Where to Go Snowmobiling in Quebec: Our Favorite Spots

Hello again, everyone! After Valérie—our friend who lives in Canada—shared her snowmobiling experiences in Quebec, we received plenty of requests. So we decided to put together an article featuring some of the best places to go snowmobiling in Quebec. There are certainly others, but these are the destinations that come up most often. Snowmobiling is one of the must-do winter activities in the beautiful province of Quebec. To be honest, we were hoping to visit our friend there one winter, possibly in 2025—although that still had to be confirmed!

Naturally, snowmobiling is high on our must-do list! Winter in Quebec is also a great time to hit the ski slopes. For a slower-paced way to take in the majestic scenery, cross-country skiing is a wonderful option. Thrill seekers could even try ice climbing. I have to admit that I’ve never done it, but it must be quite an experience! We’d also love to go on a few snowshoe hikes through Quebec’s landscapes, surrounded by forests and frozen mountains. In short, winter in Quebec feels like a true escape. It’s the perfect season for all kinds of outdoor activities, and we’d love to experience it for ourselves as soon as possible!

As you can see, this article is all about the best places to go snowmobiling during your stay in Quebec. Our recommendations are based in part on Valérie’s article, which was a huge help. Since then, Mélanie and Louis have also had the chance to enjoy their own snowmobiling experience at Lac Morency in the Laurentians.

Some of the photos featured in this article come from Manawa, our longtime activity partner.

Let’s start with Quebec’s largest city: Montreal. Imagine spending a few winter days in Montreal and wanting to try snowmobiling. Just outside the city, you can set off on an adventure around Lac Morency! Several excursions are available, with total activity times ranging from 1.5 to 8.5 hours, depending on the option you choose. Best of all, passionate, experienced guides will show you how to handle the snowmobile as you make your way along winding trails and across varied terrain. In my opinion, having a guide makes the experience even more enjoyable. For more ideas in the city, Valérie has written a dedicated guide to Montreal.

Book a snowmobile tour near Montreal

Where to stay nearby?

• Auberge du Lac Morency: A charming inn with lovely views of Lac Morency.
• Chalet Le Cozy: A cozy, 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: See the booking page for current rates
• Address: Aventures Plein Air, 42 Rue de la Chaumine, Saint-Hippolyte, QC J8A 2N4, Canada

Next, head to the Laurentians, near the famous Mont-Tremblant! A snowmobile outing with Outdoor Logistik takes you through beautiful scenery in the heart of Quebec’s wilderness. Children ages 6 and up can join as passengers, provided they are tall enough for their feet to rest securely on the running boards. In my opinion, it’s a memorable experience for the whole family. If winter weather is a concern, the organizer offers a weather guarantee, allowing you to reschedule or receive a refund if the activity is canceled because of poor conditions. That certainly makes it easier to book with peace of mind!

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

Where to stay nearby?

• Hotel Quintessence: a 5-star hotel for a luxury experience just 2 minutes from the center 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: See the booking page for current rates
• 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. Set amid Quebec’s vast forests, this activity takes place in a truly beautiful setting. Better still, you’ll be riding an electric snowmobile, allowing you to enjoy the snow-covered landscapes in relative peace and quiet. In my opinion, that’s a real advantage! Overall, the tour combines the thrill of the ride with wonderful winter scenery. Ready for the adventure?

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: See the booking page for current rates
• Address: Skidoo NordExpe à Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu – 181 Rue Richelieu, La Malbaie, QC G5A 3B9

For a rewarding day trip less than an hour from Quebec City, Au Chalet en Bois Rond offers a four-hour guided snowmobile tour in Sainte-Christine-d’Auvergne. You’ll ride through some of the region’s beautiful winter scenery, and time is sure to fly by. There is a short break so the driver and passenger can switch places, which is ideal for anyone eager to try driving. You’ll also be accompanied by a snowmobile guide who knows the area inside out, making the outing both easier and more enjoyable. Please note that this winter activity is open to participants ages 15 and up.

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: See the booking page for current rates
• Address: Au Chalet en Bois Rond – 325 Rang St Jacques, Sainte-Christine-d’Auvergne, QC G0A 1A0, Canada

Aventure Inukshuk invites you to enjoy a snowmobile ride with family or friends near Lac Saint-Joseph, not far from Quebec City. You can choose between a 1.5-hour or three-hour outing through the hills surrounding the lake. You can also decide whether to ride solo or share the experience with a passenger. Naturally, you’ll be accompanied by guides who know the beautiful Duchesnay area inside out, helping you discover some of its best trails and viewpoints. It’s a refreshing change of scenery—and a great opportunity to take plenty of photos.

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: See the booking page for current rates

Just an hour from the city of Saguenay, you can set off on a truly memorable excursion. Whether you choose a half-day or full-day outing, you’ll ride through vast snow-covered landscapes and experience the thrill of snowmobiling. From mountains to snowy forests, the route offers beautiful views of the Saguenay Fjord. I imagine it must be quite impressive! If you feel a little nervous about driving, don’t worry: the guide will explain everything you need to know to handle the snowmobile. The activity also comes with a weather guarantee, so you can reschedule or receive a refund if poor conditions force the organizer to cancel—always useful during a Quebec winter!

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

Book my snowmobile trip in Saguenay

Where to stay nearby?

• 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.
• Hôtel Québec Inn: a charming establishment offering good value for money about a ten-minute drive away.

Practical information

• Price: See the booking page for current rates
• Address: Saguenay Aventures – 162 QC-170, L’Anse-Saint-Jean, QC G0V 1J0, Canada

Mélanie and Louis have also had the opportunity, since this article was written, to enjoy a great snowmobile tour in the region.

We’re staying in the Saguenay region, but this time the focus is on renting a snowmobile and heading out independently. If you feel confident and want to explore at your own pace, a rental can be a good option. Previous snowmobiling experience is not strictly required, but it is strongly recommended. Drivers must be at least 21 years old and hold a valid driver’s license. If you already have some experience, you can choose your own route along the marked trails between Rivière-Éternité and Petit-Saguenay. One last tip before setting off: ask a local guide for advice—it’s always useful!

Where to stay nearby?

• 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 cozy atmosphere.
• Camping Le 4 Chemins: discover this 3-star campsite with its warm and friendly welcome.

Practical info

• Price: See the booking page for current rates
• Address: Saguenay Aventures – 162 QC-170, L’Anse-Saint-Jean, QC G0V 1J0, Canada

From Sacré-Coeur, about 15 minutes from Tadoussac, set off toward the Saguenay Fjord. This is another chance to explore the fjord by snowmobile, and the trails and views make it easy to see why the area is so popular. This beautiful part of Quebec is known for its remarkable scenery. You’ll be accompanied by experienced snowmobile guides, which, in my opinion, is one of the best ways to venture off the beaten path and enjoy a more authentic experience. Tadoussac is also famous for whale watching during the appropriate season. Valérie has 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 center of Tadoussac.
• Motel de l’Anse a l’Eau: a motel offering all the necessary comfort just steps from the river in Tadoussac.

Practical information

• Price: See the booking page for current rates
• Address: Centre de vacances Ferme 5 Étoiles, 465 route 172 Nord, Sacré-Coeur, QC G0T 1Y0, Canada

There are so many good reasons to go snowmobiling in Quebec that it’s hard to know where to begin! First, the feeling of gliding across the snow must be exhilarating. You can cover mile after mile of winter landscape, with a new view around every bend. There are also plenty of marked trails for different skill levels, so beginners can enjoy the experience too. And, of course, it’s a quintessentially Canadian activity. I’d even go so far as to say that Quebec is one of the best places to try snowmobiling. When it comes to scenery, you’re in for a treat: fjords, lakes, vast forests, and mountains, all frozen or blanketed in snow. You may also spot local wildlife along the way. As you can see, this is definitely something I’d love to do with Mélanie and the kids when we visit—although we may need to wait until they’re a little older!

Generally speaking, the best time to go snowmobiling in Quebec is from mid-December through the end of March, although exact conditions vary by region and from one winter to the next. January and February usually offer reliable snow and well-maintained marked trails. March can also be a good choice, as the harshest cold often begins to ease—at least by Quebec standards!—and the days are longer. You’ll still need plenty of warm clothing for any snowmobile outing.

That brings this guide to the best places to go snowmobiling to a close. I hope you find an outing that appeals to you—one that lets you experience snowmobiling while taking in memorable scenery and trails. Whichever region you choose, you’re sure to make some wonderful discoveries in a beautiful winter setting. To help plan the rest of your winter activities in Quebec, take a look at our article on the best places for dog-sledding excursions. It was written by Valérie, who was lucky enough to try one herself, and it may well make you want to experience this classic Quebec winter activity at least once!

See you soon for more adventures and discoveries!

Written by Sylvain PONS

I had the opportunity to explore the beauty of this country I love on several different occasions and in different places (Canadian Rockies, the Island of Newfoundland for 1 month, Yukon and Québec)!

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