Jacques Cartier National Park - Easy Escape from the City Bustle

If you ever feel tired and exhausted from day-to-day routines or just being in the city, you should consider the healing magic of the mothe...

If you ever feel tired and exhausted from day-to-day routines or just being in the city, you should consider the healing magic of the mother nature. Fortunately, there are many such places in North America close to big cities where you can reload and energize. One such place is called Jacques Cartier National Park (Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier in French), only a half hour drive from Quebec City.
But don't be fooled - despite its proximity to the big megapolis, Jacques Cartier National Park is a world away from the hustle and bustle of the city. 
Beautiful Laurentian Mountains hug the river of Jacques Cartier, the main artery of the park.
The river is the main attraction that draws many visitors by its white water rafting opportunities. 
Yet there are many secluded places to relax and rejuvenate.
The park offers a number of hiking trails ranging from easy and short ones to demanding day hikes.
Although there is a chance to encounter deer or moose in the park, you'll likely see small rodents such as chipmunks and squirrels. 
I only had a chance to hike two trails - Le Perdreau and L'Éperon. Both are moderately difficult and 3.3 m / 5.4 km in length.  The first one takes you to a beautiful meadow which is called the Buvard lake. Well, maybe there is a lake earlier in the year, but definitely not at the end of July. 
The second trail takes you to the top of one of the mountains in the Laurentian Massif. The elevation gain is 820 ft / 250 m and there is steep ascend with quite a few steps, so you'll definitely burn some calories.
But the view from the top is rewarding, isn't it?
Some more animals for those attentive to details.
Jacques Cartier National Park is a really easy escape from Quebec City and definitely a great place to visit even if you have a few hours. 

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