Our most beautiful landscapes to discover in winter
Don’t be angry with Mother Nature! Because it’s thanks to her great generosity that Sépaq’s winter destinations can boast of offering dream places where snow abounds and where the cold weather provides a nice excuse to go play outside!
We truly believe that there are no better places to experience the very best of winter! And to prove it, here are some suggestions for destinations that will make you appreciate the cold season more than ever before.
Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
The snowy paradise of Camp Mercier
Calling all winter sports lovers… here is your dream destination! A mere stone’s throw from the greater Québec City area is a completely snow-covered territory that will give snowshoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts all they want and more. Every year, Camp Mercier at Réserve faunique des Laurentides receives an impressive amount of snow, perfect for winter enjoyment. With its grandiose landscapes and its views like no others, this winter destination awakens a real sense of freedom in those who venture into its midst.
The ghosts of Parc national des Monts-Valin
A dominant figure of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region’s landscape, Parc national des Monts-Valin is very impressive indeed! Snowshoeing enthusiasts will be transported to a land where ghosts rule the territory. These famous climatic phenomena occur when clouds temporarily envelop the peaks of Mont Valin, leaving tiny droplets of water which, by settling and solidifying on the trees and branches they encounter, form a very pretty shell of frost. The phenomenon is strikingly beautiful and strangely bewitching. This is without a doubt the perfect place to feel the Great North beckoning, stronger than ever before, just the other side of the horizon.
Vallée de la Jacques-Cartier at its most impressive
When the land dons its downy white coat, it’s difficult to find a more spectacular place than Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier… only 30 minutes from Quebec City! This glacial valley then becomes the playground of true outdoor enthusiasts who head to the park for snowshoeing or backcountry skiing excursions. Those looking for a bit more of an adventure love its mountain skiing sectors where there’s no shortage of powder snow. For families, this enchanting setting can be taken in and appreciated during a kicksled excursion, or while snow tubing.
For regular hikers who want to discover a different view of the valley, there's L'Escarpement trail, featuring a 350-metre vertical drop. This snowshoe hike offers an 11 km loop and is accessible from the Discovery and Visitors Centre. You’ll have the opportunity to contemplate a spectacular side of the valley!
So close to the stars at Parc national du Mont‑Mégantic
Featuring snow conditions to dream of, winter at Parc national du Mont-Mégantic is rich in memories and unforgettable scenery. Strap on your snowshoes and head toward the park’s many peaks, each offering uniquely breathtaking views of the beautiful Eastern Townships. This year, a new toboggan run, located behind the ASTROLab at the foot of the mountain and just a few steps from the registration centre, is now accessible. It is 350 metres long and has no lifts, ensuring both fun and a little exercise. If your climb lasts until nightfall, take a moment to look up at the sky and admire the spectacle offered by this International Dark Sky Reserve. A true adventure from snow to stars!
Our more adventurous and experimented visitors can spend the night in the Mont Saint-Joseph hut perched 1,045 metres high. A vast sea of mountains, a magic carpet of clouds, a dizzying canvas of sky, the first rays of sunshine, and metres of snow await you during an unforgettable stay. Built in an old container, this hut also has large windows and is designed to be open to this magnificent scenery. The nature effect is 100% guaranteed!
The vastness of Parc national de la Gaspésie
In this part of the country, the index of winter happiness is measured in metres. From one winter to the next, Mother Nature proves to be a very generous provider for the territories of Parc national de la Gaspésie which, thanks to their geographical position, receive impressive quantities of snow. No need to worry when it comes time for your next off-trail or snowshoe outing: the scenery will be enchanting and the impression that you are in snow paradise will be very real indeed! Enjoy the exceptional conditions of our many trails and escape to the most striking places imaginable.
If you wish to reach the peaks of Mont Hog's Back, and the heights of Champs-de-Mars, why not plan a stopover at the Lac Sainte-Anne cabins in Réserve faunique des Chic-Chocs. Newly offered during winter, they're located at the foot of trails providing access to these spectacular mountain vistas!
The magic of Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville
There’s always something special happening in the winter settings of Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville. What a strange feeling to be in a completely magical natural environment, only a few kilometers from downtown Montréal! Access within the archipelago is greatly improved thanks to the construction of three walkways connecting Sainte-Marguerite, Pinard, and Grosbois islands. These structures enable visitors to get around at all times, while walking, snowshoeing, or jogging.
Also, Île Sainte-Marguerite offers walkers, skiers, snowshoers, and fatbike enthusiasts new landscapes and a peaceful atmosphere beyond compare. The flat relief of the islands makes activities accessible to the entire family. And thanks to the snowy backdrop and leafless trees, animal watching is at its best in the winter period. You can spot all sorts of critters by the following the clues they leave behind. Keep your eyes peeled!
The magnificent glacial valley of Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie
Located at the heart of the Charlevoix region, Parc national des Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie is renowned for its undeniable snowy charms… and magnificent Vallée des Glaces, its winter jewel! Rivière Malbaie flows and freezes in this valley, where ice waterfalls form along steep rock walls to create a postcard landscape. A number of winter activities are offered for fun and immersion in this vast natural wonderland: snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, fatbiking until L’Équerre sector, skating on Rivière Malbaie, and ice climbing.
For cross-country skiing enthusiasts, the cross-country ski tracking experiment on the multifunctional trail was a success last winter and will be repeated this year. Linking Le Draveur pavilion to L'Équerre sector (8 km one way), this trail offers excellent cross-country skiing and a chance to discover Vallée des Glaces. Backcountry skiing fans can then continue the experience on La coulée à Gérard trail for an additional untracked distance of almost 10 km. Lovers of snow and winter sports are sure to be delighted!