Snowmobiling in the Laurentians: A Winter Adventure

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

Although I’ve lived in Montreal for five years and tried plenty of outdoor winter activities, including dog sledding, this was my very first time on a snowmobile. In Quebec, you’re also likely to hear them called snow scooters or Ski-Doos.

By the way, if you’re planning a winter trip to Quebec and are interested in dog sledding, I’ve put together a short article covering the basics of dog sledding in Quebec. Mélanie, the kids, and Sylvain also recently had the chance to go dog sledding in the Laurentians, and they had a fantastic time!

Back to snowmobiling: while many people think of it as an exciting motor sport, in Canada—especially outside the cities—it’s also an everyday means of transportation. Visit in winter and you may well come across these machines while driving through villages in the region, as plenty of locals use them to get to the grocery store.

It’s quite a sight, and some roads even have a dedicated lane along the side for snowmobiles. Keep in mind that operating a snowmobile is much like driving a car or motorcycle: you need to follow the same traffic rules and speed limits, even if locals sometimes go over them. You’ll also need a valid driver’s license to rent one, and you may be stopped for a roadside check if you encounter the police.

In this article, I’m sharing the highlights of this unique experience and the magic of riding through an enchanting winter landscape. And if you’re passing through the area, don’t forget to read our guide to the best things to do in Charlevoix!

Take a look at our complete guide to the best hotels in Mont-Tremblant if you’re planning to spend a little time in the area.

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

You can also read our article on things to do in the Mont-Tremblant area, another little paradise nearby!

First of all, booking couldn’t have been easier. I used Manawa to reserve the activity online in just a few minutes. Sylvain and I mention the platform regularly because it’s a convenient way to organize activities while traveling without feeling overwhelmed.

Manawa is an online booking platform offering a wide range of activities, including snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice climbing. One especially useful feature is the option to search by country or region and instantly browse a full selection of summer and winter experiences.

Before booking, I recommend checking the weather forecast—even though forecasts are never an exact science—as it can help you avoid unnecessary hassle. Good snow conditions are essential, and sunshine is ideal if you want to make the most of the outing. I checked carefully, and although it was cold, the sunny weather was perfect. On Manawa, I selected a suitable time slot and received an email confirmation right away. The email included a PDF explaining exactly how the session would unfold, where to meet, the schedule, and which equipment would be available to rent on-site.

I think this is an ideal format for a first experience. Two hours gives beginners enough time to get used to the machine, build confidence, and start to get hooked. If you’re more adventurous or already have some experience, I’d suggest going straight for the Winter Adventure package (half day) or the White Escape package (one day).

Personally, the time flew by, and even though it was my first time, I would gladly have stayed out for another hour.

I chose to go snowmobiling in the Laurentians, about a 1-hour-20-minute drive north of Montreal. I found the region both beautiful and easy to reach. It truly is one of Quebec’s natural gems. In winter, its pristine trails, snow-covered forests, frozen rivers, and sweeping views create an ideal setting for a snowmobile adventure.

Plan to arrive 45 minutes before the activity begins, or 60 minutes early if your group has six or more people. This allows enough time to welcome everyone, complete the snowmobile rental paperwork, get fitted with the equipment, and go through a thorough briefing on safety and snowmobile handling.

The company I went with, Tyroparc, provided all the gear needed to stay warm throughout the activity. We’re talking proper technical clothing designed for extreme cold. When I went, the sun was shining, the sky was blue, and the wind chill made it feel like -21 degrees. I never felt cold once.

They lent us padded overalls, a heavy coat, snow boots, a balaclava, a helmet, and mittens. The snowmobile also had heated grips. Both the passenger—the person sitting behind the driver—and the driver had their own heated grips, and even the throttle was heated. Technology never stops improving! It was a real bonus and made the ride especially comfortable.

Wear a warm base layer and technical clothing, along with good wool socks, sunglasses if it’s sunny, and a GoPro with a mount so you can attach it to the front of the snowmobile!

If you tend to feel the cold, you can also bring hand or foot warmers. These small packets activate when exposed to air and produce heat, and some are designed to slip inside your boots or mittens. For a more high-tech option, you can buy rechargeable heated socks.

Once we were fully geared up, it was time for a proper introduction before heading onto the trails. Our friendly guide, Marie-Julie, took the time to explain how snowmobiles work and handle. With a large track at the back and two skis at the front, a snowmobile feels a little like a motorcycle and takes some getting used to. Marie-Julie also walked us through the safety instructions and reminded us that we had to follow the rules of the road at all times. She answered all our questions and did a great job of reassuring us, helping the experience feel smooth and safe.

Then it was time to leave the Domaine Lausanne campground and set off on a wonderful two-hour ride.

The first few kilometers through the snow-covered forest immediately immersed me in the Laurentians’ winter atmosphere.

We started at a gentle pace while learning to control the machine, take the curves, and stay on the right side of the trail. The trails were open to everyone, and we regularly passed locals who clearly weren’t bothered by the cold.

Marie-Julie checked in often to make sure everything was going well and that everyone felt comfortable on their snowmobile. As the kilometers passed, I gained confidence and gradually let myself go faster. What a feeling! It really does feel like riding a powerful motorcycle—which, in a way, it is—but with the added sensation of gliding over the snow. One piece of advice: the more tense you are, the less the machine will cooperate, so relax and enjoy the ride.

Many of the trails in this area are used by cyclists in summer and become snowmobile routes in winter. During our outing, we rode along part of the P’tit Train du Nord trail. For a first experience, these routes are ideal because they’re so well maintained and clearly marked.

Altogether, we covered just over 40 km in two hours, following trails lined with tall, snow-covered fir trees and crossing open plains and frozen rivers.

Halfway through, we stopped beside a beautiful river and soaked up the peaceful surroundings. Encounters with local wildlife added an extra touch of wilderness to the adventure.

This route through part of the Laurentians offered such a vivid succession of pristine landscapes and snowy forests that it was almost dazzling. It felt like an expedition into the Far North. The winding trails led us to panoramic viewpoints overlooking 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 another activity. It’s a thrilling experience that feels as though it could go on forever, and it’s accessible to anyone in good physical shape.

The excitement begins the moment the engine roars to life and the snowmobile responds to your touch. Despite the machine’s weight, you quickly get a feel for its power and maneuverability.

Your view of the snowy landscape changes with every kilometer. The pristine white expanses of ice contrast with the dense conifer forests, and riding through the trees creates a real sense of closeness to nature, with snow-laden branches forming a magical corridor around you.

Snowmobiling lets you immerse yourself in the winter wilderness, and every burst of acceleration brings a sense of freedom and a rush of adrenaline.

Following the winding trails, taking controlled turns across icy sections, and accelerating through open spaces were unforgettable moments. Of course, our guide adjusted the pace to match our ability to handle the snowmobiles. There were only five of us, including the guide, so once everyone felt comfortable, we could really pick up the pace and have fun. That’s when you start to get hooked.

In the end, my snowmobiling trip in the Laurentians turned out to be far more than a simple winter adventure.

It was an immersion in the beauty of the region and the magic of winter—a sensory experience where the roar of the engines met the silence of the snow. Between the powerful emotions, beautiful scenery, and memorable encounters, this snowmobile adventure left me with lasting memories.

I can’t recommend trying snowmobiling enough—it’s an adventure well worth experiencing! With its beautiful scenery and exciting trails, the setting could hardly be better. Mélanie and Louis had the chance to try it at Lac Morency in the Laurentians!

For me, the Laurentians remain the perfect playground for snowmobilers and anyone who loves winter in the mountains. While you’re in the area, consider staying at an inn or in a beautiful log cabin near the village of Mont-Tremblant. You can also make the most of the village’s ski resort, with downhill and cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and hiking in the Parc Naturel du Mont-Tremblant.

And if my adventure has inspired you to experience winter in Quebec, here’s our guide to the best places to stay in Montreal. This wonderful city could be the starting point for your next Canadian road trip.

You’ll also find more 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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