This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
It’s winter ! Time to take out your snowshoes and enjoy the remarkable beauty of our territories. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, a multitude of trails are waiting for you.
The Laurentians with his dog
No less than 30 km of marked and maintained trails are available to snowshoers in the nature reserve of the Val-David–Val-Morin regional park, especially to those who like to walk with their dog. From the Far Hills chalet (Val-Morin sector ), a multitude of options are offered to beginners, in particular on the Family Trail, 3 km accessible to all, including people with reduced mobility. In the Val-David sector, one of the less busy trails is the Le Lièvre loop, which starts at the Anne-Piché chalet and runs, along 8.5 km, towards the Condor mountains, then Césaire. This unpaved trail requires you to put on your snowshoes. Experts will also find plenty to have fun with circuits with higher elevations, in particular the large Mont King loop (6.7 km), particularly rugged, which leads to several striking viewpoints. Then the path that leads to the Condor and King mountains (6.9 km), which runs along magnificent erratic blocks and cliffs covered with ice falls. Entrance fee: $11. Equipment rental offered.
The Montérégie with young children
In Sainte-Catherine, the RécréoParc ecological park, on the South Shore, is a mecca for outdoor activities in an urban environment. Ideal for the family, it has 9 km of easy hiking trails accessible all year round, some of which run along the river and others meander through the forest. As part of Polar Rendez-vous, the park organizes, among other things, several boreal evenings to celebrate winter in the warmest possible way. On the program, torchlight procession, DJ and music from the 1970s and 1980s (January 28), country music (February 11) and a guest artist (February 25). Also, the beautifully illuminated winter village is the perfect place to continue the day with skating on the 800-meter frozen trail and sliding on the snow-covered mound. The winter village continues until March 5. Location of fat bikessnowshoes, cross-country skis and kick scooters.
The Eastern Townships for beginners
Hikers without experience, look towards the national parks! Firstly because the ecosystem there is always exceptional, therefore able to seduce the neophyte in you, but also because the trails are always well marked and safe. As a bonus, the discovery and service centers provide relevant information on both the trails and the day’s weather conditions. To start a winter hike with snowshoes or crampons, Parc national du Mont-Orford is an excellent choice, as it has 16 km of trails for all levels, including routes classified as easy. With a negligible drop of 95 m, the Pékan trail guarantees a beautiful, rather comfortable 9.5 km hike, with a panoramic view of the highlights of the park, which are the Etang aux Cerises and the Mont Orford massif, from the Hill of Pines. Departure is from the discovery and visitors center Le Cerisier. Entrance fee: $9.25 (free for 17 and under). Equipment rental.
The Quebec region for experts
Let’s face it, the entire Capitale-Nationale region is an outdoor paradise, in all seasons. The Bras-du-Nord valley, in Saint-Raymond-de-Portneuf, is one of its most beautiful playgrounds with its 80 km of hiking trails also accessible on snowshoes. Among them, the Cliffs trail, a linear route totaling 17 km classified expert, which presents several climbing challenges, especially at the beginning because of its steep drop. Halfway through, the Falaises refuge offers hikers two options: a lunch break or overnight accommodation (upon reservation). The view over the valley is simply magical. While you’re there, take the short loop leading to Cap Bédard to admire the panoramic view of the river. As a bonus, Vallée Bras-du-Nord is a solidarity cooperative that focuses on sustainable development and the pooling of local strengths. School and social reintegration programs are offered there, in addition to the multitude of activities and accommodation offered on site. Entrance fee: $6.31 ($8.48 on weekends). Equipment rental.
Lanaudière to make the pleasure last
Nothing better than spending several days in nature to do some good! As in the Inter-Centre network, in the high place of the outdoors that is the region of Saint-Donat. A two-day circuit with night in a refuge is accessible from the Lac du Rocher parking lot. Start of the Refuges trail, which leads, 7.1 km further, to the Le Nordet refuge. The next day, we continue on the Bruyère lake trail to complete the loop after a 4.3 km hike. A two-night circuit is also offered, with a stop at L’Appel refuge. Recommendation addressed to hikers: stay on the trails reserved for snowshoeing! The refuges are not accessible between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the To have to, relating to marketing. The drafting of To have to did not take part.