“My country is not a country, it’s winter.”
— Gilles Vigneault
— Gilles Vigneault
Must-Do Winter Activities on the Côte-Nord
Snowmobiling: Go Big, Ride Far
Kilometres of trails, snow-covered forests, welcoming communities and the unique feeling of travelling through a seemingly endless landscape: snowmobiling is one of the Côte-Nord’s signature winter experiences.
The Trans-Québec 3 trail crosses much of the region, connecting several areas, services and accommodations. To take the adventure even farther, Route 389 also opens the door to the northern landscapes of Manicouagan and Fermont.
Skiing, Snowboarding and Sliding: Head for the Heights
There’s no need to leave the Côte-Nord to hit the slopes.
In Baie-Comeau, Mont Ti-Basse offers downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing just minutes from downtown. Farther east, Station Gallix, between Port-Cartier and Sept-Îles, is another great place to make the most of the winter season.
It’s the perfect activity for a family day out, a trip with friends or a winter weekend combining outdoor fun, restaurants and accommodations.
Snowshoeing and Hiking: Rediscover the Silence
In winter, the Côte-Nord forest takes on a whole new dimension. Beneath its white mantle lies a vibrant, living forest!
On snowshoes or on foot, explore trails lined with snow-laden evergreens, icy shorelines and views of the St. Lawrence River. Several outdoor centres and trail networks offer routes suited to family outings and athletes looking to add a few extra kilometres. Don’t forget your camera!
Here, sometimes the most beautiful experience is simply the silence of the winter forest or the song of the birds.
Ice Fishing and Winter Outfitter Stays
Winter is a special time to discover the Côte-Nord’s outfitters from a completely different perspective. Forest cabins, vast snow-covered landscapes, snowmobiling and tranquillity set the scene for an escape from everyday life.
At some outfitters, ice fishing adds to the experience: drill through the ice, set your line and enjoy the silence of frozen lakes. It’s an authentic way to combine outdoor adventure, relaxation and a stay in nature at the heart of a Côte-Nord winter.
Northern Lights and the Spirit of the North
As you head north, the landscape changes and winter becomes even more spectacular.
In Fermont, beyond the 51st parallel, long winter nights and wide-open spaces create favourable conditions for viewing the northern lights when the sky and solar activity cooperate.
Take the opportunity to discover a one-of-a-kind northern town, the legendary Route 389, the Uapishka Mountains, the Groulx Mountains and a side of the Côte-Nord that few travellers have experienced. The region also hosts lively winter sporting events that bring people together.
