With or without snow, it’s time to play outside!
Winter in Québec is a daily surprise! No matter what Mother Nature throws at us, there are 1,001 ways to enjoy the great outdoors. Québec's national parks offer a host of original activities, with or without powder snow. With a little imagination, Québec becomes a veritable playground where you can fill up on oxygen. Get your gear, get set, go!

On beautiful powder snow
Can you really imagine winter without mountains of fresh snow? Between building an igloo and a snowball fight, we're off to discover brand-new winter wonderlands.
Snowshoe trekking
For a breathtaking snowshoe trek, head to Parc national des Monts-Valin, an area that usually receives a significant amount of snow. After a heavy snowfall, the forest can be transformed into a winter kingdom, with fir trees looking like snow-covered ghosts.
In Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie, Le Riverain trail leads to Yeti viewpoint, where spectacular vistas offer a well-deserved reward for intrepid explorers. This winter, we're crossing our fingers that we'll get a nice cold snap and get the most out of the trails!
A day of cross-country skiing
Cross-country skiing offers an invitation to contemplate nature, while providing an excellent cardiovascular workout. To slide closer to what really counts, why not head to Station touristique Duchesnay, which offers 38.2 km of trails for classic-step and 27.2 km for skate-step enthusiasts. Our team's favourite: loop 10, which offers a total distance of 17.8 km for fans of snowy twists and turns.
Strap on your skis and take advantage of Camp Mercier's 50 km of classic-step and 20 km of skate-step trails. With its impeccable circuits, enchanting setting, and spacious registration centre complex, including a large, bright waxing room and food court, it's the ideal place to break bread at lunchtime!
Skishoeing excursion
Skishoeing is a hybrid between cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The ski's sole is partially covered with a skin, for better grip on uphill slopes. It also features a universal binding suitable for various types of boots. Very easy to handle, it's an ideal activity for beginners and offers a speedier way to get from point A to point B than simple snowshoeing.
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier's Le Confluent trail is the perfect place for this activity. Station touristique Duchesnay offers three skishoeing zones: one at the gates of Horizon lodge – where you can enjoy great descents all the way down to the edge of Lac Saint-Joseph – and two others about 5 km from Horizon lodge, near Du Sommet hut. This sector is better suited to skiers with off-piste experience, as it is more remote and steep.
Mountain skiing
Ready to challenge the peaks and push your limits? Mountain skiing in Parc national de la Gaspésie provides a wilderness getaway where every descent frees your spirit. Get off the beaten track and let yourself be inspired by the awe-inspiring magnificence of mountains that evoke the power of winter.
When Mother Nature mixes the seasons
When the snow gives way to more variable conditions, it’s time to roll with the punches. A good pair of waterproof boots and crampons can turn a grey day into a memorable one.
Heading out on boots, crampons, or a sled
In Parc national d'Oka, Rivage Ouest and Rivage Est trails follow the shores of Lac des Deux-Montagnes, offering a vast frozen landscape over distances ranging from 2.3 km to 2.6 km. These easy trails are ideal for small fry on sleds.
For a bracing 7 km outing, head for Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno. Once there, follow the picturesque loop around Lac Seigneurial, ideal for recharging your batteries in the heart of nature... a mere 15 minutes from Montréal.
Parc national du Mont-Orford, a must-see for local wildlife, offers a range of options for outdoor enthusiasts. For families, Le Coyote and La Sitelle trails, accessible by sled, leave directly from Le Cerisier Discovery and Visitors Centre. Meanwhile, sporting enthusiasts who love a challenge can venture out on Le Cerf circuit, a demanding 13.5 km loop featuring a vertical drop of 210 m.
Fatbike excursion
Whether for an outing on a tracked circuit, a mountain trail, or a frozen lake, the fatbike is ideal for riding on snowy or icy surfaces, providing the perfect opportunity to tackle trails you would have avoided on a nice but busy summer's day.
Dare to get off the beaten track at Parc national d'Oka! Discover circuits suitable for all levels, from easy trails to more challenging pathways that will thrill seasoned cyclists, like Le Sommet trail.
Parc national du Mont-Orford offers over 25 km of easy and intermediate trails for fatbike enthusiasts. Save the best for last by finishing your excursion at the cabin, with a steaming cup of hot chocolate in hand.
Snow tubing
Snow tubing is more than just child's play! Speed, adrenalin, and laughter make every descent a moment of pure joy. For a breath of invigorating fresh air, be sure to avail yourself of daily access to Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, Parc national du Mont-Mégantic, or Parc national du Mont-Tremblant.
Listening to the crusty snow crunch beneath your feet
There's nothing like the crackling crunch of snow to accompany your winter adventures in Québec!
Ice fishing
Who says you need a ton of snow for good ice fishing? All you need is a thick layer of ice and the desire to get away from it all! As the mercury drops, take full advantage of the facilities at Réserve faunique de Portneuf, the perfect destination for ice-fishing for trout. With a heated rest stop right next to a waterway and day fishing access on Lac Proulx, just 15 minutes from the registration centre, all you have to do is let go and enjoy a truly incredible experience.
Choinière reservoir, located in Parc national de la Yamaska, is the perfect spot for a day of turnkey fishing. Book your activity and pick up your gear on site for hassle-free angling!
Sit back and cast your line on Lac des Deux-Montagnes, in the heart of Parc national d'Oka. A popular spot for anglers, this lake offers you the chance to catch many species of fish. So, who will have bragging rights for the best catch?
Discovery activities
Québec's national parks offer a barrel of fun and educational activities galore to help you really get into the forest and discover exceptional protected territories. Star gazing, guided hikes, wildlife interpretation, dog sledding – our teams teach you to love winter in all its glory!
Activities that are sure to snowball!
This winter, let Mother Nature surprise you, whether draped in her thick white parka or decked out in other garb! Slip on your heavy coat and reconnect with what really counts. Step out of your comfort zone and embrace the chilly season, whatever conditions it may bring. After all, it won't be long before you’ll be back at the cabin enjoying the warmth of a crackling fire, reminding all who’ll listen just how much fun it is to play outside.