If you practice snowmobiling on the roof of the world or even think you will dive into the sea, you must definitely put a stop in Gaspésie on your hiking agenda.
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A hike in the Gaspésie means traveling in an abundance of snow, discovering sea and mountain landscapes unique in Quebec, traveling kilometers of hiking trails with different options for stays and circuits depending on the length of your adventure, the variety of services near and beyond to discover all, the warm welcome of Gaspé.
When we talk about snow abundance, let’s not confuse it with an annual snowfall that varies between four and eight meters. There is always snow in the Chic Chocs chain. It is one of the first destinations where the trails are accessible at the beginning of the season and one of the last to close its trails.
We can think in particular of the Haute-Gaspésie/Murdochville sector. You must always bear in mind that traveling in Gaspésie means living the adventure in sometimes extreme conditions.
DIVERSITY OF POINTS OF VIEW
When it comes to places to visit in Gaspésie, most people automatically think of Percé Rock.
However, if you visit the Tourisme Gaspésie website, you can discover many other interesting places. Among other things, we see that on the section of Trans-Québec Trail number 5 that runs along the Saint Lawrence River, you have very impressive views of the Gulf that stretches as far as the eye can see, and further extends the Chic- Chocs, which have the highest mountains in southern Quebec. With the snowmobile you can reach otherwise inaccessible places.
The Chic Chocs Loop from Cap-Chat to Murdochville is a very interesting route. Just take route 595 from Saint-Paulin to La Cache where you can get supplies. The Mi’kmaq community, owner of the site, is providing lodging, food and fuel.
If you then continue your tour you can take the Chic-Chocs trail which takes you to Murdochville past the Matane and Chic-Chocs Game Reserves, Elkland. You can see Mounts Albert, Lyall, and McGerrigle, which are among the highest peaks in Quebec.
These are just two examples of what is possible. There is also the Aeolian Way, Percé and its rock and a little-known site, the Ghosts of La Rédemption in the Matapédia Valley.
Many adventures are waiting for you.
Very important detail, if you plan to go to Percé to admire the rock, plan to fill up before leaving and even bring petrol with you because nothing is open in Percé in winter.
TOUR OR GRIND
If you go to the region you have two options, namely the Grand Tour of Gaspésie or even different possible loops for short stays. Several facilities allow you to park your trailer for the duration of your stay, allowing you to depart from different locations.
In addition to the Grand Tour of 1156 km, you can, for example, do the Chic-Chocs/Forillon circuit, a 667 km route. This takes two to three days.
Tourisme Gaspésie also proposes the La Virée Circuit, a 262 km excursion that can be completed in a day or two. It connects Mont-Joli and several other villages in the region. We can also think of the Les Plateaux circuit, which in its 212 km will allow you to visit several villages in a day trip and have stunning views of the rivers and villages.
A PROVERBIAL WELCOME
Snowmobilers are welcome everywhere in Gaspésie. There are hotels, motels, restaurants, bars, all these places are easily accessible and adapted to your snowmobiling needs.
The people of Gaspé have always known how to welcome visitors, as the saying goes. It’s up to you to find out.
Finally, always remember that a trip to this corner of the country must be planned.
It can also sometimes take longer when Mother Nature decides to send you a good snowfall.
►To learn all about it and plan well, visit the website: www.tourisme-gaspesie.com/en/forfaits/snowmobile.html.