Québec Winter Activities

Skiing: As Good as It Gets!

Québec's ski centres and resorts blend European charm and sophistication with North American conveniences: gondolas, high-speed quads, well-groomed trails for all levels plus the world's most powerful snowmaking machines.

Québec has four regions renowned for great downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and other winter sports: the Laurentians, the Eastern Townships, Québec City & Area and Charlevoix.

Downhill ski enthusiasts are in for a treat as Québec boasts an average of three metres of snowfall every year as well as offering nearly 90 ski centres and night skiing unlike anywhere else in North America. Every winter, a million skiers hit the slopes in Québec. From late November to late April (and sometimes even into May), Québec's ski centres offer exceptional snow conditions. You will find a variety of slopes, perfect for beginner and seasoned skiers as well as for fans of carving skiing, telemarking, snowboarding or snowblading. Take advantage of the winter season to enjoy the fresh air day or night and have fun as a couple, with friends or with family. Looking for something a little more challenging? Discover Québec's many snow parks or explore off-trail or glade skiing.

To learn more about downhill skiing in Québec, click here.
For more about the major ski resorts in Québec, visit Tourisme Québec's official ski vacation planner.

Snowmobilling

Offering up abundant snow, thousands of kilometres of trails and pristine natural settings that produce an intoxicating feeling of freedom, Québec is understandably a favourite destination among snowmobilers the world over. If you’re new to this sport, don’t worry: several hotels offer packages that include accommodations as well as snowmobiles, equipment and outerwear. Guided excursions are also available from various tourism companies. Several regions produce detailed maps of the trails, which are very useful whether you are planning a trip of several hours or an expedition lasting several days.

See our snowmobile packages in the Lodging and Packages section
or visit Tourisme Québec’s official snowmobile vacation planner.

Cross-Country Skiing

Québec offers over 4000 kilometres of marked and groomed cross-country ski trails. Gatineau Park delights skiers with over 200 km of groomed trails carving through forest and valley, while Mont-Tremblant National Park offers 111 km of ungroomed trails and four huts. Several ski centres and parks such as Gaspésie National Park also offer backcountry trails dotted with huts for longer excursions. This is a great opportunity to commune with nature surrounded by stunning winter wonderland scenery. You can even take advantage of baggage transportation services to lighten your trip.

Parks Québec offers some of the best cross-country skiing experiences in Québec.

Dogsledding

Become one with winter: set off with your dog team on virgin trails! Learn how to drive the sled yourself with the help of a professional guide, also known as a musher, or let your guide drive your sled (alone or with another person). Whether on an excursion of several hours or several days, enjoy a recreational activity that puts you in touch with nature as you establish a unique bond with the dogs. Looking for something even more original? Why not try skijoring: race along on your skis while being pulled by one or two dogs!

Many of the outdoor adventure companies on this list offer dogsledding excursions.