Pont-Rouge: River Paths, Heritage and Winter Activities

River Paths and Nature in Pont-Rouge

Pont-Rouge combines waterside trails with historic sites and seasonal activities. Each destination offers a different focus and specific places to visit as you plan your trip.

The Promenade Jacques-Cartier offers a 4.6 km trail along the Jacques-Cartier River. Along the rivière aux Pommes, the Promenade de la rivière aux Pommes follows an almost 3 km footpath where you can discover the river’s natural treasures.

The Centre de plein air Dansereau has 27 km of hiking trails along the Jacques-Cartier River. From the trails, you can see landscapes and rapids as well as the Barrage-du-Grand-Remous; along the way, you can also discover the ruins of an old sawmill. A heated shelter is located at kilometre 3.5. Check the latest information about facilities and trail conditions before your outing.

In winter, the Centre de plein air Dansereau offers cross-country ski trails and 8 km of groomed snowshoe trails along the Jacques-Cartier River. Cycling trails are also available. At Côte des Sœurs, there are two sledding hills for the whole family in winter; their use depends on winter conditions. For seasonal activities, check the latest local notices before making firm plans.

Moulin Marcoux and Site Déry

On the banks of the Jacques-Cartier River stands Moulin Marcoux, a stone gristmill built between 1870 and 1872. The heritage-listed building has a rectangular floor plan, four storeys and a gabled roof. Since 2010, it has been Pont-Rouge’s cultural centre. From April to December, Moulin Marcoux presents a variety of performances; the programme may change. A free guided tour of the building is available. Confirm the visit arrangements before your trip.

Site Déry brings together architectural and landscape history: a rural house dating from 1804 stands beside the Jacques-Cartier River gorges. The site also includes a protected 245,000 m² landscape area. A section of the former Chemin du Roy passes through the grounds. Since 1996, Site Déry has been an interpretation centre and has been designated a historic site by Québec’s Ministry of Culture and Communications. Here, a historic building, the gorges and a stretch of the old road are all highlights.

Green Spaces and Activities for Your Stay

At the southern entrance to the Promenade de la rivière aux Pommes on Rue du Rosier is Parc du Verger, a family-friendly green space with play equipment, benches, a stage and tables. The obstacle course along the promenade is accessible via this southern entrance and includes a zip line and nine agility elements. As the facility is new, check the latest municipal notices before visiting. If you are planning your stay around specific park facilities, check their current status too.

On Île Notre-Dame, Parc de l’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 lets you consider the riverside trail, a visit to the mill building and time in the park as separate parts of your Pont-Rouge plans. Depending on the activities that interest you, decide whether nature trails, heritage or winter activities should be your focus.

Discover more destinations: Donnacona, Deschambault, Portneuf, Saint-Basile, Saint-Ubalde, Neuville.

Go to the main travel guide: Portneuf.