This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
And so stay active, rub shoulders with landscapes magnified by snow and learn to love winter!
1. Camp Mercier (Quebec region)
The whole region is an outdoor paradise in general and cross-country skiing in particular. And Camp Mercier, in the heart of the Laurentides wildlife reserve, is one of its most prestigious strongholds. The snow cover and the sliding conditions are quite simply exceptional. As a bonus, there are no less than 70 km of beautifully marked trails, including 20 km for skating. This territory is particularly attractive for an initiation, as it is criss-crossed by seven beginner-level trails. The coniferous forest laden with padded snow creates a bewitching intimate atmosphere. For a gentle outing, take loop 2, then 3, starting from the reception chalet and go around the lake at Christmas for breathtaking views. Want to extend the experience? This circuit gives access to another loop (tracks 4 and 5) which runs along the small Lac aux Sables before returning to the starting point. Note that trail 14, classified as intermediate level, is unfortunately not accessible this winter due to “forestry work” carried out by Laval University, owner of the Montmorency Forest (another superb playground) to which the Camp Mercier is online.
Practical information : daily access fee: $16.57 (adult). There are also 33 km of snowshoe trails in this territory that culminate at 1000 m in the middle of the forest. Several chalets are available on site. Equipment rental available.
2. The Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts Outdoor Center (Laurentides)
Welcome to the cross-country skiing mecca of the Laurentians! The 87 km of marked trails in Mont-Tremblant National Park, classified from easy to very difficult, and their unparalleled atmosphere are no longer presented. Nor the famous P’tit Train du Nord linear park, accessible to all, which connects Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier. But, for a discovery off the beaten track, head to the Center de plein air Camping Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, in the eponymous municipality. In the heart of magical landscapes, 13 mechanically traced trails totaling 50 km will delight both beginners and experienced cross-country skiers. Departure from the reception center on the Camping track which takes you, after 3 km, to the Verrière to complete a 5 km initiation loop. But don’t miss the area’s major attraction, Lac des Sables. We go around it by taking the Vanier trail (also classified as easy level) for an additional loop of 7 km.
Practical information : daily access fee: $9.50 (adult). Snowshoeing enthusiasts will enjoy taking the 18 km of trails in the centre. Cabins are available in winter.
3. The CMB Energy Center (Mauricie)
The region stands out magnificently in terms of cross-country skiing, especially thanks to La Mauricie National Park, a jewel that offers 80 km of high-quality trails in an exceptional setting. Less well known, the Énergie CMB centre, near Trois-Rivières, also has a very tempting offer, with 27 km of marked trails that extend into the heart of a wooded area: for classic and skating. From the reception centre, we start quietly on the Renard trail for a small loop of 3.5 km, just to loosen our legs on an easy route. To make the pleasure last, we connect to the Orignal trail, which circles the forest territory along an additional 5.6 km.
Practical information : daily access fee: $13.50 (adult). The center also offers 8 km of snowshoe trails, as well as 14 km of trails for fatbike. Equipment rental available.
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.