❄️ Snowshoeing Adventures: 6 Spectacular Winter Trails in Quebec
Snowshoeing is one of the best ways to rise above the world — literally! It lets you reach beautiful summits with ease and rewards you with breathtaking winter panoramas.
Here are six of my favourite snowshoe trails across Quebec, perfect for your next regional escape — ideally paired with a last-minute cottage rental for a cozy night by the fire.
🏔️ Up the Slopes of Mont Saint-Joseph – Mont-Mégantic National Park (Eastern Townships)
Mont Saint-Joseph is a true gem — and one that must be earned!
Located 500 metres above the park’s Discovery Centre, this iconic summit is worth every step. A short approach through a sugar maple grove leads to the mountain’s base, where the 3 km climb begins — steep but incredibly rewarding. Along the way, viewpoints like the Belvedere du Soleil reveal sweeping vistas of the countryside below.
The snow here is deep, the air crisp, and the snow-covered spruces look straight out of a fairytale.
At the summit, stop by the mountain chapel (built in 1883), then continue along the ridge to the new shelter at 1,050 m, and even farther north to Mont Victoria. On your descent via the Col des Trois Sommets, admire the “snow ghosts” — trees encased in glistening frost. The full loop is about 10 km of pure winter magic, before you head back to your cozy chalet.
🌲 A Fairy-Tale View in Lanaudière
Some corners of Quebec never lose their charm, no matter how many winters you return to them — and for me, Saint-Donat in Lanaudière is one of those.
My favourite discovery? The Cap de la Fée Trail, which ends in a spectacular overlook of Lake Archambault.
Picture this: a clear blue sky, -25°C outside your cottage window, and the perfect day to warm up by climbing a hill on snowshoes.
The loop begins north of the lake with a gentle start through the forest. After passing Refuge Le Grand Duc, the trail climbs steadily to a plateau at 625 metres. At the top, the snow-laden trees look like giant snowmen guarding the view. From the belvedere, the panorama of Lake Archambault is simply stunning.
Allow 2.5 to 3 hours for this 6.4 km loop, and don’t forget to download the trail map from the Club de plein air de Saint-Donat.
🌳 The Mont Wright Circuit – Quebec City Region
Near Stoneham, the Mont Wright Forest Park offers a three-hour snowshoe trek through an ancient forest, managed by the Association forestière des deux rives.
From the parking area (exit 169 on Route 175 North), the Southern Ancient Forest Trail leads into one of the last examples of old-growth woodland on private land in Quebec — a serene sanctuary of towering maples and evergreens.
Follow the Summit Trail for gradual elevation gains and rewarding views at 483 metres. Take a break at the belvedere overlooking Stoneham’s alpine ski area before looping back via the Northern Ancient Forest Trail.
Don’t miss the Under-Rock Shelters mini-loop, a short 20-minute detour that feels like another world, with glacial boulders, cliffs, and maybe even a few bear dens hidden beneath the snow.
Total distance: 6.5 km of natural wonder.
🏞️ Overlooking Lake Orford – Eastern Townships
From your Estrie cottage rental, head toward Lake Orford and the Ruisseau des Chênes Trail. This 5.8 km round trip offers an intermediate-level challenge and winds through a beech forest along a cascading stream that freezes into dazzling sculptures in winter.
Along the way, enjoy unique viewpoints over Mont Orford and Lake Memphremagog — a picture-perfect reward for your efforts.
🏔️ Montagne du Diable – Laurentians
Standing tall at 783 metres with a 550-metre vertical, the Montagne du Diable Regional Park near Ferme-Neuve is one of Quebec’s most spectacular snowshoeing destinations.
Swap your slippers for snowshoes and set out from your Laurentians cottage to explore this vast natural playground.
Expect about 10 km of trail and 350 metres of ascent through birch-maple forests, snowy ridges, and pristine boreal landscapes.
The climb leads to La Paroi de l’Aube lookout, with panoramic views over the valley below, before looping back down past Lake de la Montagne. A must for true snow lovers!
🪐 Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes – Charlevoix
A classic — and for good reason! The Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes Trail in the Grands-Jardins National Park is just 8.4 km round trip, but the rewards are immense.
After a steady ascent, the trail reaches 980 metres, where 360° views of Charlevoix’s valleys, cliffs, and the ancient Charlevoix meteor crater take your breath away.
At the summit, the wind can be fierce — but the feeling of standing atop a frozen world is unforgettable.
Back at your Charlevoix chalet rental, warm up with a mug of hot chocolate and relive your day among the mountains and stars.
🏡 Extend the Magic
Whether you’re chasing summits or serenity, snowshoeing in Quebec offers the perfect blend of adventure and escape.
After your trek, curl up in a cozy cottage — complete with a crackling fire, local wine, and snowflakes falling outside your window.
Find your perfect winter hideaway on Cottage Discount, where last-minute deals make it easy to turn a simple weekend into an unforgettable getaway.