The options for outdoor activities at sunset or after dark are multiplying in Quebec. Why limit yourself to daylight when you can also play outside under a sky filled with a million stars? Opt for a nighttime adventure to explore a different side of our nature, and in mid-August, don’t forget to look up to see a meteor shower during the Perseids!
Discover Nocturnal Outdoor Activities to Try This Summer
Sea Kayaking at Sunset or by Moonlight
Gliding on calm waters as the sun sets on the horizon is a magical experience. Paddling amidst bioluminescence at night offers pure serenity!

Parc Aventures Cap Jaseux, Saint-Fulgence: Ideal for twilight or sunset kayaking. The calm waters of the Saguenay Fjord are perfect for family excursions. Even young children (ages 3 and up) can join. The sunset transforms the landscape daily with its unique palette of colors. Night kayaking, especially during a full moon, is a treat for adventurers. Nighttime via ferrata here is also a must for unique thrills between sky and earth.

©Mer et Monde Écotours
Mer et monde Écotours, Bergeronnes: Night kayaking here is almost a dream. The plankton glows underwater due to bioluminescence. While paddling on the illuminated river, listen to marine mammals with a hydrophone. Follow the guide for a true nature sound and light show.
Nordet Avolo Plein air, Gaspé Peninsula: Night excursions (2 hours) offer encounters with whales, seals, and seabirds. Prioritized during new moon phases and the Perseids for bioluminescence observation. You might even see an aurora borealis!
Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles, Laval: Evening kayaking with a guide to discover the hidden fauna on the islands. Perfect for a magical evening paddling on the river with an unobstructed sunset view.
Stand-Up Paddleboarding at Sunset
For a unique perspective on the surrounding landscapes, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) allows you to paddle gently while enjoying the last light of the day and the first stars.

Parc nature Éco-Odyssée, Outaouais: An intricate water labyrinth in a large marsh, ideal for canoes, kayaks, SUPs, or pedal boats. Three evening excursions: sunset, moonlight, and Perseids for meteor shower viewing. Fridays and Saturdays feature Éco-Noctura, an outdoor multimedia show about the marsh’s iconic animals. Extend the fun with glamping, B&B, or cabin stays.
Pop Spirit, Pointe-Claire: Full moon SUP adventures for those with prior SUP experience. A memorable two-hour paddle on the water.
KSF, Montreal: A 12 km SUP excursion between Dorval and Lasalle. Departing at sunset, paddle on the St. Lawrence River under a colorful sky. Prior SUP course recommended.
Cap Aventure, Forillon Peninsula, Gaspé: Guided SUP tours around Penouille Peninsula with warm, shallow waters, abundant with seals and seabirds. The sunset over the Appalachians paints the sky in pink and orange hues, making this a highlight of your Gaspé trip.

©HorizonX
Full Moon Rafting
Feeling adventurous? HorizonX offers a unique way to descend the Ottawa River with full moon rafting, adding an adrenaline rush to whitewater activities! Limited to class II rapids, this safe yet thrilling activity can be paired with a “pajama night” option for those traveling far, offering on-site camping, cabins, or prospector tents.

Nocturnal Forest Hiking
Hiking at dusk or under the stars is an accessible activity that allows you to rediscover trails in a new light. Walking in the dark, listening to nighttime sounds, and stargazing create a unique, immersive experience that encourages disconnection from everyday life.

Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook, Coaticook: The Foresta Lumina illuminated hiking trail by Moment Factory combines multimedia, local legends, and Quebec forest mythology. The highlight is the 169-meter pedestrian bridge, the longest of its kind in North America. A magical nighttime adventure perfect for families.
Terfa, Bas-Saint-Laurent: This recreational area transforms into a supernatural forest at night with multimedia. Follow the character in “The Mystic Legend of the Stranger of Hell’s Gate Canyon” using a magical wand. The nighttime hike also includes viewing the illuminated Grand-Sault waterfall.
Parc du Massif du Sud, St-Philémon: Popular among outdoor enthusiasts, this park is an excellent spot for meteor showers. It hosts a special event, “L’écho des perséides,” featuring classical music by Opus D2 and visual projections by Homeostasis, along with telescope-aided Perseid observation.

Via Ferrata by Headlamp
For thrill-seekers, via ferrata at sunset or night offers an unforgettable adventure on rock walls with ropes. The twilight or headlamp glow adds a mystical dimension with stunning panoramas and extra challenges.

Parc de la Rivière Batiscan, Mauricie: Features a rock wall via ferrata above the river. Mostly horizontal, with some climbing sections, this is pure fun! At night, the experience with a headlamp takes on a new dimension, including a 165-meter zipline crossing the river.
Palissades de Charlevoix, Lynx Path: A special nighttime via ferrata course with LED lights powered by solar energy. Suitable for kids aged 10 and up, this three-hour excursion is available on Fridays and Saturdays from July to October.
Playing in the Trees at Night
Aerial courses in trees take on a new dimension after sunset. Suspension bridges, ziplines, and high-altitude obstacles become even more exciting in the changing evening light or under a headlamp.

Extéria, Saint-François River: A playful park offering treetop courses, ziplining, and more. Three times a summer, experience the “Night of the Fireflies” theme. Bring a headlamp and your courage for this unique adventure.
Arbraska: Nighttime aerial courses in five locations – Rawdon, Rigaud, Mont-Saint-Grégoire, Laflèche, and Chauveau. Equipped with only a headlamp and the stars, the three-hour activity is available from June to October.
Outdoor Movie Night
New this summer, Parc du Massif du Sud offers outdoor movie nights on Saturdays from June to October! Enjoy a warm evening with family or friends starting at 9 PM at Pavillon Desjardins. Free entry for guests staying at the park or camping on movie nights. Drinks and snacks are available on-site. Remember to bring your camping chair and flashlight for the occasion!
Whether at sunset or after dark, these outdoor activities offer fresh perspectives and new sensations. Enjoy nature authentically and respectfully while experiencing moments of calm and beauty for a renewed adventure!