According to adventurer Alastair Humphreys, a microadventure is local, short-lived, accessible and takes us out of our comfort zone! Popularized by Humphreys, a microadventure doesn't require you to empty your bank account or prepare for weeks on end; it's adventure at its simplest, an invitation to discover what's often hidden before our very eyes. For him, "adventure is a state of mind". So we say goodbye to performance and ultra-everything-you-want, and come down to earth to explore, gently. Would this be to say that the Chèvres ' activities are a form of microadventure? Yes!
- Short-term: a few hours to 1-2 days.
- Proximity: often less than 2 hours' transport.
- Accessibility: little or no specialized equipment required.
- Intense or contemplative: the aim is to get out of your routine, not necessarily to outdo yourself physically.
- Connect to nature: forest, river, mountain, seaside or urban park.
We sometimes forget about this option, but sleeping under the stars can be a real change of scenery. If the weather's fine, pitch your tent at a campsite, or in the backyard for a night under the stars. All you need is a camping mattress and your sleeping bag to enjoy a beautiful night in the great outdoors. The adventure will be even more enjoyable during the Perseid season in August, when the mosquitoes will be a little less active!
Loneliness can really be destabilizing. But it can be tamed! To disorientate even the most seasoned camper, camping alone is a wonderful adventure. There's no need to travel far to pitch a tent: Quebec abounds in regional parks, SÉPAQ and private campgrounds. Your backyard or cottage can also be a great option.
Strava, Ride with GPS, Komoot: all these applications allow you to discover a multitude of new routes shared by other users. What's more, the paid versions allow you to create your own personal itineraries, complete with positive elevation gain and number of kilometers. If the adventure aspect resonates with you, spot some gravel paths on your map and explore them as you pass by. There are often great discoveries to be made!
Every region of Quebec has hiking trails to suit all levels. Rando Québec is the reference when it comes to hiking in la belle province. If you're looking for something new, the Balise Québec directory created by the organization brings together over 12,000 km of hiking trails. This digital tool provides reliable and unique information for hikers wishing to explore Quebec's networks.
We sometimes forget about Quebec's regional parks! These jewels of Quebec are accessible and located throughout the province. These parks offer a variety of activities, summer and winter, and sometimes wilderness camping sites that provide a connection with nature and a moment of calm. The Association des Parcs régionaux du Québec (PARQ) is an excellent resource for finding the accredited park nearest you. The good news is that, for summer 2025, the association's member regional parks are accessible free of charge. See all the details on the PARQ website.
Life moves fast, routines get in the way and we forget about all the things that can be done close to home to make everyday life a little more festive. Summer is a great time to enjoy outdoor evenings, like heading to the top of a mountain or to a viewpoint you love for an al fresco dinner.
Summer or winter, the beginning and end of the day can certainly be a moment of calm and gentleness. Getting up a little before dawn to a clear viewpoint can be an absolutely magnificent adventure. Why not hike, cross-country ski or run? The perfect combination to start the day!
Source Alastair Humphreys https://alastairhumphreys.com/microadventures/
