If you follow our travels throughout the sledding season, you know that On Snow Magazine spends time in Québec during the riding season. Why? For one, the province of Québec has embraced the sport of snowmobiling and has amassed over 33,000kms (20,500 miles) of some the world’s best snowmobile trails. Secondly, the amount of snow that falls through the region is legendary and you can plan trips both early in the season and/or late in the season. Finally, where ever you choose to ride in the province, you get the overall feeling that you are welcomed and the places you stay really cater to the needs of a travelling snowmobiler.
We know that the season is never long enough, and the overwhelming comments we hear when snowmobilers are considering going to Québec is; Where should I go? Below, and in no particular order, we’ve come up with a list of the Top 8 Snowmobiling events happening in Québec this season:
Québec Trails Open House
January 19th – 20th 2019
Location: Province of Québec
Not ready to fully commit to a full trip in Québec, why not “dip your toe in the snow” and head to Québec this weekend and get access to the 33,000kms (20,500 miles) for free. Get your permit now by clicking on the link in the title and see what everyone is talking about.
Le Village Illuminé – To live the holiday time of magic!
December 7th – 8th, 14th – 15th, December 21st, to January 2nd, 2019
(Closed December 25, 2018 and January 1, 2019)
Location: Centre-Du-Québec–Chaudière-Appalaches
Looking for a family outing for the whole family around the holiday season? Why not consider celebrating the Christmas holidays in a fairyland and authentic decor! There are many indoor and outdoor activities which include; entertainment, the elves’ workshop, horse-drawn wagon or sleigh rides, Christmas storytelling, giant snow slide, pony rides, Christmas market, and much more. Meal packages are also available by reservation. If you are considering a full family snowmobile holiday this could be perfect. Click the link in the title above for all the details.
La Randonnée des pros
January 12th
Location: The Laurentians
The Laurentians is a really great region for snowmobiling and is one of the easiest to get to as it is in the central part of the province. The trails are great and add in the fact that Mont-Laurier is there, it makes for a great place to visit should you want to do more than just snowmobile. Go and hit up the trails and spend a day at La Randonnée des pros which is an organised snowmobile ride for the benefit of the Oncology department of Mont-Laurier Hospital, and will be followed by dinner-show and silent auction!
The Grand rassemblement des motoneigistes in Charlevoix
January 25th – 26th 2019
Location: Charlevoix – Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean – Québec City & Area
Yes it is correct, we have also been to this event. This is 5-star snowmobiling. Anyone who has stayed at the Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu will know exactly what we are talking about. Then add one of the biggest snowmobile parties of the season, along with a casino attached to the hotel, and you have yourself an event you don’t want to miss. The Grand Rassemblement des motoneigistes is much more than snowmobiling! Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu, the Casino de Charlevoix and Kimpex expect you on January 25 and 26, 2019 for a multitude of different activities: cocktail and snowmobile product exhibition, poker rally and prizes to win, and a dinner-show with Karma Kameleons. Also available: attractive accommodation package featuring the admission to a festive Beach party evening on Friday.
Winter Beerfest
February 1st – 2nd
Location: Outaouais
Beerfest…need to say more? As we all know the best tasting beer is after a day on the trails when the sleds are away for the night. The Winter Beerfest is more than 100 beers from two dozen craft breweries in Québec and Ontario, gourmet snacks, and a festive atmosphere in the Grand Hall of the Canadian Museum of History. Discover the secrets of beer at our workshops and seminars, and step into our giant outdoor yurt to sing along with the featured entertainer and warm up around the bonfire as you sip a nice warm beer. Join us and raise a glass to the Winter Brewfest as we patiently wait for springtime and the Gatineau Beerfest!
Festival Folifrets
February 29th 2019 – March 9th 2019
Location: Eeyou Istchee Baie-James
If you follow us, you know we have been to this event. If you want a truly amazing and exciting snowmobile event in the northern part of Québec and ride some amazing remote trails then the Festival Folifrets in Chibougamau needs to be on your bucket list. The Festival Folifrets Baie-James is a unique snowmobile competition held in Chibougamau, in the Eeyou Istchee Baie-James region for over 50 years. Two major events are the hallmark of this event: the “Randonnée du président”, with nearly 650 participants, and the cross-country, an endurance race that welcomes some of the best recreational riders in Québec on 345 kilometers across the boreal forest.
2019 Saint-Zénon Snowmobile Party
March 16th
Location: Lanaudière – Mauricie
Here is a unique opportunity to spend some time in Québec snowmobiling, then hit up a party that features demo rides from all manufacturers. You will already have all your gear, so who would not want to go and ride some new sleds? There will also be music, bonfires signers, prizes and food. Sounds like a party to us.
Murdoch Master
March 30th 2019
Location: Gaspésie
This region needs to be on your bucket list if you are considering heading to Québec. It boasts some of the world’s renowned epic views you will ever see from a snowmobile trail. Why not consider booking your trip around the Murdoch Master; an adrenaline filled snowmobile race that includes hill climbs, drag races and snowcross on Mt York.
For further details on all the snowmobiling events that are taking place in Québec this season you can also visit: www.snowmobileinQuébec.com – Trust us you will not be disappointed.
