In snowshoe and cross-country ski heaven!

Are you a snowshoe person or a cross-country ski person? Classic or skate skiing? Whatever your preference, the Outaouais has a trail for you! From one end of the territory to the other, from urban areas to the depths of the forest, there are hundreds, even thousands of kilometres to cover. Sunday hiker or competitive cross-country skier, all you have to do is choose your route for maximum fun. Check out our suggestions to make the most of our region’s winter offering! 

DAY TRIP WITH AVENTURE HÉLIANTHE

Here, there’s no compromise! Sign up for an unforgettable snowshoe expedition in the heart of the Davidson Forest. Aventure Hélianthe offers day trips for the whole family. On your introductory winter outing, you’ll be accompanied by a guide as you explore the region’s backcountry landscapes. Afterwards, you can tuck into a hearty hiker’s meal, because these expeditions definitely whet the appetite! Once you’ve got a feel for the sport, you can come back whenever you like to explore the territory. Aventure Hélianthe also offers various outdoor survival and winter camping experiences. 

LEAMY LAKE, GREAT FOR BEGINNERS

Make the most of the beautiful winter days without leaving the city! More than 15 kilometres of trails await you at the Centre de plein air du Lac-Leamy. The trails are suitable for cross-country skiers and snowshoers of all abilities, and will take you around the lake or along the Gatineau River. It’s an ideal place to introduce your toddlers to winter sports. With many lookout points and bird feeders along the trails, it’s also a lovely spot to go for a walk. Looking for a challenge? Take the longest trail (Leamy Lake Creek), which leads to the Relais plein air in Gatineau Park. 

Skiing and snowshoeing in the Collines!

NAKKERTOK NORDIC: A HUGE CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CENTRE WITH A FAMILY VIBE

Founded in 1971, Nakkertok Nordique is Eastern Canada’s largest cross-country ski club. Just 15 minutes from downtown, it offers a vast 80-kilometre trail network in the heart of the Collines-de-l’Outaouais. At Nakkertok South, in Cantley, access the main chalet and trails perfect for snowshoeing and skiing (classic or skate). With two illuminated trail loops, consider a little night skiing! At Nakkertok North, in Val-des-Monts, you can enjoy a more rugged classic ski experience, with small wood-heated cabins. For experienced skiers, the north and south sectors are connected by a challenging 24–kilometre backcountry corridor. 

PARC DES MONTAGNES NOIRES DE RIPON : A LITTLE SLICE OF HEAVEN

Your list of winter destinations should include the Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon (Black Mountains Park) in Ripon. In the Petite Nation, this peak is a paradise for outdoor activities! There are more than 10 kilometres of hiking and snowshoe trails, and cross-country skiers can practise their classic or skate skiing along 13 kilometres of shared recreational trails. The level of the trails varies from easy to difficult, providing fun for everyone. The Montagnes Noires are a huge natural playground; besides the magnificent pine– and maple-forested valleys, you’ll enjoy the panoramic views from the top of Mont Grand-Pic and the observation tower. 

WORTH DISCOVERING: THE PARCOURS LOUIS-JOSEPH-PAPINEAU

You’ll be amazed by the superb trails of the Club de ski de randonnée des Montagnes Blanches (White Mountains Cross-Country Ski Club) in Saint-André-Avellin! In an enchanting setting, go for an invigorating outing on the ski and snowshoe trails, accessible to everyone and maintained by dedicated volunteers. From the Auberge Petite-Nation to Camp Sajo, nature lovers will be delighted by the 25 kilometres of woodland winter trails. Be sure to pause to admire the breathtaking panoramic views from the scenic lookouts.

GATINEAU PARK: A WORLD-CLASS TRAIL NETWORK!

Will one winter be enough to explore all the trails in Gatineau Park? It offers—brace yourself!—70 kilometres for snowshoeing and 200 for skiing! It’s one of North America’s most extensive cross-country ski networks, with 50 groomed trails ranging in level of difficulty from easy to very difficult. Classic and skate skiers alike will find their happy place in the heart of the picturesque landscape. As you glide (or tromp) through the forest, past frozen lakes and through snow-covered valleys, take advantage of the many lookouts, and warm up by the fire in the shelters along the trail. A must, just a few steps from the city! 

MOUNTAIN VIEWS AT LAC SAINTE-MARIE

In the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, the recreational pathways at Lac Sainte-Marie are transformed into cross-country ski (classic and skate) and snowshoe trails. Plan a nature hike with a magnificent view of Mont Sainte-Marie. The trail network (about 10 kilometres) includes easy and difficult sections. 

HOURS OF FUN AT the Corporation plein air de la Lièvre

Discover the enchanting sites of the Corporation plein air de la Lièvre. On cross-country skis or snowshoes, explore the Sentiers les Renards Blancs, a 20 km network of marked and maintained trails. A fun outing for all experience levels. Also discover the breathtaking scenery of Champboisé de L’Ange-Gardien, the perfect place to unwind and recharge your batteries on the 5 km of freely accessible hiking trails along the Lièvre River.

Did you know that the Outaouais region hosts two not to be missed events every winter? The Gatineau Loppet and the Canadian Ski Marathon offer different challenges for all levels! 

No equipment? No excuses! Drop by Sport Échange Outaouais, which offers rental, sales and service of new and used outdoor gear.

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So, are you as enthusiastic as we are? Enjoy these beautiful winter days, snowshoes or skis on your feet. And while there’s snow, find out where to go camping and winter glamping in the area!