Québec City is a superb destination for history, culture, and food. But it can be (really) busy and (really) crowded. That’s why your visit should include time for an outdoor and wellness-focused day trip from Québec City. Begin by immersing yourself in the tranquil embrace of the Marais du Nord Natural Reserve, walking the marshes and looking for wildlife. Then, transition seamlessly to the Nordique Spa Stoneham, where ultimate relaxation and restoration await next to a tree-lined riverbank. This day trip will leave you re-energized for more urban adventures.
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In a hurry? Here are the shortcuts you need for this nature-based day trip from Québec City
Get an entrance ticket for Marais du Nord
Book the Stoneham Nordic spa Thermal Experience
Stay at a cozy chalet at the Nordique Spa Stoneham
Find a great place to stay in Québec City
Packing list for the walking and wellness day trip from Québec City
Bring the essentials to ensure you have a great day trip surrounded by nature north of Québec City. Fill your daypack with:
- Binoculars,
- Camera,
- Footwear and clothing suitable for light hiking,
- Water bottle,
- Swimsuit, and
- Sandals.
With your daypack at the ready, you’re now equipped to transition from the streets of Québec City to the Marais du Nord Natural Reserve.
A Morning at Marais du Nord Nature Reserve
This exceptional park is about 20-30 minutes from Québec City in Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, Québec. Leaving the city behind, the drive quickly turns scenic, hinting at the natural beauty of the destination.
Key Features and Ecological Significance Marais du Nord
Marais du Nord Nature Reserve is significant for its wetlands, including marshes surrounding a short stretch of the Saint-Charles Lake. This tranquil natural park with exceptional biodiversity hosts over 35,000 visitors each year.
With approximately 8 km (5 miles) of well-maintained footpaths winding through the wetlands, Marais du Nord makes it easy to go on a wildlife-spotting jaunt. I walked on paths lined with trees that thrive in this wet environment, like alders, willows, and poplars, while keeping an eye out for local fauna. While mammals and reptiles call the reserve home, the park is perhaps best known as a “bird-watcher’s paradise” with sightings of at least 194 species of birds.
The abundance of birds is exceptionally high during the spring and fall migrations, as Marais du Nord falls along the Atlantic Flyway migratory bird route.
The Trails at Marais du Nord
The park’s trails are well-marked, easy to follow, and include boardwalk observation areas that provide wide-ranging views of Lake St. Charles, the marshes, and the Huron River.
The tracks range from very short (820 feet, 250m) to a 1.4-mile (2.2 km) loop. Besides lake views, waterfowl, and other wildlife, some routes even feature geological or archeological sites of interest.
Some trails are designed with accessibility in mind, featuring coarse gravel or wood cladding, wider paths, and rest areas with benches.
I enjoyed the 0.6-mile (1 km) Les Marais (The Marshes) trail that starts right at the parking lot. It moves into a treed area immediately and has three overlook areas. It’s an impressive trail for visits where time is short.
I also appreciated the interpretive panels along the trails with information about wildlife. The signs are in French, so Google Translate came in handy for this English speaker.
For even longer walks, combine the trails. For example, AllTrails shows a 5.8-km loop route with paths that follow the lakeshore. A short climb to the park’s high point is also part of this route.
Exploring Marais du Nord on the Water
If you’re not a hiker, or if you’d like to explore the park further, take to the water! Visitors can explore the tranquil wetlands by canoe or kayak. Rentals are available on-site. Note that launching a watercraft, whether your own or a rental, requires a reservation for a specific time slot.
Practical Information for Marais du Nord
Here’s some practical information for visiting the Marais du Nord Natural Reserve:
Address: 1100, chemin de la Grande-Ligne, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury, Québec, Canada, G3C 0Y1
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Admission for walking trails: CAD 8/$6.50/$6.50/$5/free adults/students/ages 6 to 17/ages five and under. Annual passes are also available. Additional fees apply for launching and/or renting a watercraft.
Check the official Marais du Nord website for the most up-to-date information before your visit, as details can sometimes change.
An Afternoon at Le Nordique Spa Stoneham
After wrapping up your outdoor exploration at Marais du Nord, it’s time to switch gears and prepare for an invigorating and restorative afternoon at the Nordique Spa Stoneham. Situated along the Jacques-Cartier River, it’s only 10-15 minutes away.
What is a Nordic Spa?
A Nordic spa experience includes a wellness ritual centered around alternating between hot, cold, and rest. Also known as thermotherapy or the thermal cycle, the pattern promotes relaxation, detoxification, and overall well-being, rejuvenating both body and mind.
What you get at Le Nordique Spa Stoneham
The day package at Nordique Spa Stoneham includes use of a bathrobe, two towels, a locker with a lock, and parking. The locker rooms have showers supplied with shower gel, and hairdryers are also provided.
Between the main building and the river, the Nordique Spa Stoneham has a thoughtfully designed outdoor area for engaging in the typical Nordic spa experience, repeating the protocol of heat, cold, and rest.
For the first step, Heat, plan to spend 10-15 minutes in the Dry Sauna (Finnish Sauna) or Steam Bath to open pores, induce sweating, eliminate toxins, relax muscles, and stimulate blood circulation. The Turkish steam bath at the Nordique Spa Stoneham was enhanced with eucalyptus.
Second, the Cold step is a quick “thermal shock” lasting from 10 seconds to 1 minute. The fast transition from heat to cold constricts blood vessels, stimulates the cardiovascular system, tightens pores, invigorates the body, and releases adrenaline. Accomplish the Cold step at Nordique Spa Stoneham with a Cold Plunge Pool or Nordic Bath equipped with a Cold Waterfall. Additionally, visitors can walk to a small dock on the Jacques-Cartier River and take a dip in the refreshing river water for a natural cold plunge.
Finally, step 3, Rest & Relaxation, can last 10-20 minutes. For this step, Spa Nordique Stoneham has treed areas, hammocks, fireplaces, and a water feature outdoors. An indoor relaxation area is also available.
After your body has recovered, start again with Step 1 and Heat. Complete a total of two to four cycles for maximum benefit.
In addition to the facilities above, the Spa has hot tubs for lounging.
Other Things to Do at Le Nordique Spa Stoneham
The Nordique Spa Stoneham has even more to offer. Note that the following activities require additional fees.
- Have Lunch: Nordique Spa Stoneham has a small bistro serving smoothies, paninis, soups, salads, and other light foods.
- Get a massage: Make an appointment in advance of your visit.
- Stay the night! If a day trip isn’t enough, consider staying overnight in one of the comfy tiny houses on the property.
Practical Information for Nordique Spa Stoneham
Here’s some practical information for visiting the Nordique Spa Stoneham.
Address: 747 Jacques-Cartier Nord, Stoneham-et-Tewkesbury G3C 1X7
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM;
Reduced hours on January 1 and December 24, 25, and 31.
Spa Admission: $69 CA and up.
The Nordique Spa Stoneham website does not take direct reservations for spa admission, but you can reserve spa admission on Get Your Guide.
For current information, check the official website.
A Summary of the Restorative Day Trip from Québec City
And there you have it: a truly revitalizing day trip from Quebec City, combining the tranquility of nature with the therapeutic benefits of a Nordic spa. First, discover the wetlands at Marais du Nord Natural Reserve. Then, follow up with a refreshing Nordic spa experience featuring a sauna and steam room, a cold plunge, and deep relaxation. This balanced duo of activities will leave you restored and re-energized before your return to the everbusy heart of Québec City.
Where to Stay in Québec City
Québec City is bursting with history and a particular European charm. From the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac overlooking the St. Lawrence River to cozy boutique hotels and solid chain properties, there’s a perfect stay for every traveler somewhere in Québec City. Use the map and links below to book your Québec City hotel and plan your trip to this French-Canadian gem of a destination.
Book at Booking.com 🔷 Book at Expedia 🔷 Book at Hotels.com
A Nature-Based Québec City Day Trip- Pin it for Later
I created these images for Marais du Nord and the Nordique Spa Stoneham for your Pinterest Boards.
Final Thoughts on a Revitalizing Day Trip from Québec City
The restorative day trip described here offers the perfect counterpoint to urban exploration in Québec City. A 30-minute journey from the city accesses a peaceful natural area and a Nordic spa. The combination will leave you re-energized and ready for your next adventure in Québec.
Thank you for sharing.
The Nordic spa sounds like a wonderful way to spend the afternoon after a morning of hiking or kayaking (especially the outdoor relaxation areas). Is it possible to reach these spots with public transportation, or is a car needed?