Winter Getaway: Right This Way for Snow!

From cross-country skiing to fatbiking and more, there’s no shortage of options at Mont-Sainte-Anne.

The mountain boasts 625 metres (2,050 feet) of vertical drop and three skiable faces: one that looks out over the St. Lawrence River and two more on the backside of the mountain. Day or night, you’ll have plenty of runs to keep you busy, whether you’re just starting out or have been hitting the slopes for years.

Did you know that Mont-Sainte-Anne has one of the biggest networks of cross-country ski trails in North America? That’s right: over 200 km (125 miles) of impeccably groomed trails, including 175 km (110 miles) for skate skiing. Located at the foot of the mountain, just minutes from the charming village of St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, it’s a fairytale setting for a ski day made in heaven.

Au Québ

Mont-Sainte-Anne also has dozens of kilometres of snowshoe and fatbike trails perfect for exploring the day away in the vast, hilly forest of St-Ferréol. It’s a winter wonderland, complete with a gorgeous, snowy river and five heated huts where you can stop for a well-deserved break. If you need to rent equipment or wax your skis or just want to eat your lunch by a big cozy fireplace, head to Chalet Saint-Julien.

And for those of you who have always dreamed of dogsledding, there’s an ecotourism-certified dogsledding company right next door. Choose from the many premium, safe, eco-friendly excursions offered by Les Secrets Nordiques.

Soothe your sore muscles and your soul in the thermal baths at Spa des neiges as you take in the view of the St. Lawrence River and Île d’Orléans.

Just steps from Mont-Sainte-Anne, Villéa Nature & Nordique Spa is another good option for relaxing in nature as a family, since kids age 5 and older are welcome at all times.

When you’re done at the spa, head to Microbrasserie des Beaux Prés for a drink and a bite to eat. There’s a fine selection of craft beer and a simple, tasty menu. The whole place was recently renovated after it was bought by five enterprising young locals. Innovative as they are, the new owners have stayed true to the recipes perfected by the original owner and brewmaster over the past 25 years. It’s a must when visiting the area!

Bar chez Pat

For pre-dinner drinks or to keep the party going in good company, we recommend Chez Pat, a bar in a historic building with wood floors and a cozy fireplace just minutes away from the cross-country ski trails. (Open Thursday to Saturday, with some exceptions.)

Start the day off right at Les Bonyeuses, a local bakery that offers up a variety of breads made with 100% Québec wheat, as well as pastries and other products featuring local ingredients and producers. Small and cozy, it’s the perfect place to enjoy your breakfast with a specialty coffee or pick up a gourmet sandwich for your afternoon hike.

Next stop is Cap Tourmente National Wildlife Area, a beautiful park between the St. Lawrence River and the mountains. In winter (and depending on the snow conditions), you can hike or snowshoe along a 6 km (3.7 mile) trail with gorgeous lookouts. The park was created to protect migratory birds and is a winter home for some 20 species that can be observed at the feeders along the path.

A few kilometres to the east, Sentier des Caps also has snowshoeing trails with spectacular views of the St. Lawrence River.

For lunch, we recommend Chez Bolduc, a family restaurant known near and far for its housemade fries and poutine. The potatoes are peeled, hand cut, and double-fried with love. If you have room for dessert, try the Bouleducs, delicious little doughnut holes that are made fresh daily and come with your choice of topping.

If you’re visiting over the weekend, Le Shack à Patates is another good option for a well-deserved poutine and other classic snack shack fare.

The days have flown by and it’s already time to head home. Add a few more days and you’ll be able to enjoy even more time outdoors and spend more time relaxing by the fire.

For your trip back to Québec City, we recommend taking the old New France route for the heritage buildings, archeological sites, and local producers. And of course, a stop at Montmorency Falls Park will give you one last chance to admire the incredible scenery in Côte-de-Beaupré.