The Québec maritime Blog
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Percé
Roger St-Laurent
4 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 | 705 km (440 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 | 845 km (525 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 | 250 km (155 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.
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.
(3) comments
Jon Holmes
I have done a lot lf snowmobiling and the Gaspe is the best ride ever!!I have done it 16 times!!!!
Mark
I Loved your tours outlined and explained above with distances and destinations shown.
Bill Macdonald
Great riding next door in Quebec, in the Gaspe!