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Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
in the Eastern Townships of Quebec,
Canada
Parc du Mont-Orford
(819-843-9855, www.sepaq.com) has 87 km of trails for both classic and
skating. Upon entering the Mont Orford entrance to the park, turn right
to Le Cerisier Visitor’s Center. Trails range from flat and gentle
alongside a lake to steep and challenging as they climb up Mont Chauve.
Snowshoers and winter hikers are welcome. Cross-country gear and snowshoe
rentals are available. Interpretation activities are very popular and
there are also guided excursions, discovery rallies and treasure hunts.
There are lessons available and torch-lit skiing. For more info about
the Sepaq Network click Sepaq.
Park Environment Naturel de Sutton (450-538-4085) has 20 km of snowshoeing trails and 40 km of cross-country skiing trails. Winter hikers also are welcome. The trail network was founded by Daniel Martin, who owns the Auberge des Appalaches just down the road from Sutton. Stop by the auberge to purchase trail maps and access the trail network. For more info about the Sepaq Network click Sepaq.
Parc National du Mont-Megantic (819-888-2941, www.sepaq.com) has nearly 70 km of trails through hardwood forest and views from atop the park reveals vistas into New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine. Mont Saint-Joseph is a sanctuary with a restored century-old chapel. There are warming huts, backcounty skiing and 28 km of groomed trails in the park. Equipment rentals for xc skiing and snowshoeing are available.Torch-lit skiing on scheduled evenings (Feb and Mar) includes dinner and star gazing at ASTROLab. For more info about the Sepaq Network click Sepaq.
Station Duchesnay (418-875-2122, www.sepaq.com/duchesnay) is only 30 minutes west of Quebec City and is adjacent to the Ice Hotel. There are 125 km of groomed trails and 5 huts along the trail where skiers can warm up around a woodstove. The resort services include a retail shop, equipment rentals, restaurant, wax room and the 48 room Ice Hotel on the banks of Lac Saint-Joseph. The hotel has an indoor swimming pool. For more info about the Sepaq Network click Sepaq.
Randonnee Tours (800-465-6488, www.randonneetours.com) is a specialist for organizing self-guided adventures in Canada and Europe. Their adventures are created for independent travelers to suit a skier or snowshoer's expectations and lifestyle. Ski at your own pace with a set itinerary, prepaid accommodations, luggage transfers, and emergency support, if needed.
On the Randonnee winter tours, you can experience a variety of winter fun and adventures such as xc skiing, snowshoeing, ice skating, sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling, ice fishing and curling. Stay at the Ripplecove Inn in Ayer's Cliff and go xc skiing, ice skating and/or ice fishing in Mont Orford Provincial Park. Enjoy horseback riding and a trailside lunch at the Hovey Manor in North Hatley and/or tour antique shops and artists' studios.
