8 national and regional parks you can visit for free in Quebec this summer

To help you find and plan your next outing, we’ve rounded up a quick overview of the two programs, along with suggestions for 8 parks you can access for free right now. Just the thing to inspire some outdoor adventures while you visit Quebec this summer!

Canada’s national parks and national marine conservation areas

Now through September 2, 2025, you can enjoy free admission to Canada’s national parks and national marine conservation areas thanks to the Canada Strong Pass!

The best part? Despite the name, no physical pass is required: just show up and take advantage of free entry to Parks Canada-managed sites. However, keep in mind that fees for parking and guided tours, among other services, still apply.

And if you’d like to spend a few nights in the great outdoors, you can also enjoy 25% off camping and overnight stays.

⛺ Learn more: Free admission and discounted overnight stays at Parks Canada

In Quebec, 4 stunning natural sites are open to the public free of admission fees until Labour Day weekend. Here’s a sneak peek at what’s waiting for you at these parks!

Forillon National Park

A highlight of Gaspésie’s natural landscape, Forillon National Park offers nearly 245 km² of wilderness to explore! With sea views, cliffs and mountains all in one place, the park features a wide range of hiking trails for all skill levels, from the accessible Prélude-à-Forillon loop, ideal for visitors with reduced mobility, to the Les Crêtes trail, a challenging 35-km round trip with 1,437 metres of elevation gain, perfect for seasoned hikers. Some multi-use trails are also open to cyclists.

La Mauricie National Park

Dreaming of untouched nature? Located just two hours from both Montréal and Québec City, La Mauricie National Park is very accessible, yet feels like you’re worlds away. Whether you’re on the hunt for scenic viewpoints (the park has plenty of lookouts!), looking for calm waters for paddleboarding or kayaking, or in search of a great road cycling or gravel biking destination, this park has something for every kind of outdoor enthusiast!

Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve

For landscapes that feel almost otherworldly, it’s hard to beat the Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, famous for its striking monoliths. Located in the Côte-Nord region, the archipelago is made up of about 20 main islands (9 of which can be explored on foot) along with nearly 1,000 Precambrian islands and islets, a perfect backdrop for a variety of water-based activities. While boat transport to the islands (provided by private operators) isn’t included for visitors without their own watercraft, you can enjoy free access to the exhibitions at both visitor centres: Life stories from the Mingan islands in Havre-Saint-Pierre, and From islands to the sea in Longue-Pointe-de-Mingan.

Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park

Fascinated by marine life? Spanning 1,245 km², the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park is the place to go! Take advantage of free admission to explore the Pointe-Noire Interpretation and Observation Centre in Baie-Sainte-Catherine (Charlevoix), the Cap-de-Bon-Désir Interpretation and Observation Centre in Les Bergeronnes, or the Marine Environment Discovery Centre in Les Escoumins (Côte-Nord). From the shoreline, you’ll get the chance to observe marine mammals and seabirds. Plus, you’ll learn more about the incredible species that inhabit the St. Lawrence. 

Quebec’s regional parks

There’s another way to enjoy nature for free this summer, this time in Quebec’s regional parks. Thanks to the Accès nature program, Quebec residents can soak up the fresh air in beautiful parks all across the province.

To take advantage of this offer, simply book your free access online no later than the day before your visit. Each person can book up to four free entries per park.

🌳Learn more: The complete list of parks offering free admission through Accès nature

Since availability varies from park to park, be sure to check beforehand and plan ahead.

With 30 parks participating in the program, it can be hard to know where to start or which to choose, so we’ve rounded up a few of our favourites where free day passes were still available at the time of publishing!

Parc régional du Mont-Ham

The Parc régional du Mont-Ham (Mont-Ham Regional Park), in the beautiful Eastern Townships, towers over the region with its 713-metre summit. Several trails allow you to explore the park at your own pace. Looking for a peaceful walk featuring rich culture? The Waban-Aki sector features an accessible interpretive trail where you can learn more about the culture of the W8banaki (Abenaki) people. For seasoned hikers craving a challenge, the Lève-tôt trail is a wilder, more technical 10-km path that includes a bit of scrambling on the way up. Reach the top, and you’ll be greeted with breathtaking 360-degree views.

Parc régional Kiamika

Located in the Laurentians, about 200 km north of Montréal, Parc régional Kiamika (Kiamika Regional Park) spans an impressive 184 km², including a 46.2 km² biodiversity reserve home to century-old trees. Six hiking trails invite you to explore the park’s natural beauty, while the Kiamika Reservoir offers plenty of ways to enjoy the water, such as paddleboarding and discovering over 40 islands and islets fringed with golden sand beaches. And good news for pet lovers: leashed dogs are welcome too!

Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Looking to recharge in nature without straying too far from the city? Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles (Rivière-des-Mille-Îles Park) in Laval is just the place. A true biodiversity haven, it’s the largest protected wildlife area in the Greater Montréal region. With 42 km² of nature to explore, you’ll find plenty of room to roam along hiking trails and bike paths, with great opportunities to observe the park’s wildlife and wetlands.

Parc régional du Lac-Taureau

If water views and aquatic adventures are your thing, Parc régional du Lac-Taureau (Lac-Taureau Regional Park), located in Lanaudière, offers a massive 95 km² reservoir and 270 km of shoreline to explore. Several beginner- and intermediate-level trails offer stunning views of the lake’s many bays, making it a great spot for a scenic hike. And when it’s time to cool off, you’ll find a number of beaches perfect for swimming, such as Pointe-Fine Beach, where long stretches of sand make it easy to escape and relax.

For more details on free admission, we recommend visiting the websites of the various Parks Canada national parks and eligible Quebec regional parks.