Every winter, as Lac Saint‑Jean freezes under a thick blanket of ice, an extraordinary challenge takes shape. The Double Challenge of the two Marios, is more than a simple crossing of the lake — it’s a moment where courage, solidarity, and personal triumph come together in the heart of a vast northern landscape. Once again this year, brave participants from near and far faced the biting cold to support the On the tip of the toes Foundation, which leads young people with cancer on therapeutic wilderness expeditions.
A winter challenge that brings people together
For eighteen years, the crossing of Lac Saint‑Jean has become an essential winter event, each edition taking on its own character. Covering more than 30 kilometers on skis or snowshoes across a windswept white expanse demands serious preparation, determination, and deep respect for the elements. Yet what drives participants goes far beyond physical performance.
Every step taken on the ice becomes an act of support for young people who are facing their own difficult journey. The cause gives greater meaning to the effort, and that is what makes this crossing so special.
On the Tip of the Toes Foundation: turning illness into adventure
For 30 years, the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation has offered teenagers with cancer the chance to take part in adventure expeditions tailored to their condition. These deeply human experiences help them regain confidence, strength, and hope.
Taking part in the Double Challenge of the two Marios directly supports these life‑changing projects. It also affirms that nature can be a powerful source of healing.
Bringing a little warmth to the crossing
At Chlorophylle, we deeply believe in the power of the outdoors to bring people together and transform lives. Taking part in the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation’s Double Challenge of the Two Marios was therefore a natural choice for us.
To support the adventurers in this demanding challenge, we provided a warm fleece sweater designed for the lake’s harsh conditions. When winds exceed 50 km/h and the cold settles in for good, every layer becomes essential to move safely and fully enjoy the experience. Offering warmth and comfort was our way of contributing, in our own way, to the success of the event — and of supporting those who cross Pekuakami for a cause that goes far beyond physical effort.
Marc Boulianne’s perspective as a first‑time participant
A memorable start
For Marc Boulianne, who was taking part in his first crossing on behalf of Chlorophylle, the experience was striking from the very beginning. "From the moment I arrived, I was impressed by the logistics team and the volunteers. It takes a strong, resourceful, and perfectly coordinated crew to set up the camps, ensure safety, transport equipment, prepare meals, and make sure everyone can move forward confidently on the lake. Without this organization, the crossing simply couldn’t exist."
He quickly discovered what many had told him before the start: "People say the crossing is addictive. I understand now—there’s the physical crossing… and the one that happens inside."
Facing the wind and the cold
The first day, almost too easy, prompted a joking comment from the event’s co‑founder, Mario Cantin, who said they might need to spice things up. The lake answered the next day: a constant headwind, gusts over 40 km/h, and a biting cold that forced participants to cover every inch of skin.
“In those moments, you feel the true force of the group. Everyone must give something of themselves so the team can continue forward, no matter the weather. Hardship brings back empathy and a spirit of togetherness. It highlights the beauty of human connection. Sharing such an adventure weaves deep and lasting ties.” — Marc Boulianne
Adapting to face the elements
To take on these polar conditions, Marc made sure to adjust his gear. He modified his Baffin waterproof‑breathable shell by adding a fur ruff — an essential feature for him in this kind of environment. And once at camp, another piece of equipment quickly proved indispensable: "The Nomade down suit was pure luxury. Without it, enjoying the base camp in the evening would have been much harder."
The comfort of camp and meals
After a full day battling wind and cold, settling into camp became a precious moment. It was also there that Marc discovered another pillar of the adventure: the meals.
"And what can I say about the food! Serving us a breakfast poutine with hollandaise sauce, out on the lake… honestly, that’s something else. Those meals gave us an incredible boost."
A moment of emotion that gives the crossing its full meaning
On the second evening, the atmosphere at camp shifted. Two participants who had lived through cancer stood up to share their stories and explain how the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation’s expeditions had changed their lives. Their words left a deep impression on Marc.
"Their testimony moved me deeply. Hearing how the Foundation helped them regain confidence and strength… it gives even greater meaning to every step we take on the lake."
That moment of sharing, in the heart of the frozen expanse, reminded everyone why they were crossing Pekuakami: to support young people who are facing their own storm.
A commitment that continues
Chlorophylle is proud to support initiatives that highlight the strength of community and the importance of helping one another. The Double Challenge of the Two Marios is a perfect example — an event where nature, people, and purpose come together in a single breath.
We will continue to support projects that bring people closer to the outdoors and contribute to a more connected, caring world.
A few numbers that speak for themselves
- 18 years that the Double Challenge of the Two Marios has been crossing Lac Saint‑Jean every winter
- Annual crossings, rbringing together participants from across Québec
- More than 1 000 participants have taken on the challenge since the beginning
- 265 000 $ raised for the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation during the 2026 edition
- 32 km traveled on skis or snowshoes across Lac Saint‑Jean
- 30 years of existence for the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation
- Hundreds of young people with cancer have taken part in the Foundation’s therapeutic expeditions
- 0 cost for families : every expedition is fully covered
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