Rightly considered a destination where snowmobilers are welcomed like royalty, Bas-Saint-Laurent has a lot to offer both in terms of slopes and the services available.
The region has 1,800 kilometers of hiking trails that are maintained, secured, prepared and marked by the 13 volunteer associations. All too often we only think of these clubs for grooming. However, upon closer inspection, we can understand that they are very involved in all matters and are crucial for connecting all snowmobile players in the region.
In Bas-Saint-Laurent, snowmobiling represents an economic benefit of more than $22 million. In terms of overnight stays, Quebecers account for 90.7%, Ontarians 3.5%, and Americans 5.7%. People from near and far have long been coming to this region to ride snowmobiles.
The hallmark has always been the quality of the region’s hiking trails. They are wide, easily accessible and will take you to everything you need during your stay, be it accommodation, food, fuel and more. In several places you can discover observation points on the river or even in the Appalachians. Several towers were built to give you exceptional views of the United States on a clear day, as well as Côte-de-Beaupré and even Quebec to the north. It should also be mentioned that this region is very close to major centers such as Quebec, Sherbrooke or Drummondville. It is the gateway for all people coming from western Quebec on the south side of the river. The region is accessible to both beginners and experienced snowmobilers. The amount and quality of snow make the paths very pleasant to walk on.
CIRCUITS
One of the best ways to discover the region and its beauties is to follow one of the four circular routes offered.
The Kamouraska circuit allows you to race near the St. Lawrence River between Notre-Dame-du-Portage and Saint-André-de-Kamouraska. This route connects Trans Québec number 5 via route 35. The same route welcomes people from Beauce. Several accommodations await you in La Pocatière, Kamouraska or Rivière-du-Loup, which many often consider as a starting point for a snowmobile adventure in the region.
The 270 kilometer long Témiscouata circuit allows you to connect the region’s two large lakes, Pohénégamook and Témiscouata. Path 561 runs along Lake Témiscouata and allows you to access a section that passes over the cycle path and pedestrian bridges, offering you breathtaking views of the lake.
The region’s hiking trails are wide, very well maintained and offer beautiful scenery in the middle of the forest. Photo provided by Tourisme Bas-Saint-Laurent
Lure
Another example is the Monts Notre-Dame race track. It allows you to travel 391 kilometers and connects the Notre Dame Mountains and the riverfront via trails 544, 546 and the Trans Québec 5. You also have access to many interesting viewpoints on the river, on Rivière-du-Loup, or even a bird’s eye view of Rimouski. When it comes to accommodation, food and all other services, there is a wide choice on the route.
Throughout the region you have the opportunity to do laps every evening and return to your starting point. So you can stay in a hotel, motel or inn, explore a small corner of the country and return to your home port for the evening. This is truly one of the most interesting features this region offers you. It has long been understood in the industry that if they want to visit snowmobilers, you have to make their lives easier and offer them something. In this regard, this corner of Quebec is not lacking in charm.
Please note: If you do not own a snowmobile and would like to live the experience, it is possible to rent one.
The complete destinations and the various services are best found on the Tourisme Bas-Saint-Laurent website in the snowmobiling section at: bassaintlaurent.ca/fr/quoi-faire/motoneige.
One thing is certain: a stay in this region will certainly make you want to return there, because to truly discover it, several stays are necessary.