Winter Fun

Winter in Québec maritime is a magical season with abundant snowfall, clear blue skies and dazzling sunlight. Wrapped in warm clothes like the landscape in its blanket of snow, come and rediscover the pleasures of childhood.

	SNOWMOBILING Québec maritime is a dream come true for snowmobile enthusiasts. From the shores of the sea to the heart of the forest, over 6000 kilometres (3750 miles) of trails let you explore a territory that is sometimes only accessible in the winter.			BABY SEAL OBSERVATION In late February, early March, tens of thousands of harp seals congregate near the Îles de la Madeleine to whelp on the ice surrounding the archipelago. Excursions to observe the baby seals are available at this time. Don't miss this truly unique experience!
	SKIING, SNOWBOARDING, TUBING Cross-country skiing will allow you to discover the secret life of our snowy forests: deer or coyote tracks, squirrels on the lookout, hungry chickadees always looking for food. Other winter sports such as downhill skiing, tubing and snowboarding are also practised in various places in Québec maritime.			SNOWSHOEING AND HIKING Québec maritime offers a multitude of groomed trails for snowshoeing and hiking, many of which are found in our national parks. Whether you opt for an outing by the sea or through the forest, you will appreciate the quietness and beauty of the surrounding scenery.
	WINTER SEA KAYAKING Winter sea kayaking is an increasingly popular sport. With proper supervision and gear, you will see that the St. Lawrence is an outdoor playground open year round!			DOGSLEDDING Dogsledding will give you a feel for what it was like to be a coureur de bois (fur trapper of old). Sitting comfortably in a sled, sometimes all you will hear is the panting of the huskies that are pulling you with ease across enormous plains of windswept snow or along trails bordered by snow-laden trees.
	ICE FISHING Aboriginal peoples used to practise this traditional activity for their subsistence. Ice fishing is now done for fun from January to March, when the ice cover is sufficiently thick.			WINTER CAMPING AND IGLOOS Sleeping outside in the winter? Why not! Winter camping equipment has made this activity increasingly accessible, as have national parks, wildlife reserves and other sites that welcome campers in the winter. For an even more unusual experience, spend a night in an igloo!