As pets become more and more a part of our lives, we often look for activities to do with them. Look no further, we have the latest hot spots in Quebec City for you and your dog.
What are the best activities to do with my dog in Quebec City?
1. O Poil Café Canin / Boutique and education center
O Poil has been in existence for 8 years and offers a multitude of services, such as dog walking, house-sitting (for all types of animals), transportation and accompaniment to your desired destination.
It was in December 2017 that they decided it was time to take a big leap and opened a Canine Café with other services. They offer many services on site including the dog cafe, a grooming salon, group training classes and a doggie day camp!
Top 5 attractions in Quebec City
2. Aqua Confort Animal Inc.
Aqua Confort Animal Inc opened its doors in September 2016 in Old Lorette. What makes it so unique is actually their year-round indoor dog pool! Is your dog not too friendly with others? No worries, you can rent the indoor pool just for you and your furry companion. Isn’t that great? You can also rent a life jacket for your dog if you don’t have one. Be sure to make a reservation!
- Also available: a boutique, a canine massage therapy service with a specialist, an indoor playroom, grooming services for cats and dogs, a canine gym and an athletic course.
3. Canyon Sainte-Anne with your dog
Canyon Sainte-Anne is the perfect outing for your family and your dog! Your four-legged friend can accompany you anywhere in the park as long as he stays on a leash at all times. A wonderful adventure awaits you in these woods.
4. Bois-de-Coulonge Park
Bois-de-Coulonge Park is located in the heart of Quebec City. It’s the perfect place to take a walk, enjoy the many floral arrangements on site (honestly, they’re something to see!). Your dog can also enjoy this beautiful park on a leash!
- Bonus: the Bois-de-Coulonge Park is located less than a few blocks from the Plains of Abraham.
5. Canots Légaré
Canots Légaré was founded in 1908 and is still going strong after 110 years! This place offers a quiet outing on the Upper St. Charles River which stretches for about 11 km. Grab your lunch box and paddle to the middle where there is a small beach where you can relax, eat and watch the ducks go by. What could be more fun? Well, you can even bring your dog!
You can rent a solo or tandem kayak, canoe (available for 2, 3 or up to 6 people) and paddleboard solo or 4 to 6 people). If you don’t have a life jacket, no worries! They have you covered, for only $1 you can rent yours!
You can rent your kayak or canoe for one hour, two hours a day (three hours or more) or only in the evening (4:00-9:00 pm). Prices start at $ 11 per person. They are open from May to October. Reservations are highly recommended due to its popularity in the area.
6. Beauport Bay
Located only 5 minutes from downtown Quebec City, Beauport Bay offers an ideal summertime entertainment site for families, sports enthusiasts and pets. You can enjoy the fine sandy beach for a long walk with your dog or for a refreshing swim if allowed. The cool breeze during sunrises and sunsets provides you with wonderful moments to relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.
Dogs are allowed on a leash or lanyard only. The access period is from May 14 to September 5 (for the year 2022). Prices are as follows: $ 10 for parking and $ 2 per adult, free for children under 16 and dogs.
A multitude of activities and water sports await you at the bay:
- Playground;
- Picnic area;
- Free zumba classes every Saturday;
- Canoe;
- Water games;
- Kayaking;
- Petanque;
- Paddleboard;
- Windsurfing;
- Kite surfing;
- Bicycle;
- And many other activities.
6. Yoga with your dog
Doga or dog-friendly yoga is a fairly popular practice among our American neighbors. This practice allows relaxation and stretching of your pet’s muscles. It helps reduce stress and anxiety. Doga is also an effective way to strengthen the relationship between you and your pet.
The doga session begins with 20 minutes of traditional yoga to relax the human, followed by a 20-minute session of training the dog in different postures, and finally about 20 minutes of harmonious relaxation and meditation with your canine partner.
7. Canimarche or canicross
Connected by an elastic leash to your belt, your dog can accompany you in your walking or jogging session in the open air. This is a great way to develop harmony with your pet and improve its mental and physical health.
Here are the best sites to practice this in Quebec City:
- Promenade Samuel-De Champlain: on more than 4 km along the St. Lawrence River, you can make a detour in the Tequenonday wooded area and practice on the stairs.
- Bois-de-Coulonge Park: a historic park to enjoy the wooded trails with your dog when the snow melts.
- Parc des Moulins: it has several gardens and is rich in impressive landscaping.
8. Obedience and socialization sessions
Public sites are great places to continue obedience sessions with your dog by teaching him new commands in a variety of situations. Socialization with other dogs is also crucial in puppy training. This allows your companion to become more familiar with individuals and other pets.
Here are some public places where you can practice obedience and socialization with your dog in Quebec City:
- Promenade Samuel-De Champlain;
- Bois-de-Coulonge Park;
- Parc des Moulins;
- Place des Canotiers.
9. Dog sledding experience
This winter activity is a real dog adventure. Let the sled dogs, mainly Huskies and Malamutes, guide you on an adrenaline-filled journey. Several dog sledding companies offer this authentic experience. Located in the Capitale-Nationale region, you can go to the Duchesnay tourist station, which offers dog sledding outings in a wooded environment and on trails designed exclusively for dog walking.
Good practices to adopt with your dog in a public park in Quebec
Bringing your dog to a public park in Quebec is often allowed. However, you must respect the restrictions of each national park which aim to protect your pet as well as the local fauna and flora.
Here are some good practices to follow in public places:
- Always keep your dog on a leash and close to you when passing passengers;
- Be courteous to all park users. Some may be uncomfortable or fearful of animals;
- Keep an eye on your pet;
- Pick up after your dogs and their food;
- Dispose of waste in the garbage cans provided at the sites;
- Bring water and snacks for your dog;
- Do not throw food to other animals.
Travel with your dog in Quebec
Where to stay in Quebec City with my dog?
If you are planning to visit Quebec City with your dog, the Best Western Quebec offers a comfortable and relaxing stay without leaving your canine partner behind. Whether you choose executive rooms, business rooms or traditional rooms, you will benefit from a quality service that meets your expectations.