Want to enjoy some fresh winter air in Lanaudière? Snowshoeing is the perfect way to explore snow-covered forests, admire frozen waterfalls, or relax in a rustic shelter. Here is a selection of the most beautiful trails to put on your snowshoes and set off on an adventure.
La Montagne Noire | Saint-Donat
Montagne Noire is one of Saint-Donat's most legendary peaks and a prime destination for snowshoe hikers. With several route options, including a 7.5-mile round trip to the summit, you can tailor your outing to suit your desire for adventure. The trail climbs gently through a magnificent forest before offering spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains of Lanaudière. Along the way, you can take a break at the Montagne Noire refuge, perfect for a snack or to warm up. It's a winter hike that combines effort, nature, and breathtaking scenery.
Sentier Desjardins | Parc régional des Chutes de Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles
The Sentier Desjardins trail is approximately 5 km one way, with a moderate elevation gain of about 230 m. It’s ideal for beginners and families. The trail runs along the L’Assomption River, crosses several suspension bridges, and takes you past three frozen waterfalls, all in a peaceful forest often covered with a magical blanket of snow. If you enjoy quiet winter walks with varied landscapes, this is an excellent choice.
Le Mont-des-Cascades | Parc du Mont-Tremblant, secteur Pimbina-Saint-Donat
Located in Mont-Tremblant National Park, accessible via the Pimbina-Saint-Donat entrance, Mont-des-Cascades is an excellent choice if you're looking for a slightly more demanding challenge. With a distance of 8.6 km and an elevation gain of approximately 370 m, it is ideal for those who have energy to burn or want a good winter workout. The trail offers magnificent snow-covered landscapes and, halfway through, a shelter to warm up. The climb is worth it for the panoramic view and the wilderness that surrounds you.
Sentier et refuge Swaggin | Saint-Côme
The Swaggin Trail is a unique option that combines snowshoeing and an overnight stay in a shelter if you want to extend your adventure in nature. You can also simply do a round trip of your choice, depending on your energy level or the time you have available. The route varies between 1 and 8 km (one way), with an elevation gain of about 300 m. It's perfect for winter immersion enthusiasts who enjoy walking, relaxing, and enjoying a cozy wood fire in a rustic shelter after their exertions.
Sentier du Belvédère, Parc régional des Chutes-à-Bull | Saint-Côme
For a gentler, more accessible outing, the Sentier du Belvédère trail is perfect. It offers a round trip of about 3 km with an elevation gain of 80 m. The last section leads to a lookout point where you can enjoy a superb view of the village of Saint-Côme and its snow-covered surroundings. It's an excellent option for a short winter getaway, either solo or with the family, or for combining snowshoeing and relaxation without too much effort.
Sentier de l’Envol | Parc du Mont-Tremblant, secteur Pimbina-Saint-Donat
The Sentier de l’Envol offers a 6.7 km loop with an elevation gain of approximately 200 m. It’s a good compromise between effort and enjoyment. Halfway along the trail, there is a refuge where you can take a well-deserved break. The views are magnificent and the winter atmosphere is magical. Under the snow, the forest becomes silent and rejuvenating. It's the perfect place to reconnect with nature.
Mont-Sourire, Refuge La Chouette | Saint-Donat
Mont-Sourire is a great option for everyone, ranging from easy to intermediate depending on the trail. With an elevation gain of 250 m and between 1 and 13 km depending on the route you choose, you can tailor your outing to suit your preferences. The view of the Saint-Donat region and its snow-covered lakes is particularly pleasant. An excellent choice for a relaxing snowshoe hike or an afternoon in nature.
Sentier du Mont-Brassard , Parc régional des Sept-Chutes | Saint-Zénon
For those looking for a slightly more adventurous outing, Mont-Brassard is a good winter challenge. The loop trail is 8.5 km long and takes about 7 hours to complete, with an elevation gain of 250 m. Once you reach the top of the cliffs at Lac Rémi, the view stretches over hills and vast forests. A magnificent panorama rewards your efforts. If you enjoy long hikes in peaceful, expansive landscapes, this is the ideal choice.
Parc régional de la Forêt Ouareau | Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci
The Ouareau Forest offers a wide variety of trails. It's an excellent option if you want to mix things up or extend your snowshoeing trip. Among the options, you can combine trails and overnight stays in shelters for a 2- to 3-day outing in an enchanting winter setting. It's perfect for lovers of wilderness, total immersion, and freedom.
Sentiers Brandon | Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon
The Brandon Trails network offers several easy to intermediate snowshoe trail options. It's a great option for a simple winter outing, with well-maintained trails and a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for recharging your batteries.
Parc de Kilkenny | Saint-Calixte
Kilkenny Park, located in Saint-Calixte, also offers a few snowshoe trails in a dense, hilly forest setting. A great option for a nature getaway without straying too far from home. Perfect for residents of the southern part of the region.
