If you want to live a quality experience, follow trails that offer you unique scenery and enjoy very high quality accommodation facilities as well as restaurants, put the name of the Laurentians region on your planning.
“For me, the Laurentians is the most beautiful region for snowmobiling in Quebec,” declared the regional administrator for the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec, Normand Béchard. We can say that it was here that the world of snowmobiling as we know it today was born. »
“The first club registered with a charter was that of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, of which I was once president. The club is over 60 years old. He is still active and focused on the good practice of snowmobiling on all fronts. We can think of the quality of the trails and safety. One of the first concerns we have in the region is that snowmobilers feel safe at all costs. This way of thinking is shared by the 21 clubs that create and maintain the 2400 km of trails that we have to offer. »
“With us, the practice of snowmobiling is open to all types of enthusiasts, whether families, couples, single people and even people who would like to have thrills, in places where it is safe to do it. »
The territory offered to snowmobilers is large.
“Our territory extends from the city of Laval to the Baskatong reservoir north of Maniwaki and as far as Mont-Laurier, at the gateway to the trails of the Outaouais region. We also have on our territory the famous Petit Train du Nord trail, which follows the route of the old railway that linked Montreal to the Laurentians. It allows snowmobilers to leave from Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and go as far as Mont-Laurier, in great conditions. »
Photo provided by Normand Béchard
Here is an idea of the facilities that outfitters can offer you, such as the Rabaska outfitter here, in the Baskatong reservoir sector.
ROTATING PLATE
For this expert, his region is truly a leading hub in Quebec.
“We are the region in Quebec which, from Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, can open the door to Mauricie, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Lanaudière, via the J.-A Ratelle trail, Montérégie, Outaouais, Ontario. An important point to underline is that very often, the snowmobile season starts very early here, every winter. We are the first to practice snowmobiling very often in December, because the snow falls early and it stays on the ground. »
“This year, however, was special because of the warm weather we experienced after the big snowstorm. Normally, in the Laurentians, it is possible to practice snowmobiling from December 20th. The Petit Train du Nord trail is often among the first trails to be opened in Quebec. »
The expert made a point of stressing that the Monts-Valin region is in a class of its own, this sector benefiting from particular weather conditions. He also mentioned that being close to the Montreal region means that a very large pool of snowmobilers favors his region.
“It’s not always possible to start a hike in Laval. When traveling to the Mirabel region, there are parking lots available. The main trails 3 and 33 leave from Mirabel. »
AN EXCEPTIONAL WELCOME
Over time, we have developed a very interesting range of services in the region.
“The region is touristy. It has equipped itself with infrastructures capable of welcoming tourists from Europe and the United States, from Ontario, from Canada as a whole, and of course, Quebec snowmobilers. I believe that we have the greatest number of accommodation and restaurant infrastructures that will allow snowmobilers to make circuits ranging from one day to one week, without ever going to the same place.
“We have a large network of outfitters, about twenty, that offer services to snowmobilers. They can thus remain open all year round and present their products to people who may wish to come back in summer or fall. For people who don’t have a snowmobile and would like to experience it, we rely on a good network of rental companies. »
Like many other regions of Quebec, the Laurentians benefit greatly from the economic spinoffs related to the practice of this winter activity that has been part of our culture for years.
So, if you want to discover the Montagne du Diable sector or rub shoulders with the deer of La Macaza, you can obtain all the necessary information on the laurentides.com website or by calling 450 224-7007 or 1-800-561. -6673.