6 winter activities to do at night too

Darkness is not always an obstacle to outdoor activities. Some places offer to stretch the short days of winter with illuminated night activities. Follow the leader!

1. Winter night hike in Mont-Orford (Eastern Townships)

Several ski resorts in Quebec have understood the interest of offering night activities in winter, and Mont-Orford is one of them. The Estrienne station allows the practice of winter hiking in a supervised manner, after its opening hours. It is possible to climb with snowshoes, crampons or winter boots to the three peaks of the resort – namely Mount Orford (850 m above sea level) and its two neighbors, Monts Giroux (630 m) and Alfred -Desrochers (635 m) – on certain authorized trails, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

2. Torchlight snowshoeing at Mont-Mégantic National Park (Eastern Townships)

Here we touch on the grandiose and the sublime. Qualifiers that fit perfectly with the Mont-Mégantic National Park, renowned for its sumptuous reliefs, its rich forests and especially its international dark sky reserve – the first to have been created in the world. In winter, we take full measure. On Saturdays, between the end of January and the end of March, one can enjoy astronomy evenings at the ASTROLab at the base of the mountain, a 2-hour activity combined with a free walk by torchlight and under the stars.

3. Cross-country skiing at the Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno (Montérégie)

About 15 minutes from Montreal bridges, this park attracts many visitors in winter, with 35 km of marked cross-country ski trails. On Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from January to early March, it is open to skiers until 9 p.m., as well as to snowshoers, walkers and snow cyclists. A heated relay and a waxing room are available to evening customers, but unfortunately not the rental shop.

4. Fatbike under the moon at Empire 47 (Quebec)

Empire 47, located less than 25 minutes from downtown Quebec, is definitely THE destination for practicing fatbike in Quebec. Monday to Friday, all trails are accessible until 9 p.m. The organization even provides headlamps to be installed on the handlebars of the bike (in addition to those on the helmet). Then it’s up to you to explore this superb network of 50 km of trails specially designed and equipped for this activity. And this, regardless of your level, since e47 has accessible trails for everyone, from beginners to experts.

5. Night skating in the forest at the Enchanting Estate (Mauricie)

The Domaine Enchanteur offers skating trails in the forest totaling 15 km. They are accessible in the evening (until 8 or 10 p.m. depending on the day of the week). Some of the trails are even illuminated! On site, you will also find a snowshoe trail, a rental center and a mini-farm. Note that the estate is above all an agritourism business whose primary vocation is beekeeping!

6. Upla, illuminated trampoline in the trees (Montérégie)

At Mont-Saint-Grégoire, the Uplå center has been offering a unique experience for several months: jumping, day and night, on a 2000 m2 trampoline. Perched 7 m above the ground, it is divided into seven zones (including one with two floors) and has three slides, a tunnel and three access ramps. If you choose the nocturnal version of the activity, you will find yourself in the middle of the forest jumping under the stars, on the completely illuminated structure.

Any other nighttime outdoor ideas?

• Nocturnal alpine sledding at the Massif de Charlevoix. You will hurtle down a 7.5 km track in the light of the moon and a headlamp. lemassif.com
• Evening ski touring in Bromont, in the Eastern Townships. The ski resort allows skiers to climb the mountain in climbing skins, before descending on the groomed slopes, even after sunset. bromontmontagne.com
• Dog sledding in the moonlight. Thanks to the company Aventures Liguoriennes, in Saint-Liguori, you will stroll peacefully for two hours on the silent trails of Lanaudière. liguorianadventures.com