This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
The bike with oversized wheels is now essential in all regions of Quebec. The perfect opportunity to play with winter, whether you are a beginner or a confirmed expert.
It is everywhere, especially in parks and in outdoor centres, mountain biking and, sometimes, cross-country skiing: the fat bike offers a not insignificant option by clearing a path on a snowy surface… or not! Surfing on the growing popularity of mountain biking, this bike with oversized wheels has as much the spirit of adventure as the sense of practicality: the fat bike is ideal for taking snowy trails in the middle of nature and getting around town easily. Snowy, icy or “muddy” ground: it ignores obstacles and adapts to all conditions, thanks to its tires, twice as wide as ordinary tires, which demonstrate good grip on snowy surfaces. Like all other styles of bikes, it comes in steel, aluminum and, even, carbon for the higher performance models. Its success is due to its great accessibility: it requires little technical skill, can be practiced year-round, appeals to both fans of adrenaline than young families, and it coexists rather well with other users of the territory – hikers or skiers – provided it is practiced with caution and courtesy.
Charlevoix
Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie National Park. The portion of the territory accessible to fat bike is not very big, but it has such beautiful views that you won’t want to miss it! Especially since this national park has only been open in winter for a few years. From Le Draveur Visitors Centre, a 7 km trail connects the Équerre sector, where the Malbaie River makes an almost perfect right angle. A breathtaking spectacle: on both sides, the river is collected in a deep valley from which rise cliffs more than 800 meters high. Icefalls, known to international ice climbers, cling to the rock faces. To return to your starting point, you can also drive on the icy surface of the river without ceasing to admire the landscape classified as a World Biosphere Reserve because of the crater formed after the fall of a meteor more than two years ago. millions of years. Location of fat bike and packages with two nights and luggage transport offered. Adult right of access: $9.25.
Quebec region
Empire 47. It is one of the rare territories to dedicate so many paths to the exclusive practice of fat bike : this mountain bike center and school offers no less than 42 km of forest trails for winter biking, classified from beginner to expert. People come here to experience the charm of the place, but also to support the business model of this non-profit organization which intends to establish itself as the “winter bike station” par excellence. Mountain bike enthusiasts particularly appreciate the level of maintenance of the trails and the presence of patrollers on the trails can reassure beginners. As a bonus, viewpoint stations line the various trails. Location of fatbike offered. Mountain bike school for all ages. Adult right of access: $21.25.
Mont-Sainte-Anne cross-country ski center. It’s hard to ignore this institution as it has established itself as one of the top places for mountain biking, especially downhill and cross-country, in all seasons. At the Mont-Sainte-Anne cross-country ski center, winter biking enthusiasts have access to 9 km of easy and intermediate snow-covered trails, which start at the main chalet on rang Saint-Julien. Some are to be shared with snowshoe hikers or cross-country skiers. On the way, we stop at the heated Marie-Josée refuge to have a snack or warm up. The opportunity to learn about winter cycling during an alpine skiing holiday. Location of fatbike offered. Adult entry fee: $15 (family ticket offered).
Monteregie
Soulanges Canal Regional Park. The famous bike path, easily accessible to the west of the greater Montreal area, is cleared of snow in winter to welcome winter cycling enthusiasts. For 35 km, we drive quietly, taking the time to admire the industrial heritage and the basins of the old waterway classified as a historical monument by the Government of Quebec. Stops are a must at the Pointe-des-Cascades nature park and at Petit Pouvoir aux Cèdres, the former hydroelectric power station also listed as a historical monument. Accessible free of charge. No rental of fat bike on the site.
Eastern Townships
Coaticook Gorge Park. We know this park for hiking in its dazzling contrasting landscapes, especially from its suspended footbridge, but less for its winter biking trails. However, some 17 km of paths, some of which are shared with walkers, offer lovers of fat bike the chance to evolve in an exceptional forest environment, whether they are at the beginner, intermediate or expert level. This territory is full of activities to practice, including snow sledding, ice climbing and dog sledding. As a bonus, you can stay there in a rustic refuge, located in a wooded area. Diehards will definitely love pitching their tent for the ultimate winter camping experience. Adult entry fee: $15.
A few tips for getting started
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the Duty, relating to marketing. The drafting of Duty did not take part.