The Long Circuit: The perfect snowmobile tour of Lac-Saint-Jean

The snowmobile industry is fascinating and thriving. Lac-Saint-Jean has long been a cradle of this industry and remains a promising destination for enthusiasts of this unique winter sport and recreational activity.

• 11 snowmobile clubs
• Plenty of places to rent equipment
• Numerous rest stops
• A variety of lodging options, some of which offer heated garages
• 3,800 km of well-maintained and clearly marked trails
• Crossings throughout every MRC
• Snow, snow, and more snow!

While some argue over who invented poutine and where it originated, Lac-Saint-Jean has no trouble at all being hailed as the ultimate snowmobiling paradise, year after year. Its vast territory, perfect winter temperatures, and warm welcome are all factors that make it a mecca recognized by both novice and seasoned snowmobilers alike.

Whether on trails or off-trail, the snow-laden trees and fields stretching as far as the eye can see turn snowmobile trips and days into adventures that are as athletic as they are scenic—even contemplative.

The snow-covered vastness is best savored on a snowmobile, and there is no doubt about this—neither for the locals who know the area well nor for winter vacationers from afar. There are plenty of outings, especially when you can count on favorable weather conditions bringing plenty of sunshine and snow, as well as a trail system designed to delight passionate snowmobilers.

Exploring Lac-St-Jean by snowmobile: ideal weather conditions

Just the mention of the 300 centimeters of snow that fall each year is enough to set any snowmobiler’s imagination ablaze. The inspiring landscapes, the invigorating cold, the picturesque settings, the well-maintained trails, and the vast expanse stretching as far as the eye can see never fail to delight travelers and enthusiasts of this pastime, for which the lake is renowned.

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The perfect long-distance trail for true snowmobile enthusiasts

The Lac-Saint-Jean Omer Harvey Loop, stretching 408 kilometers…

408 kilometers without ever retracing your steps—exciting, isn’t it? That’s what makes this trail so appealing, and it’s sure to become a favorite among adventure lovers. From plains to mountainous terrain, and sometimes along the lake’s edge, this majestic trail is the envy of all. From the great outdoors to more urban settings, the range of lodging and dining options will also keep visitors’ schedules full.

Among the other standout routes are the Passerelle du 49e, stretching nearly 240 kilometers, and the Circuit de la Couronne, which winds through the Domaine-du-Roy RCM for 200 kilometers.

Who is Omer Harvey?

The man, who turned 80 last year, is a true pioneer of snowmobiling in Quebec and has played a major role in promoting the sport. He was initially part of a group that helped establish snowmobile clubs, and later, in the 1970s, he served as a regional representative for the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec. He went on to become its vice president during the 1980s and 1990s. During that same decade, he was part of a delegation tasked with exploring snowmobiling among our European neighbors. In the early 2000s, he traveled across the province with other snowmobilers to record geolocation data for the trails. Having trained several trail patrol members throughout his impressive career, it’s safe to say that this winter sport has always been a part of his life; in fact, even today, you can still spot him crisscrossing the many trails, dressed all in white!

A circuit relaunched in 2021

The trail had existed for quite some time but had fallen into disuse over the years. Wishing to bring back the trail bearing this name so well known in Lac-Saint-Jean, the Lac-Saint-Jean snowmobile clubs joined forces to give it a new lease on life. As a result, the trail now has all the necessary signage so that snowmobilers can enjoy it happily and safely.

Departure from St-Félicien

Maps and driving apps often suggest starting the tour in Saint-Félicien. In addition to the Saint-Félicien Wildlife Park and the Domaine des Trois-Îles, which offers unique accommodations in its colorful, beautifully appointed “coolboxes,” the town invites visitors to explore its local flavors, including the La Chouape Microbrewery, La Maison du Bleuet, the Fromagerie de la Ferme des Chutes, and the Boulangerie Moisson d’Or.

A first step into the great outdoors

This pristine wilderness, affectionately known as “Le Haut du Lac,” offers scenery you won’t find anywhere else. Almost desert-like in some places, the route takes you through Girardville, among other towns.

We recommend the Chute à l’Ours Campground, which offers dining and lodging in wooden cabins and welcomes a large number of snowmobilers every year.

A stop at the Domaine du Ranch de Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc is also recommended. This is a unique snowmobile lodge that will charm nature lovers.

And why not combine snowmobiling and fishing with some ice fishing on the Péribonka River at the Vacances Vauvert site, which is accessible by snowmobile throughout the summer season!

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The second half of the route takes you closer to the towns and villages around the lake

As you head back down toward Saint-Henri-de-Taillon—taking a deep breath of fresh air along the way—you’ll pass through several towns and villages, rest stops, and (yet again!) scenic views.

From Alma to the end of the loop, you’ll discover the tourist lake

As the seat of the Lac-Saint-Jean Est RCM, Alma is the most urban center in the Lac-Saint-Jean region. Nevertheless, it is just as welcoming and imbued with the same warmth and friendliness found in the various towns around the lake. It offers four fatbike and mountain bike centers, nearly 100 gourmet stops, and several microbreweries, including Riverbend and Lac Saint-Jean.

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Finding a place to stay during the trip

After a day of snowmobiling, with your cheeks flushed from the fun and the fresh air, there’s nothing better than a comfortable night’s sleep in a well-deserved place to rest. Here are a few suggestions for places to stay during your visit to Lac-Saint-Jean.

• L’auberge des battures
• L’Hôtel Château Roberval
• Le domaine l’Orée des bois
• Vauvert sur le Lac-Saint-Jean
• L’Auberge Presbytère Mont-Lac-Vert
• L’Auberge des Îles
• Chalets Baie Cascouia et Gîte au Bord du Lac
• Camping de la chute à l’ours à Normandin
• Camping du Lac à Jim à St-Thomas-Didyme
• Chalet de la P 49 (coolbox) à Notre-Dame-de-Lorette
• Ferme Ouasiemsca à Girardville
• Motel Chute-des-Pères
• Auberge la Diligence
• Gîte 40 Laverdure – B&B – Maison d’hôte

See accommodation options around Lac-St-Jean

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Rest stop

A rest stop, often run by a snowmobile club, an organization, a municipality, or a private individual, provides a place to stop and restock supplies. As a seasonal stopover, rest stops are a common sight in the magnificent “Land of Blueberries.” In fact, they can be found throughout the region in as many formats and styles as you could wish for.

Among them are the Buttes de St Félicien rest stop, the Chute-à-l’Ours rest stop in Normandin, the Lac-à-Jim Resort in Saint-Thomas-Didyme, the former recreation center in Notre-Dame-de-Lorette, the Domaine du Ranch de Sainte-Jeanne-D’Arc, and the Au Clocher snowmobile stop in Saint-Stanislas.

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A few restaurants along the way

It’s not just at the rest stops that you can enjoy a good meal—there’s great food all around the lake. Among other places, we highly recommend the brand-new Microbrasserie Bercée in Hébertville and the restaurant Le Rigolet in Métabetchouan.

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Fun activities for the road

It’s always a good idea to take a break for a few hours during a day of snowmobiling to enjoy a fun or educational activity. In Alma, you can immerse yourself in a whole new world at the Escaparium du Lac, a fully immersive escape room. The Odyssée des Bâtisseurs is a must-see cultural attraction in Alma.

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Fantastic winter sports in Lac-St-Jean

A snowmobile ride might make you fall in love with the lake, but the lake is sure to make you fall in love with snowmobiling—whether you’re here for a short or long stay, with friends or as a couple!