The Côte-Nord winter favours seasonal sports because of its dry climate and vast expanses of white snow, where thousands of reflections come together under the sun like diamonds on ice! Thus, from December to April, the white season brings along an abundance of snow. From that moment on, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, and dogsled rides have the place of honour. In Manicouagan, you can spend the evening under a tent in the heart of winter, or count the stars before going to sleep in a real igloo. Do you think you will be able to resist the rivers, river mouths, and numerous lakes that are frozen solid and that are inviting you to come and tease the smelt, trout or perch, all the while well wrapped up and huddled in a small cabin? The most courageous people do it in the outdoors, therefore if you are sensitive to the cold, stay inside! As winters go by on the Côte-Nord, you will discover many wonderful things to share!

© L. Ouellet

Snowmobiling Clubs Gentlemen (and ladies), start your engines—and drive your snowmobile down the approximately 2000 km (1200 miles) of trails linking Saguenay, Charlevoix and Gaspésie, the latter by ferry between Matane/Baie-Comeau and Matane/Godbout. The North Shore is criss-crossed by superb trails and blessed with a generous snowfall, a veritable kingdom for snowmobilers. A dozen snowmobiling clubs and associations can provide assistance during your trip.

© L. Ouellet

Winter Vacation Want to see how tough you really are? Then take an outdoor winter vacation in the great outdoors. Skiing, hunting, ice fishing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, winter camping or dogsledding expeditions are all activities that can be included in a customized package that respects your interests and budget.

© Hamilton et Bourassa

Equipment Rental Do you like to travel light, or think that having too much luggage is over-rated? Great! Once on the North Shore, you can rent bicycles, fishing tackle, life jackets and ATVs, basically whatever you need, before you head out to explore the great outdoors.

© ATRM

Snowmobiling The Manicouagan offers 2,000 km of trails in a totally white universe! Indisputably, it is a true paradise for snowmobilers with its marked trails linked to the Trans-Québec 3 trail. Short drives, long rides or adventure excursion, the Côte-Nord rolls out the white carpet for you. One of the most popular circuits is a trip around the St. Lawrence via the Camille-Marcoux ferry which links the north and the south shores. Also, the longest bridge of its kind in North America, the Passerelle Manicouagan, lets snowmobilers cross this river known for its dams. You can get to the Côte-Nord trails from Saguenay–Lac- Saint-Jean, through Charlevoix by taking the ferry that links Baie-Sainte-Catherine to Tadoussac, or by the south shore with ferries operating from Matane to Baie-Comeau and Godbout.

© G. Fougères

Ice Fishing Take advantage of winter to come and tease the smelt, trout and perch in a silence... of ice and snow! For more information on fishing sites, contact the Service de la protection de la faune du Québec at (418) 964-8888.

© Sentiers Rivière Amédée

Cross-country Skiing Cross-country ski enthusiasts have four wonderful sites, some of which offer night skiing, to choose from.

© L. Ouellet

Downhill Skiing The Baie-Comeau ski resort has more than 14 runs at all levels of ability and a number of packages. You can also practice a range of other winter sports at the resort offered in association with the onsite ski school.

© C. Bouchard

Dogsledding Nothing captures the spirit of winter as much as flying over the snow in a dogsled, a traditional method of transportation in the colder months of the year. Experience how the region's first inhabitants travelled through the majestic forests of conifers growing along the banks of frozen rivers. Different routes and tours. Ask about our multi-day packages.