Being outdoors in the winter is at once invigorating, beneficial and satisfying! When the snow falls, coating Quebec’s landscape, you’ll see that national parks, regional parks and trails in the heart of the cities turn into incredible playgrounds. Choose to explore on foot, on skis, on skates or on snowshoes as you make your way across incredible snow-covered scenery! And if you’re looking for the ultimate thrill, how about a dogsledding expedition, a snowmobile ride, an ice climb or some ziplining?

The incredible ski experience in Saguenay

Photo credit: Canopée

There are options for all levels. Le Valinouet has 100% natural snow in abundance and diverse off-piste areas. Mont-Édouard offers an international caliber competition slope and a complete sector reserved for high-road skiing that is only accessible for independent non-motorized ascent using climbing skins or snowshoes. There is also Mont-Bélu: a resort near the town that offers evening skiing and breathtaking views of the ice fishing villages. For the more adventurous looking for powder, high-road areas are now available in L’Anse-Saint-Jean and Petit-Saguenay.

Discover the winter scenery of the islands on a fatbike

Photo credit: Mathieu Dupuis

That’s right: it is possible to explore some of the Magdalen Islands on a fatbike (a bicycle with oversized tires) in the winter. Whether you head out on the beaches or on the trails, it’s a unique way to see the winter scenery of the islands cloaked in white, with family or friends. This winter, treat yourself to an original two-wheeled adventure and marvel at the unique beauty of the Magdalen Islands!
 

Go off-trail skiing in enchanting surroundings

Photo credit: ÖBois Charlevoix

Located in Saint-Siméon, ÖBois Charlevoix has positioned itself as the region’s premier ecotourism destination. New this winter, this recreation and tourism site is offering backcountry skiing for all overnight guests, in addition to other activities such as forest hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. You’ll also love ÖBois Charlevoix for its charming log cabins, equipped with modern facilities and boasting a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside. What better way to enhance a vacation spent in the great outdoors!

A snowmobiler’s paradise

Photo credit: OSMMAG

Renowned for the abundance and quality of its snow, the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region is certainly the destination of choice for snowmobile enthusiasts. The region’s 1,100 km of groomed and marked trails allow you to discover the breathtaking scenery of the boreal forest. In addition, various snowmobile clubs and specialized companies, such as Marina Chibougamau and Chibougamau Aventure, offer a wide range of packages, including guided expeditions, to help you plan your ride. And to make winter even more enjoyable, head up for the Festival Folifrets Baie-James, a snowmobile festival from February 29 to March 9, 2024, where you can look forward to a welcoming celebration and incredible snowmobile races!

Ski in the Laurentians!

Photo credit: Tourisme Laurentides

As North America’s birthplace of alpine skiing, the Laurentians offer the ideal setting for this legendary winter sport. The choice of experiences is sure to please beginners and experts equally! The region offers no fewer than 12 resorts to suit all tastes and desires. The variety of slopes is impressive, even within a single resort. In addition to this diversity, there are also unique evening skiing opportunities for festive guests, and the chance for curious visitors to explore the ski museum in the heart of Saint-Sauveur! When you go skiing in the Laurentians, you’re choosing one of Quebec’s leading resorts, guaranteeing you an exceptional stay.

How to get the most out of the great outdoors in Portneuf

Once decked out in a white blanket, Portneuf offers a host of outdoor activities, including hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. With the Centre nature de Saint-Basile’s 15 kilometres of fatbiking trails through idyllic surroundings and Vallée Bras-du-Nord’s fantastic trails, the region is a choice destination for fatbike enthusiasts. Vallée Bras-du-Nord also boasts numerous hiking and snowshoeing trails through the valley’s majestic scenery. Psst! Be sure to check out the famous Delaney Falls, one of the region’s must-sees!
Parc naturel régional de Portneuf is another great destination for hiking and snowshoeing. Don’t miss the gorge sector of the Sainte-Anne River, dotted with surprising views. Les Portes de l’Enfer cross-country ski centre is home to three snowshoeing loops and eight cross-country skiing trails, all in the heart of a magnificent forest!

Domaine du Radar: an outdoor centre with military roots!

Photo credit: Stéphanie Allard-TCA

Set up in Saint-Sylvestre, on a former military base that belonged to the Royal Canadian Air Force, the Domaine du Radar offers lodging in a cottage or coolbox for a great family stay. As for activities, snowshoeing and backcountry skiing are among the most popular, but you and your young soldiers are sure to also love Austrian sledding, which promises great thrills on this mountain – the region’s highest peak!

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Photo credit: TQ - Jean-François Hamelin