The best snowshoe trails around Quebec City

Snowshoeing is an excellent winter sport to test your limits and to discover new natural landscapes. Snowshoeing is accessible to everyone: it does not require any particular training and it can be done a few minutes only from the city. You can also easily customize your hike to suit your preferences and skill level by choosing a trail that matches the level of difficulty you are looking for.

For those who live in Québec or who will be visiting family and friends over the holiday season, below are listed five good snowshoeing spots in the region. Looking forward to meet you there!

VALLÉE BRAS-DU-NORD

Location : 100 av. Saint-Jacques, Saint-Raymond, 418-337-2900
Fees : 7,39 $ (adults) and 6,09$ (student)
Network : 7 trails on a total of 80 km

The Vallée Bras-du-Nord is an exceptional outdoor destination. Its trails have a very unique character, especially when snow has fallen over the vegetation. The landscape is simply enchanting.

Those who are familiar with this sector know that certain trails are steep enough to make you sweat. Wearing a snowshoe adapted to mountainous terrain, including a heel lift and crampons that will provide sufficient traction, will ensure optimal pleasure and safety, while reducing your efforts.

STATION TOURISTIQUE DUCHESNAY

Location : 140 Montée de l’Auberge, Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier
Fee: 5,65$
Network : 10 trails, 4 loops (1,3km – 6km) and a 26 km round-trip

Whether you want to spend a weekend with your loved one, a family holiday or a special evening with friends, all occasions justify a snowshoeing trip to the Duchesnay tourist resort. Located 30 minutes from Québec, this exceptional site offers 22.4 km of marked trails. You can also immerse yourself in the heart of nature and discover the four heated refuges located along the trails.

Accessible for the whole family, these trails present no special technical difficulties and do not require advanced equipment or an Olympic-like physical condition. Standard snowshoes should therefore be preferred, since they are designed for comfort and ease of use.

PARC NATIONAL DE LA JACQUES CARTIER

Location : 103 chemin du Parc, Stoneham-et-Twekesbury
Fee: 8,50$
Network : 11 trails over 78,7 km

Less than 30 minutes away from Québec, the Parc National de la Jacques-Cartier offers a breathtaking view. The contrast between the vast mountain plateau and the steep-sided valleys will surely sweep you off your feet! With a river winding the 550 m of the Jacques-Cartier Valley, a snowshoeing trip to this site is synonymous to abundant nature!

Considering the trail variety in this national park, a multipurpose snowshoe will be your greatest asset. MSR, an American company, is a sure-value brand due to its extensive experience in mountain gear. Its products are known to have a powerful and safe grip.

CAMP MERCIER

Location : Réserve faunique des Laurentides, route 175 N, 418-848-2422 | Official website
Fee : 5,65$
Network : 8 trails over 32 km

Camp Mercier's reputation for snowshoeing is well established. Located in the Réserve faunique des Laurentides, less than an hour from Québec City, it offers snowshoers a wide variety of trails, an exceptionally long season (until April) and magnificent landscapes of endless nature. Finally, the Le Sommet trail (a 12.5 km loop) offers an exceptional view and is on its own worth a visit!

Similarly to the Parc National de la Jacques Cartier, the wide variety of trails found at Camp Mercier requires multipurpose snowshoes, adaptable to all terrain. This sector is also known for its impressive accumulations of snow. While the Camp Mercier team does a remarkable job of maintaining its trails, it is not uncommon to walk in powdery snow. Snowshoes that are slightly wider than average will be a precious asset in case of heavy snowfalls.

PROMENADE SAMUEL DE CHAMPLAIN

Location : 2795, boulevard Champlain
Québec (Québec)
Fees : Free all year long
Network : 1 4,3 km trail along the St-Lawrence river

The Promenade Samuel-De Champlain is a vast public space, open year-round. During winter, a multipurpose trail bordering the river is groomed for walking or snowshoeing. This downtown oasis is located along Champlain Boulevard, between the Pierre-Laporte bridge and Côte de Sillery. With stunning views of the ice and the boats navigating the St. Lawrence, it is the perfect place for a contemplative walk or a winter run to invigorate your system!

Cycling and running enthusiasts know the Samuel-de-Champlain promenade by heart. . . but as soon as the snow covers the asphalt, these sports activities have no choice but to give way to others, more adapted to the cold season. Snowshoe running has recently gained popularity. Snowshoeing manufacturers have understood this and now offer models specifically designed for this activity.