Pont-Rouge can be explored via trails along the Jacques-Cartier and the Rivière aux Pommes, as well as through historic buildings and landscapes. Options range from individual riverside paths to longer hiking trails, from a heritage-listed mill building to winter activities. To plan your trip, you can first decide whether nature, heritage, or a seasonal activity will be the main focus of your stay.

River Trails of Various Lengths

The Promenade Jacques-Cartier runs for 4.6 km along the Jacques-Cartier. The Promenade de la rivière aux Pommes is also nearby, offering an almost 3 km walking path where you can discover the natural treasures of the Rivière aux Pommes. At the Centre de plein air Dansereau, there are 27 km of hiking trails along the Jacques-Cartier. This gives you a choice of one named trail, another riverside path, and a more extensive network of hiking trails. The different lengths make it easier to choose a route that suits your plans.

The trails at the Centre de plein air Dansereau offer views of landscapes, rapids, and the Barrage-du-Grand-Remous. You can also discover the ruins of an old sawmill at the centre. A heated shelter is located at kilometre 3.5—a useful landmark when planning longer routes.

Parks and Amenities Along the Way

At the southern entrance to the Promenade de la rivière aux Pommes on Rue du Rosier is Parc du Verger. This family-friendly green space includes play structures, benches, a stage, and tables. The obstacle course on the promenade is accessible via this southern entrance. It includes a zip line and nine agility features. As the course is new, check local information before your visit. If particular park facilities are important to your plans, it is also worth checking ahead.

Parc de l’île Notre-Dame on Île Notre-Dame includes a section of the Promenade Jacques-Cartier and access to Moulin Marcoux. The park also has a lit dog park, a picnic area, an outdoor stage, and parking. This spot therefore connects part of the riverside trail with a range of park amenities.

Moulin Marcoux and Site Déry

Moulin Marcoux is a stone grain mill on the banks of the Jacques-Cartier. Built between 1870 and 1872, the heritage-listed building has a rectangular floor plan, four storeys, and a gabled roof. Since 2010, it has served as the cultural centre of Pont-Rouge. A variety of performances are presented there from April to December; the specific program may change. A free guided tour lets you visit the building. Check the current tour arrangements in advance.

At Site Déry, landscape and history come together in a different way. The site includes 245,000 m² of protected landscape. Alongside the Jacques-Cartier gorges is a rural house dating from 1804. Site Déry also includes a section of the former Chemin du Roy. Since 1996, it has been an interpretation centre designated as a historic site by Quebec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications. Site Déry is also known for its salmon pools, which attract sport fishers.

Winter Alternatives

In winter, Côte des Sœurs offers two toboggan runs for the whole family; their use depends on winter conditions. The Centre de plein air Dansereau has cross-country ski trails and 8 km of groomed snowshoe trails along the Jacques-Cartier. Cycling trails also run alongside the river there. These trails complement the hiking options with other activities whose relevance varies by season. Seasonal trail operations may change, so check current local information before your trip.

Whether you want to focus on a hike, a historic site, or a winter activity, Pont-Rouge offers a variety of options. Choosing your travel dates and personal focus can help you organize the offerings to suit your stay.

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Go to the main travel overview: Portneuf.