In snowshoe and cross-country ski heaven!

Published on December 21 2023

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

Aventure Hélianthe
Aventure Hélianthe

Here, theres 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, youll be accompanied by a guide as you explore the regions backcountry landscapes. Afterwards, you can tuck into a hearty hikers meal, because these expeditions definitely whet the appetite! Once youve 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. 

Where

257 Principale Street, Mansfield-et-Pontefract

Cost

Packages start at $225 per person including one night of winter camping and dinner.

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LEAMY LAKE, GREAT FOR BEGINNERS


Make the most of the beautiful winter days without leaving the city! More than 15kilometres 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. Its an ideal place to introduce your toddlers to winter sports. With many lookout points and bird feeders along the trails, its 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!

Where

100 Atawe Street (formerly Lac-Leamy Road), Gatineau

When

The pavilion is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The trails are open from dawn to dusk.

Cost

Site admission and parking are free. If you have your own equipment, you don’t need to book a time to use the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Snowshoe rental (3-hour block): adult $19.00, child $13.50. Cross-country ski rental (3-hour block): adult $19.00, child $13.50. Free rental with an Accès Gatineau +  card!

Good to know

Equipment rental is done online via the City of Gatineau’s citizen portal (web page in French only), and a valid Accès Gatineau or Acccès Gatineau + card is required to make a reservation. The park is dog-friendly.

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


Founded in 1971, Nakkertok Nordique is Eastern Canadas largest cross-country ski club. Just 15minutes from downtown, it offers vast 80-kilometre trail network in the heart of the Collines-de-lOutaouais. 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 little night skiingAt 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 24kilometre backcountry corridor. 

Where

900 Gatineau Avenue, Gatineau

Cost

Non-member day passes and annual memberships (season passes) are available online. Day pass: Cross-country skiing Adult: $15 / Youth (13–17) & student (18+): $10 / Child (under 13): Free Family: $30 | Snowshoeing Adult: $7 / Youth (13–17) & student (18+): $5 / Child (under 13): Free / Family: $15

Good to know

The club offers courses as well as friendly athletic competitions. Access to Nakkertok South is on the north side of Gatineau Avenue. Access to Nakkertok North is via Route 366, east of the junction with Route 307.

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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 PetiteNation, 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 Noireare a huge natural playground; besides the magnificent pine and maple-forested valleys, youll enjoy the panoramic views from the top of Mont Grand-Pic and the observation tower. 

Where

39 Montagne-Noire Road, Ripon

When

The park is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset. The reception is open from 9 am to 4 pm from Sunday to Thursday, from 9 am to 8 pm on Friday and from 9 am to 6 pm on Saturday.

Cost

DAILY ACCESS TICKET - Family: $21.74 | Adult: $8.70 | Child: $4.35. Please note that residents of participating municipalities have free access to the site.

Good to know

You can access the trails from five parking lots. You can warm up by the fire in the Des Pins shelter. The park also offers on-demand equipment rental (cross-country skis, Hok skis, snowshoes, tubes, sleds) at the Stéphane-Richer welcome centre.

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WORTH DISCOVERING: THE PARCOURS LOUIS-JOSEPH-PAPINEAU


Youll 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.

Where

The trailhead is behind the Auberge Petite-Nation – 35 Principale Street, Saint-André-Avellin

Cost

Free. The Club de ski de randonnée des Montagnes Blanches, whose volunteers maintain the trails, sells a fundraising trail map, available at the Brasse-Camarade convenience store near the trails.

Good to know

No on-site equipment rental. Dogs on leash are welcome.

Learn more

GATINEAU PARK: A WORLD-CLASS TRAIL NETWORK!


Will one winter be enough to explore all the trails in Gatineau ParkIt offers—brace yourself!70kilometres for snowshoeing and 200for skiing! Its one of North Americas 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. Amust, just a few steps from the city! 

Where

33 Scott Road, Chelsea

Cost

A day or season pass is required to access the cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter biking: Adult - $22.00 | Teen, Student & Senior - $17.00 | Family (Maximum of two adults and three teenagers) - $49.00

Good to know

The park has access points in several sectors. To better plan your outing, consult the recommended cross-country ski trails, ask for suggestions at the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, or design your own route using the interactive map. Need equipment? Ski and snowshoe rental is available at the Relais plein air.

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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. 

Where

76 De la Montagne Road, Lac Sainte-Marie

Cost

Free!

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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.

Where

Champboisé de L’Ange-Gardien : 1521 Rt. 309, L'Ange-Gardien | Sentiers les Renards Blancs : Zinkie Rd., L'Ange-Gardien

When

The trail system is accessible during the winter season only.

Good to know

It's possible to rent equipment on site and baby carriers are also available.

Learn more

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!

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