2 p.m. | Advance to boardwalk
Situated on the north bank of the Ottawa River, Parc national de Plaisance features five very accessible hiking trails that wind around, such as the Marais-aux-Rubaniers trail boardwalk, and through, such as the Zizanie de Marais floating path, the heart of marshes bordering the mighty waterway. In fall, fish-hunting herons, busy baby beavers and skittish mallards abound—thankfully, bugs do not! Bonus: the park offers a range of accommodations, including yurts and fully equipped ready-to-camp tents. sepaq.com/pq/pla/
8:30 p.m. | Night lights
While many of its animals disappear after dark, the drive-through Parc Omega wildlife preserve just north of Montebello, Que., stays “up” with a unique artistic sound and light experience, Omega By Night. Walk a 1.5-kilometre trail through the cedar woods and around the swamp, replete with a range of magical sights and wilderness buzz, en route to the wolf observatory, where the pack roams under a full moon. parcomega.ca/en/omega-by-night/