Snowmobiling in the Laurentians: A frozen adventure

Winter is in full swing in Canada and, for once, I’m going to tell you about a wonderful experience I had a few days ago!

Although I’ve been living in Montreal for 5 years now and I’ve done a lot of outdoor winter activities like dog sledding, this was the first time in my life that I’ve been snowmobiling. In Quebec, you’re more likely to hear about snow scooters or ski-doos.

By the way, if you’re planning to visit Quebec in the winter and are interested in dog sledding, I’ve put together a short article explaining the basics of dog sledding in Quebec. What’s more, Mélanie, the kids and Sylvain recently had the chance to go dog-sledding in the Laurentians, and it was fantastic!

Getting back to our subject, while most people associate snowmobiling with a thrilling mechanical sport, in Canada, especially in the regions, snowmobiling is a means of transportation like any other. If you visit in the winter, it’s quite possible that you’ll come face to face with these machines as you drive through some of the region’s villages, as many people use them to get to the grocery store.

It’s amazing to see, and there’s even a special lane on the side of the road for snowmobiles. It’s important to remember that driving a snowmobile is the same as driving a car or motorbike: you have to obey the same rules of the road and the same speed limits (even if the locals often exceed them). You also need a driving licence to hire a snowmobile, and there may be roadside checks if you come across police officers.

In this article, I share with you the highlights of this unique experience, revealing the magic of snowmobiling in an enchanting winter landscape. Don’t forget to check out our article on the best things to do in Charlevoix if you’re passing through!

Check out our comprehensive guide to the best hotels in Mont-Tremblant if you plan to stay in the area for a while.

Since then, Mélanie and Louis have also had the opportunity to go snowmobiling in La Baie, on the heights above the Saguenay Fjord.

Don’t hesitate to check out our article on activities to consider in the Mont-Tremblant region, another small paradise not far away!

Firstly, organisation couldn’t be easier. With Manawa I was able to book online quickly and easily. Sylvain and I talk about it regularly because it’s a great way to organise your travel activities without getting overwhelmed.

Manawa is an online activity booking platform where you’ll find lots of activities like snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice climbing and so on. What’s really handy is that you can search by country/region and get a whole list of summer and winter activities with just one click.

When it comes to booking your activity, I’d advise you to check the weather forecast before you book (although it’s not an exact science) as it can save you a lot of hassle. Obviously you need good snow conditions and ideally it should be sunny to get the most out of the activity. I had a good look and can tell you that the weather was cold but ideal because it was sunny. On the Manawa website I was able to select the right time slot and immediately received an email confirmation. In the email you’ll find a PDF explaining exactly how the session would work, the meeting point, the timetable and details of all the equipment that would be available for hire on site.

I think this is the perfect format for an introduction. The two hours will allow beginners to get to grips with the vehicle, give them time to gain confidence and get hooked.If you’re more adventurous or more experienced, I’d advise you to go straight for the Winter Adventure package (half day) or the White Escape package (one day).

Personally, I found the time went by very quickly and, although it was my first time, I would have liked to do another hour.

I chose to go snowmobiling in the Laurentians (1h20 drive north of Montreal). I found the region to be beautiful and easily accessible. This region is truly one of Quebec’s natural gems. In winter, it offers pristine trails, snow-covered forests, frozen rivers and breathtaking views, creating the perfect backdrop for a snowmobiling epic.

You should plan to arrive at least 50 minutes before the start of the activity. This is to allow time for everyone to be met, for the paperwork to be completed for the snowmobile hire, for the equipment to be fitted out and for a good debriefing on safety and snowmobile handling.

The company I went with, Tyroparc, provides all the equipment every snowmobiler needs to keep warm throughout the activity. We’re talking about technical warm clothing to withstand the extreme cold. For your information, when I did the activity it was bright sunshine, blue skies and the temperature felt like -21 degrees. I didn’t feel cold once.

That’s why they lend you padded overalls, a heavy coat, snow boots, a balaclava, a helmet and mittens. The snowmobile also has heated handles. The passenger (the one in the back if there are two of you) has his own heated grips and the driver has his own heated grips. The throttle is also heated. Progress is unstoppable. It’s a real bonus and makes for a very comfortable ride!

So come dressed in underwear and technical clothing to keep your body warm, good woollen socks, sunglasses for the cold if the weather is sunny and a gopro camera with a clip so you can attach it to the front of the snowmobile!

If you’re feeling chilly, you can also get warmers. These are small bags that are activated when they come into contact with the air and produce heat. Some can be put inside your boots or mittens. If you want something a little more high-tech, you can buy rechargeable electric heating socks.

Finally, once you’re kitted out, you need to prepare thoroughly before heading out on the trails. Our friendly guide, Marie-Julie, also took the time to explain how snowmobiles work and behave. The fact that the snowmobile is a motorcycle with a large track at the back and two skis at the front means it takes some getting used to. Marie-Julie also gave us safety instructions and reminded us that we had to obey the Highway Code at all times. She was able to answer all our questions and reassure us for the most part, which made for a smooth and safe experience.

Then it was time to set off from the Domaine Lausanne campsite, the start of a glorious two-hour ride.

The first few kilometres through the snow-covered forest immediately put me in the Laurentian winter mood.

The pace was slow at first as you learned to control the engine, negotiate the curves and stay on the right side of the road, as the trails were open to everyone and you regularly met locals who were not afraid of the cold.

Marie-Julie regularly checked that everything was going well and that everyone was getting on with the snowmobile. As the miles went by, I personally gained confidence and allowed myself to go faster. What an incredible feeling! You really feel like you’re riding a powerful motorcycle (which you are), but there’s the added sensation of gliding. A bit of riding advice: the more tense you are, the less the bike will cooperate, so let go and enjoy it to the full.

In the area where we were, there are a lot of trails reserved for cyclists in the summer that turn into snowmobile trails in the winter. During our trip, we rode part of the Little Train of the North trail, and what’s really great for an introduction is that all these trails are superbly maintained and signposted.

In total, we covered just over 40 km in two hours on trails lined with tall, snow-covered fir trees, sometimes across open plains and sometimes across frozen rivers.

Halfway through, we took a break by a magnificent river, where we enjoyed the tranquillity of nature, and encounters with local wildlife added a wild touch to the adventure.

This route through part of the Laurentians was such a vivid picture of pristine landscapes and snow-covered forests that it was dazzling. It felt like an expedition to the far north. The winding roads took us to panoramic viewpoints, revealing snow-covered plains and frozen lakes. It was a real eye opener and the two hours flew by.

Snowmobiling in the Laurentians isn’t just an activity, it’s a thrilling, never-ending experience that’s accessible to anyone in good physical shape.

The thrill begins as soon as the engine roars and the snowmobile responds to the controls. You soon get a sense of power and manoeuvrability despite the weight of the machine.

Your perception of the snow-covered landscape changes with every kilometre. The pristine whiteness of the icy expanses contrasts with the density of the coniferous forests, and driving through these snow-covered forests offers an intimacy with nature, with the snow-covered trees creating a magical corridor.

Snowmobiling allows you to immerse yourself in winter nature, and every acceleration gives you a feeling of freedom and an adrenaline rush.

The route through the winding tracks, the controlled turns on the icy stretches and the acceleration in the open spaces were unforgettable moments. Of course, our guide adapted the pace to our ability to handle the snowmobile. We were a small group of 5, including our guide, so when everyone was comfortable enough we could really pick up the pace and have fun. That’s when you get hooked.

In conclusion, my snowmobiling trip in the Laurentians turned out to be much more than just a winter adventure.

It was a deep dive into the beauty of this region and the magic of winter, a sensory experience where the roar of the engines mixes with the silence of the snow. Through emotional moments, breathtaking landscapes and wonderful encounters, this snowmobile adventure has left me with indelible memories.

I can’t recommend you enough to try snowmobiling and experience this incredible adventure! The setting, with its magnificent landscapes and exhilarating trails, couldn’t be better. At Lac Morency in the Laurentians, Mélanie and Louis had the chance to do just that!

For me, the Laurentians remain the ultimate playground for snowmobilers and lovers of winter in the mountains. And if you’re in the area, don’t miss the opportunity to rent a room in an inn or a beautiful log cabin near the village of Mont-Tremblant and take advantage of the village’s ski resort for downhill and cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing or hiking in the Parc Naturel du Mont-Tremblant.

And if my adventure has inspired you to come and enjoy winter in Quebec, I’ll leave you with information on the best places to stay in Montreal. This magnificent city could be the starting point for your next Canadian road trip.

And here are some other great places to go snowmobiling in Quebec!

See you soon for more adventures!

Written by Valérie PLANQUE

I've been living in Montreal for 6 years now, and I take every opportunity to discover and appreciate this beautiful region of Quebec by sharing my personal experiences with you! You'll love it!

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