Exploring the Laurentides wildlife reserve by snowmobile: heading for Mont-Apica

In Quebec, there are trails that are much more than just paths. The Trans-Québec #23 is one of them. Whether you start in Quebec City, the Saguenay region, or Lac-Saint-Jean, this long white ribbon winding through the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve is an adventure in itself—a vast, wild, spectacular landscape… and an absolute must for any snowmobiler who loves the great outdoors.

A legendary trail

Trail #TQ23 is the main snowmobile route into the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region. It connects Québec City to Alma, traversing hundreds of kilometers of boreal forest, high plateaus, and snow-covered valleys. The ride is a long one, sometimes in almost complete silence.

Mount Apica: a peak worth the hike

In the heart of the reserve, the Mont-Apica rest stop marks a key point along the route. This is where the famous loop leading to the Mont-Apica observatory begins.

After a few kilometers of climbing, you reach the summit, perched at an elevation of 884 meters, the highest point in the region. From up there, the view is breathtaking: a sea of mountains, forests, and frozen lakes stretching up to 50 kilometers on the horizon. In the middle of winter, it is quite simply one of the most beautiful panoramas accessible by snowmobile in Quebec.

A piece of history

In the 1950s, at the height of the Cold War, Mount Apica was a strategic military base whose mission was to detect any enemy air incursions, serving as a key defense post for Canada. The base has since been closed and dismantled, but the weather radar is still visible.

Le Relais du Mont-Apica: A Refreshed Stopover

Le Relais du Mont-Apica, a favorite among snowmobilers, is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The facility has recently expanded its space to offer an even more enjoyable experience.

Its facilities ensure safety and provide all essential services: a gas station, food service, a bar, tools, restrooms, and Wi-Fi access.