Top Places for Snowshoeing
Whether with traditional rawhide snowshoes or more modern equipment, snowshoeing continues to be a popular way to spend time outdoors. With your snowshoes strapped on tight, you’ll have hundreds of kilometres of marked trails to explore in the Québec City area.
Jacques-Cartier National Park
Jacques-Cartier National Park, Sépaq, Content Content
With its spectacular valleys carved into a vast mountain plateau, Jacques-Cartier National Park is the perfect setting for a snowshoeing escape. And to extend the adventure, several ready-to-camp accommodations let you experience winter in the heart of nature, whether for a single night or a longer stay.
Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix
Sentier des caps de Charlevoix, Jean-Marie Grange
Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, the Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix captivates outdoor enthusiasts with its breathtaking views. Adventurers can set out on multi-day hikes ranging from 2 to 7 days, with overnight stays in rustic shelters along the way. For a truly immersive experience, it’s hard to beat.
Camp Mercier (Réserve faunique des Laurentides)
- Sépaq - Réserve faunique des Laurentides
In the heart of the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve, Camp Mercier is renowned for its exceptional snow conditions. Its marked trails lead to stunning viewpoints over the snowy forest, offering a true escape into nature. Less than an hour from Québec City, it’s a winter getaway well worth the trip.
Vallée Bras-du-Nord
Vallée Bras-du-Nord, Guillaume Milette
Vallée Bras-du-Nord stands out as a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you’ll find breathtaking landscapes and a wide variety of snowshoeing trails suited to every level, from beginners to seasoned adventurers. To extend the experience, several lodging options are available, including a charming yurt village that adds a unique touch to your stay.
Snowshoeing in the Heart of the City
Francis Gagnon
In the heart of downtown Québec City, the Plains of Abraham provide a unique setting for snowshoeing. Perfect for beginners, they offer a chance to enjoy winter without leaving the city. Snowshoes are available for rent at the Anneau de glace chalet, making it a simple and accessible outing for the whole family.
Snowshoeing Guided Tours
Snowshoeing with a guide allows you to explore the most beautiful areas, hassle-free. Let Quatre Natures guide you through the pristine beauty of Jacques-Cartier National Park on a snowshoeing expedition (shuttle available from downtown).
What to Wear and Equipment Required
Snowshoeing is a sport and, like every sport, it warms you up! As you walk through the forest, sheltered from the wind, you may even forget it’s cold out. That’s why you should dress in layers that you can take off as you warm up and put back on as you cool down. If you don’t have your own pair of snowshoes, most parks have a rental service.
Snowshoeing is a sport that everyone can enjoy. That being said, it’s important to check the level of difficulty of the trail you want to hike. Steep terrain, backcountry trails, and fresh snow can really increase the level of difficulty. If you’re unsure, ask park staff to help you pick a trail that’s right for you!
Best Time for Snowshoeing
To go snowshoeing, you of course need a good amount of snow. Since accumulation varies depending on latitude, places that are farther north like Forêt Montmorency and Camp Mercier have a longer season. There, it isn’t rare for winter hiking to start early in December and end in March or even April, depending on the weather.
As for what makes for ideal snowshoeing conditions, that’s up to you. Some people rush out to the forest with their snowshoes right after a storm or heavy snowfall, while others prefer to wait for the snow to get packed down by those eager beavers. Whatever you prefer, make the most of every dump of snow!
