms the park into a wonderland of snow-covered trails and frozen waterfalls, offering opportunities for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating.

Overall, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a memorable outdoor adventure. With its stunning scenery, diverse activities, and abundant wildlife, this park offers a true escape into the...

We booked a kayaking tour through the park which started/ended at the visitors center. The prices were very affordable and there were many options (single kayak, double kayak, inflatable canoe, canoe and raft). You do not need prior experience to book this tour but do go through Class I & II rapids (this basically means that there’s running water and it would be pretty hard to injure yourself). You do not get any technical advice for maneuvering your watercraft but they shuttle you to the drop in point upstream and point out some of the rapids. You will most likely be rafting with a lot of people, so you will rarely feel alone with no one to help you if you need help. The river also follows the road almost the whole time, so you are not in a remote area, although it still is very scenic.

Our trip began with many frustrations as we got stuck on rocks a lot in the beginning. We were in the two person inflatable canoe which would just sit on the top the rocks and not budge (unlike a plastic kayak….) however the inflatable canoe sits higher and my mom who is scared of water felt more comfortable. We were also told water does not get into them and this proved to be true. I ended up having to get out and pull our raft off the rocks. The water is very shallow where most of the rapids are so this was easy to do but I’m sure you want to avoid this as much as possible to not hurt yourself. We also never tipped over nor did I see anyone else tip over.

My mom initially wanted to portage all the rapids but after we went down the first rapid (because it is very near the drop in and as others have stated is very tricky) she was fine with the others. There is one rapid you have to portage if you are renting a vessel from the park. The portage is maybe 1/4 of a mile. Many people took breaks carrying their rafts/kayaks.

With that all being said it was very scenic and the rapids are really fun once you get the hang of it! It is easier to maneuver a kayak by yourself…and always try to paddle in the “V” between rocks. My mom who is deathly scared of water had a fun time. There are little beaches where you can stop and eat snacks. They have dry bags that are first come at the...