Hiking in Domaine de Maizerets: trails, map and practical info

The estate

The Domaine de Maizerets covers 27 hectares in the La Cité-Limoilou borough. The City of Québec describes it as a historic site criss-crossed by many trails that lead visitors through both wild and landscaped natural areas. According to the Société du domaine Maizerets, the park is divided into three zones: the historic heart, the wooded area and the Arboretum. The Société manages the site; it took full charge of it in November 2014 under an agreement with the City.

Where to walk

The City of Québec lists hiking trails for summer. In winter, the Société maintains groomed multi-use trails totalling 7 km: the loops start in the historic sector, then pass through the woods, the marshes and the Arboretum. You can walk, snowshoe, fat-bike or ride a kick-sled on them. The Moulin brook separates the Arboretum from the woods and runs through the park for nearly 400 metres.

The historic sector

It is reached from boulevard Montmorency. The Société places the Maizerets house, the Lacroix chalet, the chapel, the barns, the oratory and its statue there, along with Saint-Hyacinthe island and its ring of water. The stone barn, built in 1755 by the mason François Moreault, is the second-oldest building on the estate. Between the Lacroix chalet and the pool, play modules and swings are set up for young children. The circular outdoor pool is open every day during the summer period.

The Arboretum

Opened in 1997, the Arboretum is the newest part of the estate: it came from the revitalization of a former snow dump. The cedar maze has 750 black thuyas (cedars) and passages totalling 350 metres; granite blocks along the corridors let you climb up to spot the exits. According to the Société, it is the only permanent hedge maze in the Capitale-Nationale region. To the south, the observation tower looks out over the St. Lawrence River, the tip of Île d'Orléans and Mont-Sainte-Anne; it is closed in winter. There is also a water garden, a pond less than two metres deep, and water-play jets.

Dogs, picnics and services

Dogs are allowed but must be kept on a leash (municipal bylaw); they are not allowed inside buildings. Picnic areas and tables are spread through the park; there is no indoor space for eating. The service buildings have washrooms, whose hours vary with the season, and baby-changing tables. Four bike paths run alongside the estate, and a bike repair station is available to cyclists.

In winter

According to the City of Québec, the park offers a skating trail, five cross-country ski tracks (11 km in all) and walking and snowshoe trails (7 km). Cross-country skis, snowshoes, skates, kick-sleds and fat bikes can be rented on site. The Lacroix chalet welcomes skaters every day, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., from mid-December to early March.

Accessibility

According to the City of Québec, the park and all of its buildings are accessible to people with reduced mobility, except the second floor of the Maizerets house. The Société adds that the estate is certified by Kéroul and that, in winter, the walking trails are not accessible at all times.