Individually, Mike and I have both had memorable experiences riding in Upstate NY, so when the call came for an opportunity to visit the Adirondacks region once again, we jumped at the chance to go together.

Departing from our headquarters in Central/Northern Ontario, we were looking at about a six-hour drive to Lake Placid where our adventure would commence. For reference, Lake Placid, NY is about a three-hour drive from Canada’s capitol city of Ottawa and only two or three hours from New York State’s capitol of Albany as well as the Vermont state line.

Lake Placid, infamous for twice hosting the winter Olympics and USA Men’s improbable Olympic hockey Gold Medal in 1980, is a stunning and picturesque town set in the middle of the Adirondack mountains.

The finest place to stay there is the Crowne Plaza Hotel, situated atop the town’s signature vista overlooking the many quaint shops, restaurants and, of course, the Adirondack mountains with Mirror Lake in the background. Truly breathtaking!

For us though, the best part about staying at the Crowne Plaza was the abundance of parking for snowmobiles and trailers with immediate and easy access to the main snowmobile trails.

lakeplacidcp.com

For this trip, we hooked up with Sara-Placid Sled and Spoke in Saranac Lake and rented a pair of sweet Polaris Patriot 650 Switchback XC’s. Sled and Spoke has a fabulous fleet of new Polaris sleds to rent and it is located right on the Rail Trail in Saranac Lake, just a few miles from Lake Placid.

Our sleds were perfect for this adventure and we can’t thank Sled and Spoke enough for being so awesome to work with and helping us get on the trails quickly.

There are many advantages to renting sleds in NY and we definitely recommend looking into SledandSpoke.com

Off to the Races

The first morning, after a solid night’s rest and hearty breakfast at the Crown Plaza, we rode directly from the parking lot onto a short jack-rabbit trail linking to the wide-open Rail Trail (C7B) towards the town of Saranac Lake and eventually Tupper Lake. The Rail Trail from Lake Placid through Saranac Lake, with a fresh dumping of snow from the night before, got our blood pumping.

There’s plenty of places to stop for food along the Rail Trail, like RiverTrail Beerworks in Saranac Lake where we popped in for one of the best dining experiences on the trip. As you pass through Saranac Lake you’ll eventually come across a well-known snowmobilers’ meeting spot called Charlie’s Inn.

From here, you can head west to Malone, NY but this time we continued straight ahead towards Tupper Lake to fill up with fuel and turned around for another fun trek back to the Crowne Plaza in Lake Placid to warm up and walk just down the hill to town for dinner.

And Now for Something Completely Different

On our second day, we packed up the sleds in the trailer and took a 50-mile jaunt over to the infamous Adirondack Hotel in Long Lake where we would set up base and explore more technical riding around Newcomb and Indian Lake.

adirondackhotel.com

Riding directly from the parking lot of the Adirondack Hotel, we quickly hooked up to the C7B trail system and were lucky enough to be the first down the pipe after the groomer. Thank you, Indian Lake Snow Warriors! Needless to say, the pure peanut butter smooth trails were some of the best we’ve ever experienced all the way to Newcomb and Indian Lake. We’re not worthy!

Once we got to Indian Lake, we filled up the sleds and grabbed a quick bite across the street at Indian Lake Restaurant so we could get back to those incredible trails leading to Long Lake and some chill time at the Adirondack Hotel home base. The trails were just a sweet on the way home.

If you haven’t snowmobiled in the Adirondacks in Upstate New York, you’re really missing out. Take your significant other to Lake Placid for more relaxed riding and plush accommodations and go with your buddies for a more down-home, die-hard snowmobiling experience in Long Lake, Indian Lake and Newcomb. We enjoyed every second in both areas and we’re willing to bet you will too.

Visit AdirondacksUSA.com

Aptly named the Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour, this circle tour takes six days of riding to cover its minimum distance of 1,355 kilometres (840 miles) between Lévis and Baie-Comeau. But the Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour didn’t happen overnight or by chance. From an idea that took seed almost a decade ago, this impressive ride blossomed into the first officially named, multi-region loop in La Belle Province.

Participating Tourism Regions

Whereas other Quebec loops are all within one tourism region, organizing the Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour required the collaboration of several neighbouring regions – Charlevoix, Chaudière-Appalaches and Quebec Maritime (which includes Bas-Saint-Laurent, Cote-Nord and Gaspésie). Their idea is to provide snowmobilers with a must-do loop that samples some of the best sledding available in each of their regions. This unique circuit stages from Lévis, a convenient location for many riders trailering to Quebec to access snow sooner with more trail time.

Without much fanfare, these regional partners introduced the Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour for the 2024 season. This lowkey debut provided an opportunity for their new product to be tried, tested and assessed in a real world situation, before being widely promoted to snowmobilers everywhere.

Getting Ready

As the first snowmobiling media to experience the new loop, our mission was to give snowmobilers the scoop on how to do it, what to expect, and to provide valuable feedback for tour organizers to help make it even better. Effectively, we were the guinea pigs for the tour’s soft launch – and test riders for you!

With that goal in mind, we spent many hours studying, pre-planning, and reviewing our proposed tour itinerary to nail down the details that can make or break a good ride. Afterwards, we fine-tuned the itinerary again, so that snowmobilers would have the most complete template possible to plan their own Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour.

Of course, it helps that I’ve previously snowmobiled in each one of the regions participating in the Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour on other fondly remembered tours. So, I quickly agreed that this new loop brings some of La Belle Province’s best riding and scenery together in one outstanding tour…

Both Sides Now

The Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour is also the first and only Quebec loop routed on both sides of the St. Lawrence. Making this happen involved overcoming an immutable fact of Quebec geography: this mighty river divides La Belle Province in two: north and south of the St. Lawrence.

Perhaps nothing speaks better to this geographic reality than the designation of FCMQ Trans Quebec (TQ) and Regional Trails (RT). From their trail numbers, snowmobilers know automatically which side of the river they’re on, because trails on the north side include a “3” in their number, while those on the south side are indicated by a “5”. It’s almost like having two distinct trail networks across the waterway from each another – in fact, no FCMQ trails continue from one side of St. Lawrence to the other with the same number.

On the north side of the St. Lawrence, this tour takes in the elevations of the Charlevoix Mountains (part of the Laurentian chain) and panoramic lookouts at Montagne de la Croix (Local Trail 64), Mont à Peine (TQ 3), Mont Thérèse-Casgrain (Local Trail 54) and Lac-Gravel (RT 378) all located between La Malbaie and the mouth of the Saguenay River. Then, it’s on to the rugged ups and downs of TQ 3 through Canadian Shield terrain in Cote-Nord, from Tadoussac to Baie-Comeau. On the south side regions of Gaspésie, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Chaudière-Appalaches, you can either ride closer to the river on TQ 5 to enjoy the St. Lawrence lowlands, or head inland to travel TQ 35 through the foothills of the Appalachians.

Favourably Located

Location is also a special advantage of the Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour. Its northerly positioning and elevated terrain deliver a long riding season with abundant snow and cold for awesome trail riding. No wonder, because the eastern half of the Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour on both sides of the river is actually as far north as Monts-Valin!

What’s more, the loop is positioned east of Quebec’s main population centres. Thus, most trails on the loop avoid the wear & tear of daily traffic around the big cities. Instead, they run through more rural areas, where services are plentiful in snowmobile-friendly coastal towns and villages that really cater to winter lovers.

The Scoop On River Crossings

All of this is possible because safe river crossings are an integrated part of the Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour. At its west end, this loop includes an enclosed snowmobile shuttle across the bridge between Lévis (south side) and Quebec City (north side). 535km (465mi) farther east, the widest crossing is via the winter ferry running 61km (38mi) between Baie-Comeau and Matane. In between, the Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour also includes a short ferry ride across the Saguenay River from Baie-Sainte-Catherine in the Charlevoix Region to Tadoussac in the Cote-Nord Region (see river crossing sidebar for more info).

I quickly realized that the Baie Comeau/Matane winter ferry schedule would actually determine our entire tour itinerary, and here’s why: we’d decided to snowmobile the Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour clockwise, staging from Lévis to do the north side first. So, given the ferry schedule and the six days we had available to ride, our staging from Lévis had to start on a Sunday morning if we were going to make the Wednesday ferry from Baie-Comeau at 11am (departure time is 5pm on other days).

While the Baie-Comeau to Matane ferry is the primary, reliable and year-round connector between the two shores for locals, stormy weather occasionally disrupts its schedule. To account for this remote possibility, I added a “spare” day to the end of our itinerary, allowing us to move our drive home a day later if necessary. The key takeaway here is that regardless of whether you want to do this loop clockwise or counter-clockwise, be sure to start your itinerary by checking the winter ferry schedule first and plan accordingly.

Ferrying Tips

These ferry rides are a key part of what makes the Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour special. The whole ferry experience is extraordinary – where else can you find a ferry that transports sleds and offers lunch on board? Suddenly, you’re briefly transformed from a landlubber to a seafarer with incomparable views of the river, the ice, the coasts – and if you’re lucky, a seal or two. Plus, the Baie-Comeau-Matane ferry, with all its passenger amenities and comforts, is more like a cruise ship! Even the embarking and disembarking is memorable.

But ferries are made for cars and trucks, not sleds, so I recommend doing this loop with Rollerskis from Qualipieces on every sled. These easily installed ski wheels not only provide easier steering at gas stations, restaurants and lodgings. They also made traversing the many paved access areas and metal ramps/floors of ferries a breeze by lifting our runners above any damaging contact. And that meant a better ride overall thanks to our sharp carbides!

Extend Your Loop

Want to ride more than the minimum loop distance? The Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour also offers snowmobilers routing options. The 1,355 km (840 mi.) basic distance of the six-day loop can easily be extended by several hundred kilometres. Simply select alternative and more roundabout trails, especially in the Bas-Saint-Laurent and Chaudière-Appalaches south shore regions.

Riders who want to add days or distance can also consider taking the opportunity to go farther east than Baie-Comeau in Cote-Nord by adding the two-day return ride on TQ 3 to Sept-Iles (282km/175mi each way), or taking TQ 55 through the middle of Chaudiére-Appalaches to check out incredible views around Massif South Park (RT 547), then returning to the Lévis staging point from the south via TQ 35.

Whatever your itinerary preference, the Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour is an epic bucket-list adventure that’s also a great couples tour and will make many thumbs-up memories. So why not be among the first to give it a go by planning your own Grand St. Lawrence Snowmobile Tour loop ride this winter?

Loop Contacts

• Tourisme Chaudière-Appalaches
• Tourisme Charlevoix
• Le Quebec Maritime (Regions – Côte-Nord, Gaspésie & Bas-Saint-Laurent)
• Trail Permits & Interactive Trail Map

Clockwise Loop Lodgings

• Chaudière-Appalaches Region:
  Hotel & Suites Normandin, Lévis (418) 831-3119 or 1-800-749-3119
  Charlevoix Region:
  Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, La Malbaie (418) 665-7303 or 1-800-441-1414
  Le Quebec Maritime – Cote-Nord Region:
  Complexe hôtelier Escoumins, Les Escoumins (418) 233-2401 or 1-888-225-3463
  Hotel Le Manoir, Baie-Comeau (418) 296-1435 or 1-866-996-3391
  Le Quebec Maritime – Bas-Saint-Laurent Region:
  Hôtel L’Empress, Rimouski (418) 723-6944 or 1-866-305-6944
  Auberge Cap Martin, La Pocatière (418) 856-4450 or 1-866-995-6922

River Crossing Info

Lévis to Quebec City: Despite the recent and unexpected cancellation of the privately operated Sled Shuttle, touring riders still have good do-it-yourself options for crossing the St. Lawrence River. 
Saguenay Ferry: (418) 235-4395. Free. Runs 24/7. No reservations needed. Crossing time: 15 min.
Baie-Comeau to Matane Ferry: Advance reservations recommended by calling 1-877-787-7483. Arrive for boarding at least 45 min. prior to ferry departure time. Cost: #38.05/sled. Refreshments & indoors lounge available on board. Crossing time: 2 hours + embarking & disembarking time.

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!

Last March, our crew trailered to Edmundston, staging from there for a four-day, saddlebag tour. We’d heard that the Christmas Mountains are fast becoming a New Brunswick go-to destination and wanted to see what it is has to offer.

Dreaming The Ride

Little did we know that there’s much more to the Christmas Mountains than first meets the eye. The project had a soft launch for the winter of 2021, just in time to mark the 40th Anniversary of the New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (NBFSC). But there’s also a remarkable backstory to the Christmas Mountains – a real eye opener about how to create an extraordinary snowmobiling destination. Here’s the story behind the story…

Ross Antworth, now retired General Manager of the New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (NBFSC), wanted to bring the Black Hills of South Dakota home. After a 2007 visit to this iconic snowmobiling area, Antworth envisioned transforming a series of north-central New Brunswick peaks in the remote interior, into a must-visit destination in Eastern Canada. But along with the NBFSC, it took a host of committed partners and stakeholders, including First Nations and all levels of government, about 15 years to bring the Christmas Mountains dream to life.

Christmas Mountains Assets

That achievement couldn’t have happened without a confluence of prior events. Topography provided a solid foundation thousands of years ago, positioning Northern New Brunswick as far north as Saguenay Quebec or Cochrane Ontario. Geology contributed a sub-range of the Appalachian Mountains so the New Brunswick interior benefits from the colder climate of higher elevation. Both of these factors combine to deliver a must-have for a great snowmobiling destination: long, cold, snowy winters for early and late riding, often to the end of April.

The forestry industry added its own important contribution in the mid-nineties, when it began building logging roads in these north-central mountains. The resulting network of corridors and bridges, engineered to support the weight of logging trucks, provided an invaluable trail framework for the newly envisioned snowmobile destination.

Then around 2010, the “Northern Odyssey Tour” was introduced as a new snowmobiling experience in Northern New Brunswick. It’s an exceptional snowmobile adventure anchored by Edmundston, Campbellton, Bathurst and Acadian Peninsula. Still going strong, the Northern Odyssey provided a network of trans-provincial trails with numerous connections to towns, services and amenities, that helped open the remote interior access for trail riders.

What’s In A Name?

Let’s not forget Arthur Wightman. A New Brunswick member on the Canadian Permanent Committee on Geographical Names, Wightman was also a major contributor to the Christmas Mountains project. In 1964, he named ten previously unidentified peaks in north-central New Brunswick. Somewhat whimsically, Wightman dubbed them with Santa and his reindeer in mind: Mount Dasher, Mount Dancer, Mount Prancer, Mount Vixen, Mount Comet, Mount Cupid, Mount Donder and Mount Blitzen, plus Mount St. Nicholas and Mount North Pole.

Wightman’s naming was inspired by the 1823 poem quoted at the outset of this article, whose memorable first line is “‘Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house…”. Apparently, Rudolph, who wasn’t popularized until 1939 in the holiday season song “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer” missed out on a summit of his own. Located near Mount Carleton, the highest in the province, these peaks soon became collectively known as the “Christmas Mountains”. Little did Wightman know that his fanciful monikers were destined to become a very special snowmobiling brand 57 years later.

The Hub Concept

Fast forward to more recent times. Many important building blocks for a “Black Hills” style destination were already in place in New Brunswick. But the question was: How to bring them together and optimize their collective value? A great place to start was with some of the attributes that have helped make the Black Hills successful. So in 2013, the NBFSC commissioned renown Trails Work Consultant, Kim Raap, to write a report called the “Snowmobile Trails Development Plan”.

That plan described how snowmobile operations in the Black Hills revolve around the Hardy Work Center. Run by the US Forest service, this historic collection of two log cabins, one logshop/garage and two modern garages, is located in the remote heart of the Black Hills. It’s used by employees of the State of South Dakota in the winter to maintain snowmobile trails.

The centralized concept in a remote area enables a more effective and efficient grooming operation with dedicated groomers and paid operators stationed on site. From this hub, groomers can spoke out regularly, doing one-way passes on runs that loop back to base. And with groomers & operators centrally located, grooming surrounding trails is their only priority and occurs more frequently.

If the machines were individually based miles away at various towns, keeping these remote trails smooth wouldn’t happen as often. Also, it’s much easier for groomers at a central base, closer to their grooming runs, to undertake early and late season grooming, when surrounding access trails at lower elevations don’t have enough snow.

Show Us The Money

Several years later, the province recognized project progress when the proposed “Christmas Mountains Snowmobile Network” was designated a “Signature Trail” attraction in the New Brunswick Trail Action Plan. This document rated the Christmas Mountains project as 90% ready to meet the Signature Trail criteria of being strategically located, safe to ride and sustainable into the future.

Soon after, a multi-million investment transformed the existing operational base for the staff of Mount Carleton Provincial Park into a contemporary New Brunswick equivalent of the Black Hills’ Hardy Work Center. The New Brunswick government funded two new groomers located at this new hub, and trained staff to operate them for the winter months to take the grooming load off area snowmobile clubs.

A new fuel depot now keeps the groomers running (and provides gas daily for visiting sleds), while a magnificent new warm up facility is open daily (until 11 pm) with bathrooms and WIFI for winter visitors, plus store & snacks (open Thurs. to Sun). Several new park bridges were built to accommodate the new groomers, while new warm up shelters now offer rest stops on Christmas Mountain trails.

Gateways & Access

As our crew did, riders can access the Christmas Mountains from several gateway staging locations: In the west, from Edmundston (180 km via NB12 & 19) or Plaster Rock (115 km via NB23); from the east via Bathurst (129 km via NB19 or 23); or to the south from Doaktown-McNamee (184 km via NB58) or Miramichi (212 km via NB52 & NB23). And true to their Christmas theme, several hundred kilometres of new trails are shown in red on NBFSC print and online maps. The trails are named Prancer, Dancer, Vixen, Comet Cupid, Candy Cane and North Pole (once again, latecomer Rudolph didn’t make the cut).

Meanwhile, ride-in lodgings for the Christmas Mountains are located in Saint-Quentin (53 km northwest on NB19), Nictau (50 km west on NB23), Roger’s Lake (80 km east on NB23) or north at Island Lake Lodge (60 km on NB19) & Sugar Camp (80 km on Trail 301). The closest accommodations to Christmas Mountains trails are Serpentine Lake Lodge (on NB58) and Governor’s Wilderness Resort (on NB23).

A Work In Progress

The Christmas Mountains is a dream coming true. But it’s still a work in progress. Developing Mount Carleton Lodge into a 7-day a week winter operation for food service and winterizing existing their accommodations, would be beneficial. Having both a Christmas Mountains trail map and background info mounted on wallboards at Mount Carleton Lodge would help build visitor interest. So would “Welcome to the Christmas Mountains” billboards on every trail leading into the area to promote its status as a go-to destination and let visiting riders know they’re arrived.

One other valuable asset of the Black Hills hasn’t yet been officially realized in the Christmas Mountains – an integrated backcountry riding component. With Crown Land prevalent throughout the 52,000 acres of Christmas Mountains, plenty of legal opportunities exist for powder riding. Remember all those logging roads I mentioned earlier? Many are now unmaintained, endless corridors where local backcountry enthusiasts already get their ya-ya’s out. But so far, visiting riders are left to discover backcountry opportunities on their own, whereas designated and promoted areas (and guided rides) would solidify the Christmas Mountains’ growing reputation as powder central.

Riding The Dream

Regardless, 15 years after Ross Antworth brought a dream back from the Black Hills, the Christmas Mountains now provides an outstanding trail riding experience – early, late or anytime in between. It’s a natural complement to the Northern Odyssey, albeit a destination all its own. Areas towns and remote operators are already reaping the rewards from a notable increase in ridership to the area.

Many other snowmobiling regions could use the New Brunswick playbook to help create their own special destinations. Yes, it’s truly Christmas all winter long in Northern New Brunswick – so now’s the time to start planning your Christmas Mountains adventure ride this winter!

STAGING LODGINGS:

Grey Rock Quality Inn, Edmundston
greyrockqualityhotel.com
(506) 737-2000

Atlantic Host Hotel, Bathurst
atlantichost.com
(506) 548-3335

Wilson’s Sporting Lodge, McNamee
wilsonscamps.nb.ca
(506) 365-7962

Settler’s Inn & Motel, Plaster Rock
settlersinn.com
(506) 356-9000

WHO TO CONTACT:

Tourism New Brunswick
tourismnewbrunswick.ca/winter-snowmobile

Northern Odyssey
northernodyssey.ca

New Brunswick Federation of Snowmobile Clubs
(online permits & trail map)
nbfsc.com

Québec in the winter is unlike any other place in North America! Incredible, scenic vistas and meticulously groomed trails are all part of the landscape. You can expect trees covered with mounds of the white stuff, fences covered to the top of the posts and snowmobile trails measuring in meter-depths.

There are more than 20,500 miles (33,000 km) of groomed trails in the province – incredibly, all are safely routed and well-marked with clear trail signage. There are hundreds of quaint, cozy places to stay and even more great places to dine, all accessible by snowmobile.

Take a good look at this list of must-see regions and winter tourist sites in the province. These places need to be top-of-mind with every snowmobiler.

Visit Mastigouche and Rouge Matawin Provincial Wildlife Reserves

Both the Mauricie and Lanaudière regions – Authentic Québec – are easily accessible from the major population centers of Montréal and Québec City and offer fantastic amenities for snowmobilers. This includes rides through two beautiful provincial wildlife reserves (Mastigouche and Rouge-Matawin). Great eating, great overnight stays and scenic lookouts along the way to snowmobile-friendly places like Saint-Donat (Trail 33) and a long list of other cozy, comfortable destinations catering specifically to winter visitors.

Visit: snowmobilecountry.ca

Easily Accessible from Ontario by Snowmobile

Cross by snowmobile from Ontario to Abitibi-Témiscamingue via the Outaouais region using either of two bridges in the Pontiac region.

You can self-guide your ride on groomed trails through the Laurentians for hundreds of miles or book a guided tour to discover some of the many unique, hidden sights of the region. You’ll climb to the top of the famous Devil’s Mountain or “Montagne du Diable” (Trail 13). It is one of Québec snowmobiling’s most visited landmarks and a well-known meeting place for snowmobilers passing through the Upper Laurentians. After a thrilling ride to the top, the view from the summit is breathtaking.

One of Outaouais region’s best snowmobile dream experiences is riding the Pontiac Pacific Railroad along FCMQ Trail 43. This abandoned railway, groomed laser-smooth for 92 km (57 miles), takes you onto the new bridge crossing from Ontario to the western part of the region. You’ll also see the longest covered bridge in Québec (The Marchand Covered bridge ), one of the largest deer yards in the province (Pourvoirie Club des Douze) and the beautiful Chutes Coulonge when you ride Trail 43.

There’s a huge variety of wide, frequently-groomed trails in this part of the province: Valleys, hills, woodlands, wildlife reserves – plus welcoming accommodation for snowmobilers.

Visit: tourismeoutaouais.com, laurentides.com

Consistent Snow Means Incredible Trails!

Both these districts are easily accessed from Ontario. The trail grooming is always flawless in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region but there are other great reasons to visit here: Awe-inspiring scenery, a magnificent network of groomed trails and a long menu of inns, motels and dining stops to make your tour memorable. The Festival Folifrets Baie-James is a unique snowmobile competition held for over 50 years in Chibougamau, in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region.

There’s a long list of friendly inns, open all winter in Abitibi-Témiscamingue region offering great cuisine guaranteed to give you relaxing comfort after a day of riding the region’s impeccable trail system and taking in its majestic boreal landscapes! Snowmobiling is a cultural experience in Abitibi-Témiscamingue and this is where you’ll find handcrafted accessories designed specifically for riders. Also, the Rouyn- Noranda’s winter festival takes place every January (Trail 93). You’ll always feel welcome in this region and easy snowmobile accessibility to many amenities makes this a super-convenient place to tour.

Visit: abitibi-temiscamingue-tourism.org, escapelikeneverbefore.com

Experience the View from Mont Saint-Magloire

In Centre-du-Québec and Chaudière-Appalaches you can easily ride loop trails without leaving the area or, if you want a longer trip, you can venture across Chaudière-Appalaches to connect with other Québec regions. Located just across the border, you’ll find affordable accommodations adapted specifically to snowmobilers.

There’s a diversity of trails here and the trails offer spacious, open views without a lot of traffic. Drink in the forest, mountain and river scenery.

The view from Mont Saint-Magloire (Trail 549) at the top of the observation tower at 3,000 foot in Massif du Sud regional park is nothing short of spectacular! On a clear day, you can even see the mountains all the way to Maine, including Mount Katahdin. Trails are meticulously maintained and all routes and signage are clearly designated everywhere in these regions.

Visit: tourismecentreduquebec.com, chaudiereappalaches.com

Ride Along the St. Lawrence River

You’ll experience some of the most beautiful winter landscapes in North America when you visit Charlevoix! You can start your adventure at the famous, 5-star Le Fairmont Manoir Richelieu hotel or any of the many great bed & breakfasts, inns and hotels in Charlevoix region. There are some really good snowmobile touring companies located here, too, and you can contact them before your trip and make arrangements. There are exceptional panoramas to be experienced along the St. Lawrence River.

Québec City offers lush accommodation, renowned gastronomy and vibrant big-city life – still close to snowmobile trails!

Discover the Summits of Monts-Valin circuit trails running through the Monts-Valin mountains (Trails 93 & 328). You’ll be riding among four different peaks at an altitude of more than 770m (2,526 feet), offering an incredible view of the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region, and the breathtaking Saguenay fjord in particular.

Snowmobilers flock here with the first snow, often in November, and don’t leave until late spring. The trail network is exceptional, maintenance is constant, services and accommodations are plentiful!

Visit: quebec-cite.com

Unforgettable Vistas Unlike Any Other in North America!

If you’re looking for dramatic sea views, quaint, comfortable inns and fine dining, Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie and Côte-Nord – Québec by the Sea – are places you’ll want to go this winter! The region is famous for rugged elevations, perfectly groomed trails and the scenery bordering the Estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Start in Rivière-du-Loup and follow Trans-Québec trail #5 (TQ5). It will take you through the mountains where you’ll experience magnificent views along the St. Lawrence River all the way to the Gaspé Peninsula. Enroute, you’ll see the legendary Percé Rock (Trail 5) and the dynamic Chic-Choc Mountains. With its snowy forest trails and frequent sighting of wildlife, this tour is what snowmobilers dream about!

Visit: quebecmaritime.ca

Yes, there’s no shortage of great snowmobiling places to discover in Québec. Make this winter your year to visit!

PLAN YOUR TRIP

Step #1:

Chart your route when you’re planning at home, using bonjourquebec.com. Here, you’ll find information about each of the regions in Québec, the top trails to visit, all information you need to know before going and way more!

Step #2:

Download the iMotoneige App onto your smartphone and then go to the interactive map available online on the fcmq.qc.ca website. This detailed map includes snowmobile routes and hundreds of on-trail services like lodging, restaurants, parking, repair services and attractions you can take advantage of.

Step #3:

Before you leave home, don’t forget to buy your Québec Trail Permit! Every permit is sold online, so you can already have it displayed on your snowmobile before you leave home. Buy your permit at: fcmq.qc.ca. You can also check the above FCMQ website to learn about any COVID restrictions that may apply this winter.

Step #4:

Québec’s provincial snowmobile federation, the FCMQ, has an official Certificate of Secure Hotels (look for the “Secured Hotel” icon on the iMotoneige App and the online interactive map).  Those qualifying hotels must have security features for snowmobiles such as: A locked garage, locked enclosures, free snowmobile security chains, video surveillance systems or security guard service.

This good news averts the looming closure or disruption of almost 1,000 kilometres of the last remaining Algoma Country trail link between Sault Ste Marie and Hearst. It’s a link well-known to American snowmobilers as their gateway to the rest of Northeastern Ontario, and the Halfway Haven re-opening coincides with the re-opening of the international border, just in time to welcome American snowmobilers back to Ontario for the coming winter.

Halfway Haven is located north of Sault Ste. Marie, on a remote stretch of Trans Ontario Provincial (TOP) Trail D between Searchmont and Wawa. The fuel, food and lodgings available at Halfway Haven make it possible for groomers coming from Searchmont, Wawa and Chapleau (on TOP C101D) to do their long runs through this vast territory. Stopping at this iconic midway point also provides touring riders with the fuel essential to complete this breathtaking section of trail.

The closure of Halfway Haven, announced on their Facebook page last April 30th, would have resulted in trail closures this winter due to no gas availability in the area. It would also have cut off snowmobile access to many communities north of Halfway Haven.

Readers of Supertrax Magazine and viewers of SnowTrax TV are familiar of this amazing trail between Sault Ste. Marie and Hearst from previous coverage. If you need a reminder, check out their tour article and television episodes. They provide many good reasons why this remains a favourite Northern Ontario ride. So now that Halfway Haven is open, why not plan your own Algoma Country tour for this winter?

But the announced re-opening is only a stop-gap measure for the coming winter. It postpones a potential future closing of Halfway Haven by only a year. Hopefully, that will buy enough time for area stakeholders to champion a more permanent solution that takes the season to season guesswork out of Halfway’s shaky existence as the only viable service operation on this trail.

To help this happen and keep trails open, Supertrax Media is covering the story and has produced the Halfway Haven video below to emphasize its importance to snowmobiling in Northern Ontario. Let’s keep our fingers crossed that Halfway Haven survives beyond this winter and is with us for many more years to come!

Somewhere in the back of my lizard brain, another closed trail registered. But frankly, it didn’t really hit home until I was planning a tour to re-visit a favourite destination and discovered a major connecting trail missing from their online map. With that trail gone, I’d either have to re-route far out of my way or go someplace else. What a pain!

Then I noticed more social media posts from snowmobile clubs and other riders alerting about recent trail closures in various parts of the snowbelt. Most occurred because snowmobilers had wandered off trail to track fresh powder, ignored signs, cut corners, taken shortcuts, run down stake lines, broken through fences and closed gates, damaged crops, or harassed livestock. Some shut downs were even caused by noisy pipes.

Among this elite handful, the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is second to none.

My Kind of Place

I well remember my first visit to Le Manoir Richelieu by snowmobile. We cruised along a tabletop Local Trail 124 until we glimpsed the St. Lawrence. But our surroundings remained as wild and remote as if we were still riding Charlevoix’s backcountry highlands.

Then without warning, we rounded a corner and were astonished to see a massive castle-like structure ahead, dominating the cliff ahead. This is my lasting, larger-than life impression of Le Manoir Richelieu, the world class hotel that’s become a very special home-away-from-home for many snowmobilers.

Where It’s At

The Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is located in the heart of Charlevoix, a region equally impressive for its abundant snow, superb trails and long-lasting winters. What’s more, eons ago a gigantic meteor-strike gave Charlevoix mountainous terrain whose panoramic views are the perfect backdrop for this stunning hotel.

The best way to get to the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu is by snowmobile. Trans Quebec Trail 3 parallels the St. Lawrence and runs the length of the Charlevoix Region. As the halfway point, La Malbaie is surrounded by local trails that combine with Regional Trail 378 to make several good day loops for staging from this remarkable hotel.

Meanwhile, the regions of Saguenay (to the north) and Quebec (to the southwest) offer extended riding opportunities connected to Charlevoix. So visiting snowmobilers have the option of basing out of Le Manoir Richelieu for multiple day rides, or stopping there overnight on a saddlebag tour. But don’t short-change yourself…

Great Facilities

I’d highly recommend at least a two-night stay for the full Manoir Richelieu experience – you simply can’t take it all in during a single night! Amenities include a heated outdoor saltwater pool and hot tub, plus indoor pool, hot tub and sauna, and Moment Spa. Additionally, there’s gourmet dining in several restaurants, ice skating, snowshoeing, acres of property to explore and, connected by a tunnel, the Casino de Charlevoix. And don’t forget the snowmobile rentals, direct trail access to heated and secure indoor sled parking! And, although there’s no on site fuel, a gas station on Local Trail 64 at nearby Clermont is handy to all the rides we did.

Charlevoix Trail Riding

Have you been yearning to visit Québec but haven’t figured out where to stay when you get there? Here’s how to plan the best snowmobile tour you’ll ever take:

THE PROVINCE OF QUÉBEC IS THE IDEAL DESTINATION FOR SNOWMOBILING

There are plenty of reasons this is true, not the least of which are the regions and accommodations we’ve listed here! Besides, Québec has put together a set of tools you can use to plan your trip and make the whole thing super-easy!

STEP#1 The very first thing you should do is go to this website: snowmobileinquebec.com. Here, you’ll find the information you need about each of the regions in Québec – what to see, places to stay, places to eat, where to find rental snowmobiles, snowmobile service outlets and way, way more! Use this info to choose which area you want to go to.

STEP#2 Next, if you want to take a paper map with you on your trip – or just use it to chart your route when you’re planning at home, there are regional maps you can request in the mail from local tourism associations or what’s even easier is that you can go online and download a digital map. Just click on the region illustrated at snowmobileinquebec.com you want to visit and print it out. You can also order maps and other information direct from the Québec Tourism Association snowmobileinquebec.com

STEP#3 Download iMotoneige.com onto your smartphone and then go to the interactive maps available there. These very detailed maps include snowmobile routes and hundreds of on-trail services like lodging, restaurants, parking, repair services and attractions you can take advantage of.

STEP#4 Before you leave home, don’t forget to buy your Québec Trail Permit! Every permit is sold online, so you can already have it displayed on your snowmobile before you leave home.
Buy your permit at: fcmq.qc.ca/en/trail-permit/line-trail-permits
This is a safe and secure website.

STEP#5 Did you know Québec’s provincial snowmobile federation, the FCMQ, has an official Certificate of Secure Hotels which means those qualifying hotels must have security features for snowmobiles such as: A locked garage, locked enclosures and free security chains for the use of guests, video surveillance systems or security guard service?

Here’s a list of lodgings, accommodations and restaurants that are well known to snowmobilers and fully equipped to Québec’s standards to look after you and your snowmobiling family and friends.

IF YOU’RE PLANNING A VISIT TO EEYOU ISTCHEE BAIE-JAMES…