You cannot change your destination overnight, but you can change your direction overnight. If you want to reach your goals and fulfill your potential become intentional about your personal growth. It will change your life. – Jim Rohn
One of my favorite activities is hiking. To me, it doesn’t matter what the weather is like, how hot or cold it is, or how long the hike is; I find myself in peace surrounded by trees and crisp cold air. Winter hikes are not the first thought that pops into people’s minds. However, the experience of a winter hike is so different from the summer. The crisp air, the beautiful white scenery, the snow getting squished under your boots… It’s an experience that so many people miss out on!
I share a lot of my hikes on my Instagram, and I always get asked about my favorite winter hikes, so I thought I would share my top 6 favorite winter hikes in the province of Quebec!
Parc national du Mont-Mégantic
Sentier-du-Col Grande-Ourse
The view is definitely one of a kind, no matter what season you hike this path. The white in the scenery really awakens you in ways you can’t imagine. I love looking at the observatory that hides in the landscape so beautifully… Do not start with this hike if you are new to winter hikes, as I found it very hard and demanding.
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 4 – 7 h
Distance: About 10.7 km round trip
Parc national des Monts-Valin
Vallée-des-Fantômes
One of the most magical landscapes I have ever seen. It’s best to go after a snowstorm, which makes the hike a bit harder but ten times prettier. You can easily do this hike as it doesn’t take much time and doesn’t require a lot of physical effort. Also, to make the hike a bit easier, you could try to hike with snowshoes.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 3 h
Distance: About 6.5 km round trip
Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier
Sentier des loups
Another hard hike, but completely worth it! The trail is not always challenging, some parts are actually easy, but the demanding parts are really hard. I haven’t even gotten to the top of the mountain in winter and had to stop at the first point of view (which was breathtaking). Pro-tip for the hike, start very early, so you don’t have to turn around because it’s getting dark!
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 4 h 30
Distance: About 11 km round trip
Parc national des grands-jardins
Sentier Mont-du-Lac-des-Cygnes
It is one of the nicest views I have ever seen; also the hardest climb. I would definitely recommend doing easier hikes before this one to practice.
Difficulty: Hard
Time: 4 h
Distance: About 8.6 km round trip
Parc nationaldu Fjord-du-Saguenay
Sentier de la Blanche-Éternité
The difficulty of this hike lies in the distance you walk. It seems like the hike never ends, but the view at the end is simply breathtaking.
Difficulty: Intermediate
Time: 6 – 7 h
Distance: About 16.4 km round trip
Mont Sutton
Boucle du lac Spruce and Round Top
One of the easiest hikes and my personal favorite. You don’t need to be in great shape to do this hike, and you will enjoy yourself through it all. It’s also the trail that I saw the most people on. Usually, winter trails are a lot less crowded but not this one!
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 2 h
Distance: About 7 km round trip
Let me know if you want me to share more hiking spots! I try to hike every other weekend, and if you are from the province, reading this, and in love with hiking, let me know in the comments below where you like to hike so I can try it out!
Ps: all pictures are from the Instagram page of the Sepaq or Adventurequebec. Check them out for amazing hiking content!
Until next time,
Sofyah,
