Top 10 best via ferrata in Quebec
Looking for your next via ferrata challenge? Take to the skies over Canada's great outdoors with our top 10 best via ferrata in Quebec!
Renowned for its vast expanses of forest and waterways, Quebec is Canada's largest province. This makes it an ideal destination for a wide range of outdoor activities.
However, today we're going to take a look at via ferrata, an activity that combines hiking and climbing. The via ferrata is a 'hike' that takes place on the side of a mountain, secured by steel cables fixed to the rock face.
This activity is an excellent way of discovering the enormous province of Quebec by getting a bird's eye view of its unspoilt landscapes and admiring them even more! You'll find plenty of via ferrata routes in Quebec, so to help you out, we've put together our top 10 best via ferrata routes in Quebec.
1. The via ferrata at Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
Going via ferrata in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is a unique opportunity to discover the mountains and vast forests of the Laurentians! Located on the north shore of the St. Lawrence near Montreal, this region is characterised by its wide-open spaces and sublime scenery.
Whatever season you decide to visit the Laurentians, the via ferrata in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts offers routes for every season. With its wooden beams, different types of bridges, monkey bridges, Nepalese bridges and a ladder suspended above the void, the via ferrata in the Laurentians will allow you to challenge yourself while having fun. There are 3 different options available, so you're bound to find a route that suits you.
- The classic route: discover the Via Ferrata in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
- The winter route: do a via ferrata on Mont Catherine in winter and admire the snow-covered landscapes of Quebec.
- The challenge course: a sensational adventure for all ages!
What's more, the via ferrata course can be complemented by hiking and mega zip-lines! It's a great way to spend some quality time with family and friends, while outdoing yourself.
2. The Via ferrata du Nord in the Bras-du-Nord Valley
With this 2nd via ferrata route, we're staying close to Quebec City, with just 1 hour's drive separating us from the city! The Bras-du-Nord Valley is another outdoor paradise in Quebec. Here you'll find rural landscapes and picturesque waterfalls. To try out the via ferrata in the Bras-du-Nord Valley, go to the Shannahan visitor centre.
There, the guides are waiting to show you around the course. As well as the simple via ferrata course, you can complete your activity with a 150-metre triple zip line, a 50-metre abseil, or even both! If you don't want to do the abseiling, you'll have to walk back down the mountain along a footpath. Either way, the via ferrata du Nord is the perfect way to enjoy the thrills and spills of the via ferrata in a sublime setting!
3. Via ferrata from Cap Jaseux to the Saguenay Fjord
Discover the via ferrata at the Saguenay Fjord and do this activity above the waters of the fjord! The Cap Jaseux via ferrata offers you the chance to discover the Saguenay Fjord in a totally new way. Following the vertical wall of the Fjord-du-Saguenay in the Saint-Fulgence sector, you will cross several obstacles (steps, beams). There are 4 sections at different levels, so everyone can enjoy this unforgettable experience!
The Saguenay Fjord is an exceptional natural site. Carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago, this fjord will make you feel tiny! With its wilderness, immensity and unique atmosphere, the Saguenay fjord is a via ferrata site not to be missed. For an even more unique experience, you can even climb the Cap Jaseux via ferrata on a full moon night!
4. Via ferrata from Baie Éternité to the Saguenay Fjord
Another via ferrata awaits you on the Saguenay Fjord: the Baie Éternité via ferrata! On this route, you'll gain more height and experience a vertiginous itinerary often described as one of the most beautiful in Quebec.
The via ferrata at Baie Éternité takes you over the imposing 280-metre wall of the Saguenay Fjord. The route starts at the head of Baie Éternité and offers three levels of ascent on the south face of Cap Trinité, from 250 to 850 m.
- La Passerelle: intermediate level. You'll reach the wall via the ascent path and then climb the rock to the Passerelle. You will then cross an 85 m long suspension bridge.
- La Grande Dalle: intermediate level. On the programme: you'll cross a vertical wall over 200 m high and climb a 9 m inverted ladder before crossing the 85 m suspension bridge.
- The Odyssey: advanced level. Climb an inverted ladder and cross a suspension bridge before spanning a 17-metre Nepalese bridge. Finally, you'll reach one of the park's highest peaks, to admire Baie Éternité from a unique angle.
Along the way, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the bay, Cap Eternité, the coves and other headlands on the fjord. So, what level will you choose to complete the via ferrata at Baie Éternité?
5. Via ferrata du Mont-du-lac-des-Cygnes
The Mont-du-lac-des-Cygnes via ferrata is located in the Grands-Jardins national park in Charlevoix. This national park has the distinction of being an "island of Quebec's Far North". Taiga vegetation grows here, less than an hour and a half's drive from Quebec City! The Parc national des Grands-Jardins is therefore a unique natural area with a rich biodiversity.
Get a bird's eye view of this unique ecosystem on the via ferrata at Mont-du-lac-des-Cygnes! Two routes are available, and whichever you choose, you'll be able to admire a superb panorama of the Gros Bras valley.
- "La Traversée" is an accessible route for beginners, but requires a good level of fitness to complete the 3? hour activity.
- The "Montée" option has been added to the "Traversée" option. This more challenging option adds a 150 m vertical ascent to the summit of Mont-du-lac-des-Cygnes for a total of 5 hours of activity.
For each of these routes, you will have to cross three beams, as well as a Nepalese bridge. Once again, you can cross the bridge in the moonlight!
6. Via ferrata du Diable in Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
Parc national du Mont-Tremblant is a must for lovers of outdoor activities. Its vast territory is rich in rivers, lakes, streams and forests. The first park created in Quebec, it holds a special place in the history of Canadian national parks.
In the heart of this protected natural area, the via ferrata of the Diable at Mont-Tremblant offers unique views of the Diable sector, to the south of the park. During the via ferrata, you'll follow a route made up of beams, various types of bridges and two footbridges while overlooking the Diable river. Depending on your level, you can choose from 3 routes.
- Beginner level: a 500 m route with a 200 m difference in height, dotted with 2 beams and a footbridge;
- Intermediate level: an 800-metre route with a 200-metre difference in altitude, featuring 2 beams and 2 footbridges;
- Advanced level: a 1000 m route with a 200 m difference in altitude, comprising 2 footbridges, 2 beams, 1 monkey bridge and 1 Nepalese bridge.
Don't miss the via ferrata du Diable in the Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, for a unique view of this winding river!
7. Via ferrata du Faucon in Charlevoix
For your next via ferrata in Quebec, we invite you to Parc des Palissades de Charlevoix. This internationally renowned natural site is a secluded park in the mountains less than 10 minutes from Saint-Siméon. It's in this park, in the heart of the Charlevoix region, that you'll find the most natural via ferrata in Quebec: the via ferrata du Faucon. The route of this via ferrata has been designed to avoid over-equipping the rock face, while still offering plenty of natural holds.
The route of the via ferrata at Le Faucon can vary according to your preferences. The first route is basic and can be a good alternative for discovering the via ferrata for the first time. However, for more thrills and challenges, two zip lines, a 200-metre-high Nepalese bridge and a 70-metre-high abseil can be added to the route! The via ferrata at Le Faucon is suitable for beginners and experts alike, so don't hesitate to give this Charlevoix activity a try.
8. Via ferrata du Lynx in Charlevoix
Staying in the Parc des Palissades, we'd like to mention another renowned via ferrata in Charlevoix: the via ferrata du Lynx. More accessible than the via ferrata du Faucon, the via ferrata du Lynx is the easiest in the Parc des Palissades de Charlevoix.
Like the via ferrata at Le Faucon, the via ferrata at Le Lynx can be completed via a single route. If you wish, you can then complete the route with a double zip line, a 200-metre-high suspension bridge and a 70-metre-high abseil. Alternatively, a footpath will take you back down from the summit. Along the way, a lookout offers a panoramic view of Lac à Jean and the Rivière Noire. A not-to-be-missed stop to admire the sublime Charlevoix landscapes!
9. Via ferrata de la chute-Montmorency in Quebec City
You don't have to venture into the remote regions of Quebec to find your next via ferrata! Just 15 minutes from Old Quebec, you can go via ferrata in the Parc de la Chute-Montmorency. More precisely, it's in the Boischatel fault on the Île d'Orléans that you'll find this unique via ferrata course. The via has 3 different levels: 2 intermediate courses and a beginners' course.
The via ferrata at Chute-Montmorency is accessible to beginners and experts alike. For thrill-seekers, you can even add a zip line to your adventure! A 300-metre zip line takes you over the Montmorency Falls cove and lands near the Baronne lookout. You'll have plenty of thrills and spills, and you might even be cooled off by the drizzle of Montmorency Falls!
10. Via Ferrata de Arbraska Rawdon en Lanaudières
Arbraska Rawdon is an adventure park located in the Lanaudière region, near Montreal. At the heart of the park, the Arbraska Rawdon via ferrata is ideal for beginners. The 3 routes range from easy to intermediate. As is often the case, the via ferrata can be complemented by other activities, including a tree climbing course.
The Arbraska Rawdon via Ferrata will take you to the summit of Mont Pontbriand and give you a breathtaking view of the Lanaudière landscape. In the distance, you can even see the city of Montreal! The beauty of the panorama will be your reward for completing this via ferrata!
Quebec is the perfect destination for via ferrata enthusiasts! There are numerous routes throughout the province, surrounded by sublime natural scenery. If you're looking to spend some time in the great outdoors, via ferrata is a complete and fun activity that you absolutely must try. With the support of a professional guide and different levels available, via ferrata is more accessible than ever! So don't hesitate to book your next via ferrata in Quebec - you won't regret it!