Luke and AJ respond to all your questions about riding in Québec. Tune-in and get all their insights to some of the best regions to visit based on the type of riding and terrain preferences you may have along with fun and interesting peripheral actives you and your family can enjoy. If you’re not hooked on Québec by now, you certainly will be after you’ve ridden its trails this winter. Plan a trip this year and you’ll be visiting again every year – guaranteed!

Then in TEST RIDE, AJ shares his opinions on the 2024 Arctic Cat ZR 600 CATALYST with ATAC after having spent some time aboard this sled in this comprehensive evaluation.

The first episode of 2024 is in special commemoration of Mitch Watson (2002-2023) who was undoubtedly one of the worlds most die-hard motor heads and whose passion for snowmobiling overshadowed many of those senior to him. Rest in peace and Godspeed Mitch.

Going on tour means encountering many factors that can make or break your ride. Variables include weather and snow conditions, trail routing and status, sled reliability, and the availability of appropriate services and accommodations when and wherever they’re needed.

Sure, good advance planning and preparedness helps, but even the most popular destinations can still be a bit of a gamble, especially for less experienced snowmobilers. So what if there was one place that provided remarkable peace of mind by eliminating most of the uncertainties?

That’s what we found in the Upper Laurentians, an area that sets a special benchmark that other destinations would be wise to emulate.

Staging From Mont Laurier

The Laurentides Region runs northwest from Montreal and the Lower Ottawa River almost to Clova and Parent. If you’re so inclined, you could ride all of its 2,411 kilometres (1,498 miles) of snowmobile trails, most of which meander through the snowy Laurentian Mountains. For our 4-day couples tour, we staged out of Mont Laurier (pop. 13,799), the gateway to the Upper Laurentians (Haute-Laurentides).

It’s a convenient staging hub for any Laurentides Region tour, with an outstanding network of trails spoking out in every direction. From there, multiple day rides and several loops are available so your sledding getaway can be as long or short as you choose.

Mont Laurier is also a real snowmobiling town, known for its many sled-accessible services and amenities, and for allowing snowmobiles to travel on snow along the south side of its main street (Hwy 117) that’s actually part of Local Trail 223. For those trailering in, Mont Laurier is only 187 miles from Massena, NY and 238 miles from Burlington VT. It’s also 250 km (160 miles) northwest of Montreal and 216 km (134 miles) north of Ottawa, most of it uphill as the elevation increases north of the Ottawa River.

About The Wood Runner Trails & Loop

We chose Mont Laurier because I’d been wondering about something called the Wood Runner Loop (Le Tour Coureurs des Bois) that had caught my eye on the Laurentides Region snowmobile trail map. Turns out Le Tour Coureurs des Bois is an outstanding 464-kilometre (288 mile) circuit into the Upper Laurentians, north of Mont Laurier, that’s the showcase ride of the Wood Runner Trails (Les Sentiers Coureurs des Bois). As we quickly appreciated, unlike many loops marked on other trail guides, the Wood Runner Loop is much more than just a line highlighted on a map.

Each is named after the famous “coureurs des bois”, independent French fur traders from the 17th and 18th centuries. These “wood runners” ventured into the most remote areas, pushing the boundaries of the great unknown. Like its pioneering namesakes, the Wood Runner Trails explore a vast wilderness, taking adventurous snowmobilers on what for many becomes the ride of a lifetime.

The Wood Runner Backstory

So what makes the Wood Runner Trails so unique? It’s one of the only existing destination rides I’m aware of that’s initiated and championed by its hospitality providers, the area’s pourvoiries. The word “pourvoirie” is usually translated into English as “outfitter”. In winter, these Upper Laurentians outfitters cater to snowmobilers; the rest of the year, to hunters, anglers, ATV riders and vacationing families.

The best way to describe the pourvoiries associated with the Wood Runner Trails is authentic wilderness lodges with tasteful accommodations, modern amenities and gourmet cuisine for outdoor enthusiasts. Many snowmobilers prefer these pourvoiries to regular motels for a more special, enjoyable and memorable experience – one that they look forward to every night.

Almost twenty-five years ago, a few of these pourvoirie owners began attending American snowmobile shows to promote their area. Many stateside riders said that the Québec trail system was so big they hardly knew where to get started.

These Upper Laurentians outfitters also heard show attendees express uncertainty about trying an unfamiliar place, including such worries as finding reliable places to stay, being sure of good snow and trail conditions, getting lost, running out of gas, not speaking the language, or keeping their trucks and trailers secure.

Motivated by addressing these concerns, a group of independent forest innkeepers and outfitters decided to establish a unique network of snowmobile trails in the Upper Laurentians they named “Les Sentiers Coureurs des Bois”.

Over the years, they’ve enhanced their Wood Runner Trails concept with the cooperation of local economic development and tourism offices. They’ve also partnered with local snowmobile clubs for regular grooming, merged their trails into the FCMQ system, attracted visiting winter lovers from overseas, included a Mont Laurier staging hotel and sled rental partner, added reliable internet, and engaged in co-operative purchasing to provide the highest quality meals at each pourvoirie. Recently, they’ve also expanded the Wood Runner Trails to ATV, Side X Side and dual sport bike tours in other seasons.

The key to their long-term success stems from the continuing alliance of like-minded hospitality providers. Natural competitors, their ongoing cooperation has resulted in a more robust winter business for all, while attracting many more visiting snowmobilers to their entire region.

They’ve succeeded in delivering a one of a kind snowmobiling experience with reliable and secure access to their wilderness backyard, combined with unrivalled pourvoirie hospitality. Talk about a win-win for everyone!

What You Can Expect From The Wood Runner Loop

The benefits of Le Tour Coureurs des Bois for snowmobilers are numerous. While each establishment is uniquely authentic in its own way, the pourvoirie accommodations, meals, service and amenities are all reliably excellent and consistent, including multi-bedroom chalets that can easily accommodate larger groups.

Most of these include living areas where our entire group relaxed comfortably together at the end of each day’s ride. My best advice: book your reservations early for the entire loop!

Each pourvoirie is also located close enough to the next that there’s no worry about running out of gas because fill-ups are available at each location. Each is also open for lunch and as rest stops for touring riders.

What’s more, the outfitters have installed 50 signage stations throughout their loop, with maps boards and arrowed destination/distance signs so wayfinding is a breeze and because these owners work together, visiting riders benefit from knowing that their hosts are used to keeping track of guests riding between their pourvoiries – and that help is available if needed.

Meanwhile, their easy-riding Wood Runner Loop travels through beautiful forests, with few public road crossings or ice travel. Numerous secondary trails within and around the main loop provide alternate routes for longer or shorter ride distances. Cell service can be spotty on remote trails, but trail signs indicate a few points where service is available, in addition to each of the pourvoiries.

Then there are the special attractions. Le Tour Coureurs des Bois accesses the famous Montagne du Diable (Devil’s Mountain) lookout with its new “dare-to-climb” panoramic tower view from the Laurentians second-highest peak.

Nearby, the picturesque Chute de Windigo (Windigo Falls) with a height of 55 metres and width of 18, is well worth a look in its scenic setting. And just to the west of these points of interest is the massive Baskatong Reservoir, where a staked Regional Trail 322 takes you for a quick, 12-km, staked ice crossing to a Sentiers Coureurs des Bois member located on the other side.

Home Away From Home

There’s one intangible benefit that’s equally responsible for bringing satisfied snowmobilers back to visit the Upper Laurentians again and again. Les Sentiers Coureurs des Bois members give everyone a warm, personal welcome and can cater to every need in English.

Each pourvoirie specializes in making your stay and ride as easy, comfortable and enjoyable as possible, starting with several choices for secure trucks and trailer parking (see list). We even had our sleds cleared of snow in the morning by staff using a leaf blower!

Their hospitality also results from working together for continuous improvement and plain-spoken honesty with guests about snow and trail status, even going so far as to advise sledders with reservations if necessary. And nothing compares to the scrumptious meals that are part of every snowmobile package: high cuisine that’s artistically plated by gourmet chefs, then served by super friendly pourvoirie staff.

Yes, when you stay with these go-above-and-beyond outfitters, you’ll feel right at home, make enduring friendships, and keep coming back for more because it just doesn’t get any better than this on every day – and every night – of any other tour!

That’s why Le Tour Coureurs des Bois is now on my list of “Fav Québec Snowmobile Destinations” – and is a perfect choice for riders of all ages and experience levels, and especially for a couples tour like ours. Another plus is that due to its northerly location, the Wood Runner Loop is normally available to ride both before and after the season ends in many other places.

Consequently, and because it’s much closer to Ontario and several border states than some other Québec locations, I’ve also added it to my short list of early and late season riding possibilities.

For me, all of this is what makes Le Tour Coureurs des Bois a new dimension in Québec trail riding, one that may even change trailering patterns for avid snow-seekers looking for unbeatable first and last rides.

So along with everything else that Mont Laurier and the Upper Laurentians have to offer touring snowmobilers, why not try the Wood Runner Trails for your next ride?

Certainly my Intrepid Snowmobiler crew, hard to impress after years of visiting many popular snowmobiling destinations, were blown away by the ultimate ride experience we enjoyed in the Laurentides Region, thanks to the Wood Runner Loop and its amazing pourvoiries!

SENTIERS COUREURS DES BOIS MEMBERS

ON WOOD RUNNER LOOP

Comfort Inn, Mont Laurier (secure parking)- comfortinn-ml.ca/comfort/en/home
Pourvoirie Club Fontbrune (secure parking) – fontbrune.ca
Rabaska Lodge (secure parking) – lerabaska.com
Club Notawissi – notawissi.com
Pourvoirie Fer á Cheval – feracheval.ca
Pourvoirie des 100 Lacs Sud – pourvoirie100lacs.com
Pourvoirie Meekos (secure parking) – mekoos.com
F. Constantineau & Fils (sled rentals), Mont Laurier – fconstantineau.com

ON OTHER WOOD RUNNER TRAILS

La Pointe á David – pointedavid.com
Hotel Central Parent – hotelcentralparent.com

TOUR INFO

Tourisme Laurentides – laurentides.com/fr/quoi-faire/motoneige
Wood Runner Trails – woodrunnertrail.ca/snowmobile-trails
Tourisme Québec – bonjourquebec.com
FCMQ – fcmq.qc.ca
Intrepid Snowmobiler (tour itinerary)
– intrepidsnowmobiler.com/upper-laurentians-quebec-snowmobile

While the reason for their top choice varied, it didn’t take more than a hot minute before the unanimous choice was decided. As eloquently put by one of us: “For the diehard snowmobiler, no riding season is ever complete without a trip to Québec. It only takes one trip and you’ll be hooked for life.”

Many of our crew members have snowmobiled in Québec countless times – some going back to the 1980’s and 1990’s. As the conversation continued, the enthusiasm for the province as a world-class destination focused in on the attractions and amenities, we had all personally experienced in our travels to Québec.

First and foremost is the incredible network of snowmobile trails that interconnect every area. Luke said, “It doesn’t seem to matter where in the province you ride, the trails are always so well-groomed and so thoughtfully laid out. You can ride your snowmobile to almost any region and you’ll find wide, safe trails and it’s a rarity to ride a whole day and not see at least a couple of groomers out there hard at work.”

He added, “The scenery is flat-out awesome – there are places where you’re riding through rolling meadows and beautiful forests for miles and then you suddenly come up on a quaint village or first-class resort where you’d least expect it. I also love how diverse the terrain is throughout the province. I didn’t believe it until I experienced it first-hand. The Chic-Chocs offer technical deep snow riding rivaling the terrain in Western Canada and the United States, but at an elevation that doesn’t make it hard to catch your breath. Can you ask for anything better?”

AJ said: “I love the fact that Québec is so close in proximity. From where I live in Ontario, it’s only a day’s drive, yet once I cross the border into Québec and start immersing myself into its culture, I feel like I’m experiencing a worldly adventure – like being in Europe. You simply can’t replicate this type of experience anywhere else in North America, and, of course, you can’t find trails like the ones in Québec anywhere overseas”.

“We were impressed with the trail signage. We thought there might be a possibility the language could be a problem but there was zero trouble finding where we were or how far it was to our daily destinations. The local clubs aren’t the only ones that have signs at every intersection; local businesses, restaurants, fuel stations and places for overnight stays also do an incredibly good job of directing you to their place,” stated Vern.

Said longtime staffer, Mark: “I remember the first time I rode in Québec – it was in 1983 and the trails were better than anywhere else even back then. I sometimes wonder if the fact Québec is the home to the modern snowmobile as we know it today didn’t have something to do with the huge effort, they put into creating those 33,000 kms of trails and gaining a thorough understanding of the importance of maintaining them the way they always have.”

“I love the great food,” added another staffer, “and some of the places I’ve stayed overnight have been downright incredible – quaint places tucked back into the countryside with thoughtfully furnished rooms and fabulous dining. It’s really special to stay at places like that after you’ve been on the trails all day!”

During our conversation we soon discovered we were talking about a place that has it all: Great riding, great culture, great accommodation, and great snow! You could say: Riding in Québec is addictive!

We put together a list of some of Québec’s regions and winter tourist sites. When you’re planning a winter vacation these places need to be top-of-mind.

Abitibi-Témiscamingue

This is Québec’s most southwestern region and abuts the province of Ontario for many miles along its western border. Canadians can literally snowmobile from Ontario to Abitibi-Témiscamingue on wide, smooth-groomed trails. Because of its location, there is abundant snow cover and 3500 km of wide, high-quality trails.

It’s a more remote place to ride but incredibly beautiful because of its boreal forests in the north. This means the trees are pretty much all coniferous pines and firs there, growing to less height than you’d see further south in the province where the winter season is shorter.

The scenery is pure, natural and untouched and this is a very good place to see all kinds of wildlife. One thing is certain, you won’t get caught in any traffic jams – spaces are remote and wide open – and unforgettably beautiful!

Visit: abitibi-temiscamingue.org

Eeyou Istchee Baie-James

Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region reaches to Québec’s far north and, because of its far latitude location, it is a bucket-list destination for many snowmobilers who experience its remote, but immaculately-maintained trails carved out of the forests. It’s located in Québec’s uppermost northwestern corner and the all-natural scenery here is magnificent.

There’s a strong list of near-trail and on-trail services available for overnight stays, food, and snowmobile service. This region provides the snowmobiling “experience of a lifetime” and is a must-see location for the most adventurous snowmobile enthusiast.

Visit: escapelikeneverbefore.com

Outaouais

It’s easy to access the Outaouais region’s wide, well-maintained trails because of its western location in the province and its proximity to both Ontario and New York State. This is a breathtaking place to ride a snowmobile! Its range of geography includes scenic valleys, rolling hills and meadows, lakes, woodlands and the opportunity to observe all kinds of northern wildlife.

You can cross from Ontario on your snowmobile at a bridge crossing onto Trail 13 or another bridge taking you onto Trail 43. We suggest you take Trans-Québec trail 43 and experience the smooth-groomed Pontiac Pacific railway trail (92 km), then check out Québec’s longest covered bridge (Marchand Covered Bridge) and – still accessible from Trail 43 – the picturesque Chutes Coulange waterfall.

Visit: tourismeoutaouais.com

Laurentians

Right next to the Outaouais is the Laurentians region. Located in such close proximity to major population centers means trail maintenance is meticulous and frequent by the local snowmobile club volunteers. The big news this year is a new 21-meter-high observation tower has been built at the top of the famous Montagne du Diable (Devil’s Mountain) and is open this winter.

An 11-passenger shuttle is available to take visitors to the summit. You’ll find the trails here are well-signed and you’ll never be far from a town or village where you can dine or stay overnight. Hospitality is the hallmark of the inns, hotels and resorts here and you’ll always feel welcome. You can put in a full day and, after riding literally hundreds of miles, have a delicious meal in quaint, warm fireside surroundings, then fall into a cozy bed for the night.

Visit: laurentides.com

Lanaudière & Mauricie

Since Lanaudière is located only about two hours north of Montréal – and close to Québec City – it’s easy to drive there from both Ontario and the USA. There’s an abundance of inns and resorts that will safely store your vehicle for you while you head out on your snowmobile adventure. Many riders starting here, plan their trip to include both Lanaudière and, heading northeast, visit the Mauricie. There are a number of independent tour companies that will guide you – some will even provide rental snowmobiles. Both of these vast regions offer incredible scenery and legendary wide, safe trails.

Accommodations range from luxurious to rustic and these may be two of the busiest snowmobiling regions in the province. Because of that, trail grooming is done frequently, and you can be assured of excellent riding. Be sure to ride the Pioneers Trail. It’s a one-of-a-kind tour where you’ll observe headstones representing builders of the region. The route will take you to picturesque sites where you’ll discover the region’s heritage and meet a proud and welcoming population.

Visit: snowmobilecountry.ca

Québec City Region

This region, surrounding the major city of Québec, has all the comforts close at hand. There’s a long list of quality, cozy hotels, B&B’s and inns along loop routes heading out from the city. Epicurean? Who isn’t! This is where you’ll find in both European and Québec-style cuisine. Because of its unique charm, Old Québec has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site. This international accolade is bestowed on only a few places around the world and is evident from the moment you arrive in the city. If you need a snowmobile rental or guide service for both short and long treks, you can get it here, too. Québec City also hosts several large winter festivals, so if you’re planning your trip, make sure your dates coincide with one of these grand events.

Visit: quebec-cite.com

Charlevoix

Charlevoix region, because of its unique location bordering the St. Lawrence River along its southern edge, offers some of the most breathtaking views imaginable. Not only are the trails designed to be coastal, but there’s the magnificent experience of riding in the mountains, too. Located centrally, Charlevoix is easily accessible from the USA and there’s easy entry for Canadians from both the eastern provinces and from Ontario. You can tour this region on one of many loop routes, some coming from major population centers, or experience Charlevoix on your way through it as part of a longer trans-Québec snowmobile adventure. Innumerable overnight and food establishments are situated along the way! The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu will be a must-stay for snowmobilers. This huge 5-star hotel features a heated garage, river view, several restaurants, a full range of activities at the hotel, heated outdoor pools, spa, and much more.

Visit: tourisme-charlevoix.com

Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean

If you keep heading east through Charlevoix, you’ll enter the southernmost boundary of Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. It’s well worth extending your ride, both for bragging rights and for the experience of riding the region’s incredible trail network. Although the land mass in this region is huge, thirteen snowmobile clubs work diligently to groom and maintain this remote trail system. The snowfall is deep and plentiful… and that is paramount to excellent trail grooming!

The season is longer here, often extending into April, so a later season trip, if planned, is unlikely to disappoint. It’s not just about the snowfall, either. Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean offers incredible natural scenery and not just a few vistas (one being Saguenay Fjord), you’ll be remembering for decades. Another “can’t miss” is Mount Apica Viewpoint, part of the Mont-Apica Loop, an extremely beautiful 7-km trail offering incredible scenery at an elevation of over 400 meters.

Visit: saguenaylacsaintjean.ca

Centre-du-Québec

Centre-du-Québec is close to large population centers and because it’s located south of the St. Lawrence River, it’s easy to get to, especially from the United States. Since the population is denser in this region, there are plenty of overnight, service and food establishments, many directly accessible by snowmobile. A view of the St. Lawrence River from the Ô Quai des Brasseurs microbrewery in Bécancour is especially memorable. The clubs and organizations that do the region’s impeccable trail maintenance have also designed a number of shorter loop rides – a “daisy wheel” – of well-signed trails that can be as little as one day or several days long if you wish, branching out from your starting point.

Visit: tourismecentreduquebec.com

Chaudière-Appalaches

Chaudière-Appalaches region is located south of the St. Lawrence and borders the American states of New Hampshire and Vermont. If touring snowmobilers are arriving from these states, it makes good sense for them to plan a trip that would include riding both in this region and in Centre-du-Québec because both adjoin one another. Visitors will be rewarded with a wonderful system of well-signed, interconnected and looping trails that not only take in the region’s numerous sights but offer progression to the adjoining region of Bas-Saint-Laurent to the east.

With 5 must-see attractions, the snowmobile junction between Trails #547 and #549 is breathtaking! You won’t soon forget this section between Mont du Midi and Mont Saint-Magloire. So beautiful, you’ll want to stop everywhere along the way! There are many excellent loop trails branching out from the towns and villages here and there are vast numbers of beautiful inns and resorts – so Chaudière-Appalaches is a perfect place for all levels of riders would like to check out the attractions and scenery of a truly beautiful place.

Visit: chaudiereappalaches.com

Québec by the Sea

These three unique regions are linked together by ferry-crossings of the St. Lawrence River. Côte-Nord, sits north of the St. Lawrence and reaches far and wide, bordering Labrador to the east. Trails here are very good, are well-marked and, especially in the southern part along the big river, offer incredible vistas. The furthest point east and south of the St. Lawrence, is the huge region of Gaspésie.

Here you’ll experience unforgettable sea and mountain views. The terrain is rugged and rocky but the excellent snow cover offers some of the most picturesque trails in Québec and the trails are well signed and meticulously maintained. Snowmobilers visiting Gaspésie need to see Percé Rock. It’s an iconic landmark and is especially impressive in the winter when it’s surrounded by ice. Made famous by its arch-shaped hole carved out by the sea, this giant limestone monolith has fascinated people for centuries.

To get to Percé Rock, ride the Bas-Saint-Laurent – Gaspésie Snowmobile Tour, on Trans-Québec trail #5 to the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula, then take the 18-km (11-mi.) local trail to the village of Percé. Bas-Saint-Laurent is located to the west of Gaspésie, still south of the St. Lawrence River. All three regions of Québec by the Sea offer true Québec-style accommodations and hospitality – plus unforgettable scenery and riding experiences you can only see from the seat of a snowmobile!

Visit: quebecmaritime.ca

4 EASY STEPS FOR PLANNING A SNOWMOBILE TRIP IN QUÉBEC

Check out Bonjour Québec’s website to find Québec’s most iconic trails: bonjourquebec.com

1. Plan your itinerary and make your reservations!

Québec has thousands of kilometers of interconnected trails to explore. Use this tool to map out your trip, complete with must-visit sightseeing spots and accommodations along the way: fcmq.qc.ca

2. Get ready to ride!

A trail permit is essential to ride a snowmobile in Québec, no matter how long the trip is. Easily get yours online now so you’re ready to ride as soon as the trails open. fcmq.qc.ca

3. Stay informed in real time!

Easily access trail maps, get updates on trail conditions, accommodations and more through one convenient app. Download this app: fcmq.qc.ca

4. Ride the right way!

The best way to keep snowmobiling fun and safe for everyone is by respecting your fellow riders and following this code of conduct. fcmq.qc.ca

If you’re not hooked on Québec by now, you certainly will be after you’ve ridden its trails this winter. Plan a trip this year and you’ll be visiting again every year – guaranteed!

Then in TEST RIDE, Luke squeezes the throttle on the 2023 Polaris Indy Boost VR1 in the MATRYX chassis featuring the Patriot Boost engine and 129-inch skid frame.