Embracing winter means learning to enjoy the outdoors. With the right clothing, a sense of adventure, and a bit of curiosity, every outing can turn into a memorable experience. Whether you're traveling solo, with family, friends, or as a couple, Quebec's winter offers a variety of activities to reconnect with nature and fully enjoy the season. Here are our top ideas for transforming the cold into a fun-filled experience.
If you have good skiing or snowboarding skills, backcountry skiing, or also known as touring skiing, is an excellent mix of adrenaline, outdoors and intense physical activity. It's like hiking, cross-country skiing, and downhill skiing all in one. The uphill is challenging, but the downhill on virgin powder snow trails is worth it. Imagine hiking up the mountain, but coming back down on a cloud, feeling like you've earned it! It's the perfect opportunity to discover the beautiful nature that surrounds us.
Our marketing colleague, Claudie Laroche, fell in love with this sport during a trip to Western Canada. It was an opportunity for her to discover new landscapes but also new virgin lines to ride. These weeks, she is doing it on the side of Mont-Édouard, near the village of l'Anse-Saint-Jean, which is ranked as the 5th-largest vertical drop in the province. "It is a centre that I would recommend to beginners. It's a safe place because the area is patrolled and there are several heated chalets to warm up and eat in," she says.
Among winter experiences that leave a deep mark, cryogenic hiking stands out for its intensity… and its unexpected gentleness. Our ambassador Alexis Nantel took part in one of these outings led by Respir-Action, a company specializing in controlled cold exposure. An adventure that touched him profoundly, both physically and mentally.
"A raw encounter with myself," Alexis sums up. "A mix of pushing limits, intense calm, and a profound feeling of being alive."
The experience begins with an active walk to warm up the body, followed by breathing exercises designed to tame the cold. This preparation then leads to an ultra-brief immersion in icy water, carried out under expert supervision.
The moment of emerging from the water is just as powerful. "A wave of clarity swept over me," he says. "As if everything became simple and silent. The body still seized, but the mind surprisingly light, almost euphoric." This contrast between thermal shock and inner peace lies at the heart of the practice. The cold is no longer an enemy, but a revealer: a window opened onto oneself.
For those who hesitate, Alexis puts it this way: "Stop overthinking and step in gently. One breath at a time. You have nothing to prove, only to live the moment. The water is cold, yes, but far less intimidating than the idea we make of it."
He has only experienced the immersion once, yet it left a lasting imprint: "I already miss it. It’s crazy how an immersion can stay in the body long after. So yes, I want to go back as soon as possible."
And you, ready to embrace the cold… one breath at a time?
The icy trails nestled in the heart of the conifers must be explored, especially since the milder winters have made these activities possible for shorter periods in recent years. So let's take advantage of them when we have the opportunity! Consider the trail in the Bois de Belle-rivière regional educational park in the Laurentians (2.5 km) or the enchanting site near Gatineau Park, which offers a 3 km trail. Tours like these are often available closer than you think! Keep your eyes open. Finally, whether it's in the forest or an untried ice ring, there's probably a rink to be discovered in your area in a nature centre or even courtesy of the city. All you have to do is get out your winter coat and sharpen your skates and you're ready to go. Whether it's just the two of you or a group of friends, you'll be sure to make many happy memories.
Nordic touring skiing is more accessible than backcountry skiing and should be tried at least once in your life. The equipment is less expensive and you don't need a high level of skiing to have fun. We tested this sport in the Parc national des Grands-Jardins, a park in the SÉPAQ network. We adopted the loop from Lac Pointu to Etang Malbaie, which totals 11 km and is completed in a single day. There is also the possibility of sleeping in one of the two refuges which have a capacity of 6 sleepers, for a total escape. This is one of the regrets of our team of adventurers who would have liked to spend a night there to discover even more viewpoints. By the way, the park also offers the possibility of having your luggage transported to the refuge, which makes it possible to enjoy a delicious candlelit fondue! For your information, the tour can also be done on snowshoes.
Expert advice: you will be surrounded by several bare peaks of more than 800 to 900 metres, each of which offers a breathtaking view of the jewels of the area. Let the reception desk tell you which one(s) to put on your "to-exploration list".
Snowshoeing or crampons, winter hiking has been booming for a few years. Finding yourself on a narrow trail, among snow-covered giants, and getting your cardio pumping, there's no equal to this winter fun! Need some trail inspiration? Don't miss Sépaq's article that gathers in an article a few proposals for short hikes among its network, and thus, across the province to inspire us.
Take the adventure a step further and take advantage of an evening when the mercury is mild to explore a lighted trail, or get out the headlamps to add a touch of magic to your adventure. Don't forget the thermos filled with a hot beverage to warm you up halfway through the hike and, above all, look up to see the stars that are staring you in the face.
Although this article was written in the middle of summer, it nevertheless provides some wise advice on how to prepare a hike.
La vallée des fantômes: a must see
We recommend the Vallée des Fantômes in the Parc National des Monts-Valin in the Saguenay region. This 6km round trip trail has become a must on the winter trails and takes you to the 984-metre-high Pic Dubuc. Accessible to the whole family, you will be surrounded and enchanted by its giant conifers buried under the snow. If you want to extend the pleasure, it is possible to rent pretty chalets or huts nearby to spend the night. Our Chlorophylle team spent a wonderful day there last year during a week of clothing trials. See this episode of L'Aventure Boréale. To appreciate this beautiful valley, you have two options: snowshoes or backcountry skis. Which will you choose?
If you’re seeking a unique winter getaway, the yurts at Vallée Bras-du-Nord are a must-visit. Located deep within the forest of Saint-Raymond-de-Portneuf, these yurts provide a perfect blend of rustic comfort, outdoor activities, and a chance to unwind completely.
The magic begins as soon as you arrive. You step into a round space with a cozy wood stove keeping the area warm and soft light filtering down from the central skylight. After bundling up, you can head out to explore the trail network on snowshoes, skis, or fat bikes. Once you return, you can warm up with a meal cooked right on the stove. This simple, authentic routine is perfect for disconnecting from everyday life.
For those who love a challenge, the valley offers a spectacular via ferrata, ideal for admiring the region from above. This stay combines adventure, rustic comfort, and fresh air, perfect for creating unforgettable winter memories.
A winter picnic brings something special to the table. The gentle light, the sound-dampening snow, and the crisp air all combine to create an unforgettable moment. This year, why not give it a try? With a bit of preparation, the experience can be both enjoyable and truly memorable.
Choosing the right spot
The perfect spot can be closer than you realize. It might be a friend’s backyard, a public park, an accessible viewpoint, or even a rest area along a hiking trail. The important thing is to choose a location where you feel comfortable and can appreciate the scenery.
Essentials to bring
To fully enjoy the moment, a few basics make everything more comfortable:
- Wear appropriate clothing or several layers to stay warm.
- Bring a sleeping pad to keep you warm.
- Pack a thermos with at least 500 ml of a hot drink.
- Include comfort food such as soup, chili, broth, spreads, homemade cookies, dried fruit, or chocolate.
- Don't forget to bring water, utensils, and bowls or plates.
- Carry matches if you plan to make a fire.
- Use a practical backpack to carry all your items.
Have you discovered a magical place for winter picnics? Don’t hesitate to share your favorites and hidden gems with us!
Make the most of winter
Quebec winters offer an extraordinary playground for those who love the outdoors. Whether you're seeking exercise, wonder, or simply a moment to relax, all you need to do is step outside to rediscover the beauty of the cold season. With the right clothing and a sense of curiosity, every outing becomes a chance to move, breathe, and reconnect with nature.
To truly enjoy winter, embrace outdoor adventures alone, with family, or with friends.
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