Where to go snowmobiling in Quebec - Our best places

Hello again everyone! After Valérie’s (our friend who lives in Canada) article about her snowmobiling experiences in Quebec, we received a lot of requests. So we’ve decided to put together an article listing all the best places to go snowmobiling in Quebec. There are certainly others, but these are the ones that come up most often. It’s true that snowmobiling is one of the must-do activities in the beautiful province of Quebec. To tell you the truth, we’re planning to visit our friend there one winter, probably in the year 2025 (to be confirmed?).

And not surprisingly, snowmobiling is on our must-do list! Winter in Quebec is also a great time to hit the slopes on skis. If you want to take in the majestic scenery at a more leisurely pace, cross-country skiing is the way to go. And why not try ice climbing for the thrill seekers? I confess I’ve never done it, but it must be incredible! I think we’ll also do a few snowshoe hikes to take in the Quebec countryside (between forests and frozen mountains). In short, winter in Quebec is a real escape! It’s a great opportunity to do a lot of outdoor activities, and we’d love to go there as soon as possible!

As you can see, the aim of this article is to show you the best places to go snowmobiling during your stay in Quebec. Of course, we’ve based our recommendations on Valérie’s article, which was a great help!

Some of the pictures used in this article come from Manawa, our partner in activities for many years.

Let’s start with Quebec’s capital: Montreal. Imagine you’re in Montreal for a few days in the middle of winter and you want to try snowmobiling. Just outside the city, you can have an adventure on the shores of Lake Morency! You’ll be able to choose from several excursions lasting from 1h30 to 8h30 (depending on your preferences). And best of all, you’ll be accompanied by passionate, experienced guides who will teach you how to ride between the slopes and bends! In my opinion, it’s more interesting! If you’re looking for more activities in Montreal, Valérie has written a dedicated article.

Book a snowmobile tour near Montreal

Where to stay nearby?

• Auberge du Lac Morency: A charming inn with stunning views of Lac Morency.
• Chalet Le Cozy: A cosy and comfortable chalet where you can enjoy the winter atmosphere.
• Excelsior Hôtel Spa Sainte-Adèle: A hotel with great facilities, including an indoor pool and spa.

Practical information

• Price range: From $161 CAD / person
• Address: Aventures Plein Air, 42 Rue de la Chaumine, Saint-Hippolyte, QC J8A 2N4, Canada

Stay in the Laurentians, close to the famous Mont-Tremblant! Go snowmobiling with Tyropark and discover spectacular landscapes and panoramas in the heart of Quebec’s nature. What’s more, children over the age of 6 can participate! If you ask me, it’s a great experience for the whole family! You’re going to come away with something to remember and to enjoy! If you’re concerned about the winter weather, the organisers offer a weather guarantee, meaning you can reschedule or get your money back if the weather is bad. Between you and me, that’s a bonus for booking with peace of mind!

By the way, Valérie has written a very comprehensive guide to activities in the Mont-Tremblant area.

Go snowmobiling with Typopark

Where to stay nearby?

• Hotel Quintessence: a 5-star hotel for a luxury experience just 2 minutes from the centre of Mont-Tremblant.
• Maison Napoléon B&B: a modern chalet to rent as a whole or just some of the rooms (with jacuzzi).
• Ermitage du Lac: affordable hotel with great facilities: swimming pools, hot tub and more! Perfect for relaxation.

Practical information

• Price: From $289 CAD per person
• Address: Outdoor Logistics, 95 Chemin des Iles, L’ascension, Quebec, J0T 1W0

Would you like to discover the beautiful Charlevoix region? A snowmobile excursion is available from La Malbaie! In the heart of Quebec’s vast forests, this activity offers a truly magnificent setting. Plus, you’ll be on an electric bike! In other words, you’ll be able to enjoy the snow-covered landscapes in complete peace and quiet. In my opinion, that’s a real bonus! In short, this tour promises a mix of thrills and breathtaking scenery! Are you ready for the adventure?

Snowmobiling in the Charlevoix region

Where to stay nearby?

• Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu: luxury hotel-castle with golf course, restaurant and spa
• Hotel-Motel Castel de la Mer: a comfortable mid-range hotel in the historic district of Malbaie
• Motel Le Riviera: a comfortable, modern motel for a budget stay in Malbaie

Practical information

• Price: From $275 CAD / person
• Address: Skidoo NordExpe à Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu – 181 Rue Richelieu, La Malbaie, QC G5A 3B9

For a great day trip less than an hour from Quebec City, Chalet Bois Rond offers a 4-hour guided snowmobile tour to Sainte-Christine-d’Auvergne! You’ll be right in the middle of the region’s magnificent scenery! You won’t feel the time passing! You’ll only have a short break to change roles between driver and passenger, perfect for those who really want to try their hand at driving, ahah. And that’s not all! You’ll be accompanied by a snowmobile guide who knows the area like the back of his hand. It’s always more fun! A word of warning: this winter activity is open to participants aged 15 and over.

Snowmobiling near Quebec City

Where to stay nearby?

• Hilton Quebec: a 4-star hotel offering first-class service.
• Hôtel Le Concorde Québec: a charming establishment with a magnificent view of the city
• Au Petit Hôtel: very close to downtown Quebec City, discover this hotel for an affordable stay.

Practical information

• Price: From $408 CAD / person
• Address: Au Chalet en Bois Rond – 325 Rang St Jacques, Sainte-Christine-d’Auvergne, QC G0A 1A0, Canada

Aventure Inukshuk invites you, your family and friends for a snowmobile ride on Lake Saint-Joseph, near Quebec City! You can choose between a 1 hour 30 minute or 3 hour snowmobile ride on the heights surrounding the magnificent Lac de Saint-Joseph. And that’s not all! You can choose to drive alone or share the experience with a passenger. And, of course, you’ll be accompanied by guides who know the beautiful region of the Duchesnay like the back of their hand. It’s impossible to miss the best views and trails! It’s a real change of scenery! It’s also the perfect opportunity to take your best pictures.

Try snowmobiling on Lake Saint-Joseph

Where to stay near Lac Saint-Joseph?

• Manoir du Lac Sept-Îles: comfortable rooms and suites with beautiful views of Lac Sept-Îles.
• La Roue Dort: a spacious, fully equipped chalet with 3 bedrooms.
• Hôtel St-Alexis: a mid-range hotel with comfortable rooms and a good restaurant.

Practical info

• Address: Aventure Inukshuk – 131 Rte de Duchesnay, Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, QC G3N 0J3, Canada
• Price: From $386 CAD / person

Just 1 hour from the city of Saguenay, you can enjoy an out of the ordinary excursion! For half a day or a whole day, you’ll be in the middle of a vast, snow-covered landscape, enjoying the thrills and spills of snowmobiling. From the mountains to the snow-covered forests, you’ll have a magnificent view of the Saguenay Fjord. I think it will be really impressive! If you’re a little nervous about driving, don’t worry: the guide will give you all the tips you need to handle your snowmobile! Once you’ve booked this trip, you’ll have a cancellation guarantee in case the weather throws up any nasty surprises. It’s not uncommon in Quebec winters!

Valérie has also written a complete guide to the Saguenay region!

Book my snowmobile trip in Saguenay

Where to stay near Lake Saint-Joseph?

• Vue sur la montagne: modern chalet with a magnificent view of the mountain at L’Anse Saint-Jean.
• Grangette Entre Chiens et Loups: charming country house between mountains and forests, the ideal place to relax.
• Belle maison avec vue sur la rivière: holiday house only 9 km from the Fjord du Saguenay National Park.

Practical Information

• Price: From $494 CAD / person
• Address: Saguenay Aventures – 162 QC-170, L’Anse-Saint-Jean, QC G0V 1J0, Canada

We’re staying in Saguenay! This time you can rent snowmobiles for a free trip! If you feel comfortable and want to go at your own pace, renting is a good option for you. Of course, you don’t have to have been on a snowmobile before, but it’s highly recommended! The only requirement is that you are 21 years of age and have a driving licence. In short, if you’ve already been on a snowmobile, it’s easy to get started and choose your routes (following the marked trails) between Rivière-Éternité and Petit-Saguenay. Oh, and I almost forgot: before you set off, ask a local guide for advice – it’s always useful!

Snowmobile rental in Saguenay

Where to stay near Lake Saint-Joseph?

• Chalets Condos sur le Fjord: modern chalets and apartments 8 km from the Saguenay National Park.
• Chalet La Caille: a typical regional chalet made entirely of wood for a cosy atmosphere.
• Camping Le 4 Chemins: discover this 3-star campsite with its warm and friendly welcome.

Practical info

• Price: From $287 CAD / person
• Address: Saguenay Aventures – 162 QC-170, L’Anse-Saint-Jean, QC G0V 1J0, Canada

From Sacré-Coeur, 15 minutes from Tadoussac, head for the Saguenay Fjord! It’s another snowmobiling trip in this fjord, because the views and the trails are simply exceptional. This beautiful region of Quebec is renowned for its breathtaking scenery! You’ll be accompanied by snowmobile guides. In my opinion, it’s the best way to get off the beaten track and have an authentic experience! Tadoussac is also the ideal place for whale watching. Who knows, you might even have the chance to see one (in the distance)! Valérie has also written a complete guide to whale watching in Tadoussac!

Discover my excursion in Tadoussac

Where to stay near Tadoussac?

• Hôtel Tadoussac: a first class hotel overlooking the bay of Tadoussac and the Saguenay Fjord; I’ll leave you to imagine the incredible setting!
• Au Cachalot Caché le gîte hôtel: a warm and comfortable bed and breakfast close to the centre of Tadoussac.
• Pavillon Neuf Baie de Tadoussac: modern, fully equipped studio with a beautiful view over the Tadoussac river.

Practical Information

• Price: From $154 CAD / person
• Address: Centre de vacances Ferme 5 Étoiles, 465 route 172 Nord, Sacré-Coeur, QC G0T 1Y0, Canada

I don’t even know where to start, there are so many good reasons to snowmobile in Quebec! For starters, the sensation of gliding and riding over the snow must be incredible. You can cover miles and miles of snowy landscape. With every turn there are new vistas! What’s more, there are plenty of marked trails for all levels, so even beginners can have fun. And it’s a quintessentially Canadian activity. I’d even go so far as to say that Quebec is the ideal place to try snowmobiling! In terms of exploration, I think you’re in for a treat: fjords, lakes, vast forests and mountains, all frozen and snow-covered! Not to mention the local wildlife: squirrels, reindeer, deer and even whales and belugas (in the Saguenay Fjord). As you can see, this is definitely something I want to do when we go there with Mélanie and the kids. Well, maybe we’ll have to wait until they’re a bit older to go snowmobiling!

Generally speaking, the best time to go snowmobiling in Quebec is from mid-December to the end of March. This gives you a good 3 months to book your trip to Quebec and arrange your dates! More specifically, January and February are the months when snow conditions are good and marked trails are well groomed. March is also a good time because it’s the end of the bitter cold, with a milder climate (if you can call it that ahah) and, above all, longer days. You’ll still need to bring warm clothing for your snowmobile trip.

This article on the best places to go snowmobiling is coming to an end. I hope you’ll find a trip that appeals to you, where you can try snowmobiling and, most importantly, enjoy unforgettable scenery and trails! Whichever region you choose, I’m sure you’ll make some wonderful discoveries in settings that are each more magical than the last! To help you plan your winter activities in Quebec, I suggest you read our article on the best places for sled dog expeditions. It was written by Valérie, who was lucky enough to go on one! I can tell you that it will make you want to try this Quebec activity at least once!

See you soon for more adventures and discoveries.