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Rando Québec: Celebrating Our Nordic Heritage
6 minutes
This excerpt from an article by Dominique Caron for Rando Québec invites us to celebrate our Nordic heritage and embrace the cold winter temperatures, staying active and enjoying the outdoors! Discover four ideal locations for hiking and other activities in the sometimes harsh but always magical landscapes of Quebec’s winter.
Year after year, season after season, people dive into the magic of the snow for a few months. Enjoying winter also means celebrating our Nordic roots and the lifestyle that comes with it. There’s nothing better than exploring Quebec’s great outdoors to take part in all the winter activities it offers, and the list can be long: snowshoeing, ski-touring (Hok skiing), ice skating, sledding, snow scootering… Text: Dominique Caron
Parc national de la Mauricie
Located halfway between Quebec City and Montreal, Mauricie National Park offers a vast playground to enjoy winter. Hiking and cross-country skiing enthusiasts will find a great selection of trails and accommodations. Equipment rentals and a variety of programs are also available. From the Rivière-à-la-Pêche service pavilion, take the Lac-Solitaire trail. This 6.1 km loop first leads to a viewpoint over Lac Solitaire, then circles the lake. You’ll be amazed by the snowy landscape! This trail is family-friendly.
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Trail network: over 50 km
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Access: via the Saint-Jean-des-Piles entrance: from Highway 55, take exit 226 and follow signs to Mauricie National Park.
Parc national des Monts-Valin - Vallée des fantômes
The term “ghost” used here doesn’t refer to a haunted valley, but to a remarkable natural phenomenon. In winter, mountain trees become coated in a thick layer of snow, giving them a ghostly appearance. They are sometimes said to be “mummified”! While this phenomenon isn’t unique to Monts-Valin National Park, this valley remains a prime location for observing it. In fact, the adventure begins aboard the Fantôme-Express (note that reservations are required). This small tracked vehicle takes you to the start of the trail leading, among other destinations, to Pic Dubuc, which rises to 984 meters.
Of course, the park is full of trails to explore, offering various difficulty levels. There’s even a network of long-distance winter trails connecting multiple shelters! In any case, this is a destination worth adding to your list.
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Trail network: over 77 km
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Info: sepaq.com/pq/mva
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Access: From Chicoutimi, cross the Saguenay via the Dubuc Bridge and take Route 172 East for 13 km. At the first entrance of Saint-Fulgence, turn left onto Rang Saint-Louis and continue for 17 km to reach the Discovery and Services Center.
Chaudière-Appalaches - Parc du Massif du Sud
With peaks over 900, 800, and 700 meters, Massif du Sud Park offers a stunning collection of viewpoints perfect for your photo gallery. This destination also features a wide range of activities. Among the highlight trails are Mont Chocolat (8 km), Mont-Magloire (13 km), and Crête des Grives (11 km).
The park offers various accommodations, from rustic cabins to unique options like yurts and charming little pods, as well as winter camping! They also provide a diverse activity program, and the Desjardins Pavilion, opened in 2021, offers amenities such as a kitchen, restrooms, and a welcoming common area. Snowshoeing, fatbiking, and cross-country skiing are also available.
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Trail network: over 70 km
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Info: massifdusud.com
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Access: From Highway 20 exit 337, follow Route 279 South to Route 216. Turn left and follow the blue signs for “Massif du Sud.”
Laurentides - Parc régional du Poisson Blanc
Located on the border between the Laurentides and Outaouais regions, Poisson Blanc Regional Park is known for its large reservoir and numerous islands. In summer, vacationers flock for a few days of canoe camping. But did you know the park also offers winter activities? There are marked trails for snowshoeing and ski-snowshoeing (equipment available for rent on-site), cross-country skiing routes, and even an ice skating rink!
Additionally, the variety of accommodations allows visitors to fully enjoy the experience in this beautiful region. A standout option is Le Prisme, a small rustic non-isolated cabin featuring a wood stove, a double mattress, and a stunning glass façade.
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Trail network: nearly 10 km
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Info: poissonblanc.ca
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Access: From Highway 50, take exit 174 and follow Route 309 North to Notre-Dame-du-Laus. In the village, cross the Lièvre River bridge and turn right onto Chemin du Poisson-Blanc. Continue about 5 km and turn left onto Chemin de la Truite. The reception is 500 m further.
Feeling inspired?
The falling snow that muffles sound, wildlife that’s active at times when you’re most likely to spot it, and the peacefulness that contrasts with the summer crowds… It’s no wonder winter hiking is growing in popularity! Discover below the clothing and gear that will help you fully enjoy it, and we look forward to seeing you in one of our stores or out on the trails!
And to find the best hiking spots in Quebec all year round, check out the fantastic Balises tool by Rando Québec!
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