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6 Snowmobile Rides to Explore in Gaspésie
  • Percé
    Roger St-Laurent

6 Snowmobile Rides to Explore in Gaspésie

Every winter, Gaspésie attracts snowmobilers in search of abundant snow and breathtaking landscapes. Offering 3000 km (1900 mi.) of marked and well-groomed trails as well as snowmobile-friendly accommodations, this region is a great destination for your next snowmobile expedition! Consider including these rides on your itinerary.

Western Peninsula Loop

2 to 3 days | 695 km (430 mi.) | loop starts and ends in Carleton-sur-Mer

During this expedition, you’ll explore the western side of the Gaspé Peninsula on Trans-Québec trail #5 (TQ5) and regional trails #587 and #595, which will take you along rivers, waterfalls and gorges. Along the way, you can admire beautiful scenic views of the St. Lawrence in Haute-Gaspésie as well as the Chic-Chocs, Chaleur Bay and the Matapédia Valley.

Eastern Peninsula Loop

3 to 4 days | 815 km (505 mi.) | loop starts and ends in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

If you don’t have time to ride around the entire Gaspé Peninsula but want a taste of what that trip would be like, this ride is for you! It will take you via TQ5 and regional trail #595 to many of the highlights of the region, including spectacular views of the sea, Percé Rock and the Chic-Choc Mountains!

Gateway Loop

1 day | 260 km (160 mi.) | loop starts and ends in Mont-Joli

Explore the area known as the gateway to Gaspésie on this loop ride through the snowy landscapes of La Matanie, La Mitis and La Matapédia. As you ride along TQ5, you’ll have the opportunity to admire wind turbines and the ice-covered St. Lawrence. In addition, regional trail #587 and several local trails will take you though the mountains, including the Saint-Pierre Mountain, where, under the right weather conditions, you can admire a forest of “ghost trees”!

Plateau Loop

1 day | 210 km (130 mi.) | loop starts and ends in Causapscal

This ride along TQ5 and regional trail #587 will take you through the villages of Matapédia-et-les-Plateaux, which look magical in the winter. This picturesque area is home to hills and rivers as well as vast expanses of forest. You can even cross the famous Matapédia River, at the heart of the hamlet of the same name.

Please note that the snowmobile trail between La Cache and Murdochville is closed for the 2024 season due to safety concerns about two bridges along the trail, both of which require major work.

Chic-Choc Loop

1 to 2 days | 390 km (240 mi.) | loop starts and ends in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

An extension of the Appalachian mountain range, the Chic-Chocs are a must-see by snowmobile! This area is also known for its abundant snowfall. Have a great time riding this loop formed by TQ5regional trails #595 and #597, and a local trail.

Chic-Chocs/Forillon Loop

2 to 3 days | 665 km (415 mi.) | loop starts and ends in Sainte-Anne-des-Monts

Discover the northern half of the peninsula during this ride that will take you through the Chic-Chocs all the way to Gaspé, on the eastern side of the region. You’ll appreciate the diversity of the scenery along this route, which ranges from mountainous to maritime. This loop includes TQ5regional trails #595 and #597, and two local trails.

If you’re interested in a longer trip, check out the Bas-Saint-Laurent – Gaspésie Snowmobile Tour, a 10-day expedition on nearly 2000 km (1250 mi.) of well-maintained trails. For more information, consult the Gaspésie snowmobile trail map. Happy sledding!

Note that all of these loop rides can be explored in either direction.

Author Marie-Eve Lagacé

Originally from Gaspésie, Marie-Eve Lagacé loves both writing and her corner of the world, so she’s delighted to be able to combine these passions as a writer for this blog! Her favourite subjects are people, local culture and our regions’ unexpected (and sometimes unusual) treasures. Although she loves relaxing with a coffee and a good book, she also enjoys exploring new vistas and swimming with the salmon in the Matapédia River!

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