Summer in Quebec is synonymous with endless entertainment! As the warmer weather draws crowds outdoors, it’s the perfect time to gather, have fun, and enjoy outdoor festivities.
Quebec’s natural wonders offer an ideal combination of music, nature, and adventure through a multitude of outdoor events. These festivals celebrate nature and sporting activities, promising unique experiences for adventure and nature enthusiasts while providing a unique opportunity to socialize, push oneself, and marvel at the breathtaking landscapes.
Here is our selection of must-see outdoor events and festivals in Quebec.
While many outdoor events and festivals take place during the summer in Quebec, this selection primarily focuses on professional organizations within our network.
LBO Experiences – Various Dates
LBO Experiences, organized by Life’s Better Outside, is a unique venture that celebrates nature and the outdoors through various events in Quebec. It’s an exceptional opportunity for nature enthusiasts to gather, recharge, and share their love for outdoor activities.
With a multitude of activities for all tastes and skill levels, participants can enjoy guided hikes, trail runs, yoga sessions, wilderness survival workshops, as well as introductions to climbing and paddle boarding. Evenings are enlivened by music performances and campfire talks, creating a friendly and inspiring atmosphere.
Several events are organized throughout the year, including:
- The Climbing Happening at Palissades de Charlevoix from May 24-26, 2024,
- Canoeing & Camping at Méandre, La Tuque from July 19-21, 2024,
- The Legend of the Invisible People at Mont-Ham Regional Park from July 26-27, 2024,
- The Hidden Cove of Poisson Blanc, a unique canoe-camping experience from September 13-15, 2024.
These events offer immersive and rejuvenating experiences, allowing participants to discover new aspects of the outdoors and meet like-minded individuals. Aiming to raise awareness and mobilize the community for the protection of our natural environment, each event is organized with respect and gratitude towards nature, encouraging participants to adopt sustainable and responsible practices. For more details and to register for activities, visit the official LBO Experience website.
©Festival Expé
Festival Expé – June 14-16, 2024
In Notre-Dame de Montauban in Mauricie, experience total immersion in the outdoors! Festival Expé is the unmissable event for all nature enthusiasts. This friendly and family-oriented event brings together hikers, campers, explorers, and outdoor lovers in a delightful atmosphere.
Whether you enjoy hiking, trail running, yoga, kayaking, or volleyball, you will find joy in the rich and varied program.
- Attend inspiring talks where adventurers share their captivating stories and offer valuable tips for your future adventures.
- Participate in interactive workshops to learn new skills and techniques to make the most of your outdoor expeditions.
- Discover unique products and interact with small local businesses passionate about the outdoors.
- Festival evenings will be animated by music and comedy shows, ensuring a festive and entertaining atmosphere. For an authentic experience, spend the night under the stars in camping or vanlife.
Festival Expé is a celebration of the spirit of adventure and community. It’s the perfect occasion to immerse yourself in nature and share memorable moments with other outdoor enthusiasts!
(Épisode Norr ©F. Fontaine
Épisode Norr – July 12-14, 2024
Inspired by the popular Norr festival, Episode Norr is a gathering place for trail enthusiasts, offering an all-inclusive trail running challenge over two days in the Ouareau Forest Regional Park. The courses balance rolling sections and more technical parts with roots and rocks on hilly terrain.
With no winners or podiums, this unique and accessible festive event simply promotes the joy of running with friends, savoring a good meal, and ending the day around a campfire with a music performance. It cultivates a love for running, forges authentic relationships, and shares stories.
Featuring various animations, different workshops, and outdoor activities, Episode Norr aims to provide a well-deserved break from urban hustle, allowing participants to disconnect from modern technologies and reconnect with nature. Emphasizing total immersion and well-being, it fosters a deep reconnection with oneself and the creation of strong bonds among participants. This unique adventure promises lasting memories in an exceptional natural setting.
Raid Bras du nord © Vallée Bras-du-Nord
Raid Bras du Nord – August 23-25, 2024
Want to give back to the community while having fun and participating in a unique sporting experience? The Raid Bras du Nord in the Vallée Bras-du-Nord promotes physical activity and supports local sports organizations. Every year, the event mobilizes local sports and community associations in exchange for financial donations.
Since 2004, the Raid Bras du Nord mountain bike races have been a must-see in Saint-Raymond, attracting athletes from all walks of life. Additionally, the various races offered throughout the weekend cater to all levels:
- Take on the RBN Business Challenge with your colleagues; an ideal opportunity to strengthen your bonds on a new friendly course that will showcase your team spirit!
- The Avant Bras 20 km is perfect for youth and beginners, with refreshment points halfway and at the finish.
- The Petit Bras, with its 30 and 45 km courses, attracts over 400 cyclists for a mass start on developed trails.
- The Gros Bras, with its 60 or 75 km courses, is aimed at the boldest, offering breathtaking landscapes and a true endurance test.
- For the little ones, the Mini Bras offers children aged 2 to 10 an introduction to racing with a large starting arch, a bike plate, and a dedicated animator to motivate them to excel. Registration is required, but free for children.
With three days of activities, free shows, and demonstrations, RBN is a family event not to be missed! Registration includes a Portneuf cocktail dinner and free evening shows.
©C. Gaudreault
Ultra-Trail Harricana – September 6-8, 2024
The Ultra-Trail Harricana offers a unique trail running experience across the territories of the Traversée de Charlevoix, including races of 125 km, 80 km, and 65 km. Traversing the stunning landscapes of Charlevoix’s backcountry, the course connects the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park to Baie-Saint-Paul, passing through iconic spots such as Mont des Morios, ZEC des Martres, and Monts Grands-Fonds.
With a variety of landscapes, majestic peaks, and rustic trails, this trail run is an immersion into Canada’s wild nature. The 80 km starts at the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park entrance, where runners complete a 15 km loop through the valley, taking the Riverain Trail to the Érables Dam before following the Malbaie River to join the 65 km route, at the midpoint of the 125 km.
Along the way, you’ll cross numerous lakes and might spot hawks, beavers, porcupines, or even moose! Get your shoes ready for a grand adventure!
Episode Norr © F. Fontaine
Festival NORR – September 20-22, 2024
The Festival NORR is an annual outdoor event held in the beautiful Vallée Bras-du-Nord, in Saint-Raymond. This festival stands out as the largest gathering of outdoor communities in Quebec, offering a unique opportunity to share a common passion for nature and sport. It’s a great chance to build connections in a festive and inclusive environment.
The Festival NORR offers an all-inclusive experience featuring accommodation, meals, outdoor activities such as climbing, mountain biking, trail running, paddle boarding, canoeing or kayaking, and nature performances. Two packages are available to suit different needs, allowing you to fully enjoy this exceptional adventure!
Montebello Mountain Bike Festival – September 27-29, 2024
Launched in 2021, the Montebello Mountain Bike Festival is an annual event celebrating this booming sport. The event highlights a superb trail network by offering a range of activities suitable for all levels of cyclists. The festival stands out by blending sport and culture in a joyful atmosphere, attracting a diverse audience.
Just 60 minutes from Montreal and 45 minutes from Gatineau-Ottawa, Montebello Vélo de Montagne offers a new 27 km mountain bike trail network, stretching over the historic and majestic lands of Louis-Joseph Papineau. An accessible and affordable activity for the whole family!
Participants can also enjoy numerous music shows and varied activities on the trails. Many artists, such as Mononc’ Serge, Pépé, and The Planet Smashers, have already participated in the festival. A must-attend event for mountain biking enthusiasts, this event is set to grow further in the coming years. We can’t wait!
Gravelle du Parc – September 28, 2024
Organized by Nomades du Parc, Gravelle du Parc is much more than just a gravel bike race; it’s a festive event held amidst the stunning fall colors of Wakefield. With two impressive routes, the Paugan (110 km) and the Riverside (70 km), this adventure starts and ends at the foot of Vorlage Mountain in the Outaouais region. The festive character of this event, combined with the diversity of routes and picturesque landscapes, guarantees a memorable experience for all participants!
You’ll cross the covered bridge of Wakefield, pass by numerous farms, and admire the most beautiful fall colors in Quebec. The ascent and descent of Centre Vorlage will add a degree of difficulty and a few extra drops of sweat to your brow! At the end of the route, a well-deserved post-race party awaits to celebrate your achievement!
©Kinadapt
Les mordus d’la trail – 5 au 6 octobre 2024
Come experience the adventure with Kinadapt and let yourself be charmed by their endearing pack of Alaskan huskies! Whether you’re a relaxation enthusiast or a daring adventurer, Kinadapt’s goal is to offer an authentic outdoor experience while ensuring the well-being of their four-legged companions.
Don’t miss the second edition of the Mordus d’la Trail race, a must-attend event for trail running and canicross enthusiasts. The detailed program will be available soon, including activities such as night racing, bikejoring, canicross, cani-scooter, and trail running. Stay tuned!
Quebec’s outdoor festivals and events for the summer and fall of 2024 offer a variety of activities for all tastes. One thing is certain: each event promises truly rich moments!
It’s a great way to celebrate nature and encourage active and healthy lifestyles while raising awareness about environmental preservation. By participating, you can not only have fun but also connect with nature and the community. Get ready for a beautiful season filled with adventures and discoveries!
Laurence Maheu
As a nature lover, I feel so happy and alive when I lie down in a carpet of green moss, give a big hug to a tree, or look up at the infinity of the starry sky. Having always had an interest in and a facility for writing, I decided to combine my love of nature with that of words to serve companies or organizations sharing similar values and interests to my own.
