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Our best destinations for short treks during winter

In Québec, there's every reason to step outside and enjoy the pleasures of winter. Staying cooped up is out of the question! Whether you're a Sunday hiker, a parent who wants to introduce the kids to forest walking, or just have a few hours to spare to get some fresh air, a short hike is an excellent option.

Our team has identified a number of trails that are perfect for this type of outing. So strap on your hiking boots, pull on your snowsuit, and get out there to fill up on vitamin D!

Parc national du Mont-Mégantic Parc national du Mont-Mégantic
Parc national du Mont-Mégantic Mikaël Rondeau | © Sépaq

Laurentides

Parc national d'Oka

A few kilometres from downtown Montreal, Parc national d’Oka remains an ideal winter destination for those torn between nature and city. Should you be bitten by the outdoors and adventure bug, why not try L’Écureuil trail? In barely an hour, you’ll have the pleasure of criss-crossing this stunningly impressive intermediate-level trail featuring a forest cover of tall pines.

Parc national du Mont-Tremblant

An ideal pathway for a family romp, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant’s picturesque Lac-des-Femmes trail is a must during the snowy season. While wrapped up nice and warm, winter hiking enthusiasts will have the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with maple forests and fir trees throughout this snowshoeing outing that takes barely 1.5 hours to complete. Along the way, there are magnificent views of splendid Lac-des-Femmes.

Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
Parc national du Mont-Tremblant Renaud Robert | © Sépaq
Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
Parc national du Mont-Tremblant Renaud Robert | © Sépaq

Capitale-Nationale (Québec City)

Station touristique Duchesnay

30 minutes from Quebec City, nestled at the edge of Lac Saint-Joseph, Station touristique Duchesnay offers a nice variety of trails, but the classic choice for a short hike remains Lac Jaune (#55). Criss-crossing a mixed forest of sugar maple-yellow birch stands, the trail offers a superb lookout on a massive peatland. The withdrawal of the continental glacier also left glacial deposits and boulders forming curious rock shelters on the territory.

Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier

For outdoor enthusiasts in and around Québec City, Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier will be a source of enchantment with its vast mountain plateau and breathtaking valleys. For young and old alike, Les Cascades trail is the ideal way to get a breath of fresh air on a 4 km loop. You'll follow a stream, pass through beautiful forests, and enjoy a magnificent view of Mont Sautauriski. Looking for a little something extra to liven up your outing? A self-guided rally is sure to hit the spot: along the trail, locate the “bird stations” hanging from the trees to discover the different species around you. Discussion and enjoyment guaranteed!

Station touristique Duchesnay
Station touristique Duchesnay Brook & Peony | © Sépaq
Parc national du Bic
Parc national du Bic Éric Deschamps | © Sépaq

Bas-Saint-Laurent

Parc national du Bic

For a deep breath of salty air, we head towards Parc national du Bic where, in a harmonious blend of forest and shore, the sometimes steep Anses trail will take you through Anses aux Bouleaux from east to west. A must for hiking enthusiasts! Especially with the river and its ice that sculpt a new panorama each and every morning.

Cantons-de-l'Est

Parc national de la Yamaska

During winter, it’s not always easy to motivate our small fry to follow the hiking rhythm imposed by the group! That’s why a self-directed rally for kids has been set up within the confines of pretty La Rivière trail at Parc national de la Yamaska.

We mustn’t forget to mention the magnificent lookout on Rivière Yamaska Nord, a waterway that never freezes, even when it’s minus 25 degrees! A true mystery that our best detectives will be able to solve on site.

Parc national du Mont-Orford

Hiking is undoubtedly the best way to discover Parc national du Mont-Orford. If you’re looking for a pleasant, easy pathway, De la Colinne des Pins trail really fits the bill, offering a short, barely one-hour outing in the forest (2.2 km). After a few little climbs and two magnificent views of Aux cerises pond, you'll have completed the trail with flushed cheeks and lungs full of fresh air!

Montérégie

Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno

Just a few kilometres from the metropolitan region, you'll find Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno. Five lakes, an orchard, a historic mill, and dozens of kilometres of trails make this park a veritable island of nature in an urban environment. Explore De la Chouette trail (1.8 km one way or 3.6 km round trip) and enjoy a “coffee break” at Du Vieux-Moulin tearoom, which offers a selection of teas, speciality coffees, pastries, and smoothies, all in a cozy atmosphere. Perfect for warming up the feet of even the chilliest of visitors! 

Here's a short checklist for a perfect experience:

  • Capacity may be limited, so arrive early! In order to preserve the quality of the experience for visitors and employees alike, you may be denied access to a particular sector, trail, or activity if the parking lot is full or if the maximum capacity is reached.
  • Check the weather forecast before you leave; it's often colder in the mountains than at home.
  • Dress warmly and in layers. The idea is quite simple, you add or remove a piece of clothing according to the intensity of your physical effort and the winter conditions.
  • Have on hand your national park access rights and, if needed, your cross-country skiing day pass.
  • Download the Avenza Maps app and the plan of the sector you intend to visit.
  • Find out about snow conditions at your destination by downloading the Sépaq:Neige mobile application available on the App StoreTM and Google Play StoreTM or visit our website.
  • Fill a thermos with your favourite hot beverage: total comfort guaranteed!

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