Jacques Cartier State Park has a sheltered bay protecting the sandy swimming beach and campers' dock. The biggest draws for the park are unlimited water sport opportunities, excellent fishing, the view of the seaway and ocean vessels, and the relaxing pace of the upstate. The park's large open lawns encourage games, picnics and star gazing. In the winter, cross-country skiing is permitted in the park.

Visitors to Jacques Cartier State Park enjoy a swimming beach, a boat launch site, dockage, fishing, hunting, picnic area, a children's playground, power boating, campground and showers. The campground, picnic area and showers are handicapped accessible. The park is open from mid-May through Columbus Day weekend.

This area has a varied climate with average January temperatures ranging from below 14 degrees reaching to 22 degrees Fahrenheit (below -10 to -6 degrees Celsius). Summer temperatures average between 72 degrees and below 68 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to below 20 degrees Celsius). Precipitation in the region ranges from less than 36 to 40 inches of rain and snowmelt.