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Outdoors
Where can you go snowshoeing in Lac-St-Jean?
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All around Lac-Saint-Jean, there are numerous areas and sites where you can go snowshoeing. In fact, there are too many to count! To create some wonderful memories, let’s explore the areas with the most breathtaking scenery!
The Best Places for Snowshoeing at the Lake
Because Lac-Saint-Jean is the perfect place to enjoy a wide variety of activities, no matter the season, it offers a wide range of spots to explore on snowshoe trails. Here are the most amazing ones!
Val-Jalbert Snowshoe Trails
The Val-Jalbert Historical Village is located on a site rich in history and natural landscapes of all kinds: trails, waterfalls, forests… There, you can enjoy all kinds of outdoor activities: hiking, scootering, cross-country skiing, and of course, snowshoeing! In total, explore 45 km of trails for cross-country skiing, skating, and snowshoeing. And after your adventure, enjoy a well-deserved break by savoring their famous blueberry taffy or warming up by the fire!
The Uashassihtsh Site
This space, which combines the promotion of Indigenous culture with tourism, features a marked and snow-cleared walking trail and even rents out snowshoeing equipment. The 1-kilometer trail is uniquely lit up at dusk, creating a beautiful setting.
Racine-Vauvert Area
As the only access point to the Grandes Rivières Regional Park in Lac-Saint-Jean, its trails lead directly to this vast body of water! In fact, four of them are reserved exclusively for snowshoeing.
Visit the Racine-Vauvert area website
La Pointe des Américains
Pointe des Américains Park, located at the confluence of the Grande Décharge, Petite Décharge, and Saguenay rivers, features short trails deep in the forest that are perfect for beautiful snowshoe hikes. Over nearly 8 km, amid wooded landscapes and incredible views of the Grande Décharge and Saguenay rivers, you’ll be amazed by the spectacle of nature!
On site, you’ll find a visitor center, a restaurant, and you can rent snowshoeing equipment.
Pointe-des-Pères
Located in the town of Dolbeau-Mistassini and bordered by the Mistassibi and Mistassini rivers, the trails at Pointe-des-Pères are as serene as they are impressive. A historic site steeped in First Nations heritage, it features five kilometers of hiking and snowshoeing trails. The trails are short and beginner-friendly—perfect for taking the time to admire the scenery! Access is free, and dogs are welcome.
Albanel Cross-Country Ski Center
This is the perfect place to enjoy all kinds of activities, including snowshoeing! With an extensive network of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, the Albanel Center has plenty more surprises in store for you thanks to its majestic landscapes! Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, explore the various trails ranging from 3 to 7 km and let yourself be captivated by this vast area!
Equipment is available for rent on-site.
Mont Lac-Vert
Although Mont Lac-Vert is known for its wide range of amenities and, above all, its ski and snowboard trails, it fortunately has no shortage of snowshoe trails! Stretching over 13 km, these trails make snowshoeing a fun experience thanks to their varied terrain. While you’re there, you can also take advantage of the resort’s other amenities and rent equipment.
Club Tobo-Ski
The Tobo-Ski Club is another venue offering a wide variety of services. But when you go snowshoeing there, you’ll enjoy dedicated trails and a breathtaking view of Lac-Saint-Jean from an observation deck. You can rent equipment on-site and warm up at the on-site restaurant after your outing.
Chute à l’Ours
The Chute à l’Ours tourist site features two trails—one 2.4 km long and the other 2.7 km long—offering magnificent views of the rapids at the Great Chute à l’Ours on the Ashuapmushuan River, as well as the majestic forest surrounding the site!
Hike them for free and even borrow equipment from the site’s visitor center during its operating hours.
Dam-en-Terre
At the Dam-en-Terre Resort, snowshoeing is one of the top activities to enjoy as a couple, with family, or with friends. Explore unique forest trails for as long as you like, using your own equipment or gear rented on-site.
Tchitogama Lake Trail
This 5-kilometer round-trip nature trail is free and can be enjoyed any time of year! Whether you’re an experienced hiker, a casual walker, or—above all—a snowshoeing enthusiast, you’ll be amazed by this trail and its spectacular view of Lake Tchitogama from the forest. Enjoy a breathtaking panorama of the lake and the surrounding mountains, and finish your hike right where the lake meets the Péribonka River.
Tips for getting the most out of your snowshoe hikes
Winter can be particularly harsh in Canada, which is why snowshoeing requires a bit of planning!
Plan your route
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert snowshoer, there’s one thing to keep in mind: always plan your snowshoe route in advance! We know you have a great sense of direction, but sometimes you need to be careful—the beauty of nature can be distracting! So plan ahead by deciding where you want to go and which route to take, so you can enjoy your hike with peace of mind.
Be sure to bring a trail map
All known snowshoe trails are part of sites that provide maps of their routes. Be sure to get a map so you can stay on the right path and find your way.
Find out about the difficulty level
These signs indicate, in particular, the difficulty level of the trail you’re taking. Beginners, be wary of difficult trails that aren’t suited to your abilities! If you’re with family, make sure everyone is comfortable by choosing trails that are appropriate for everyone.
Check the weather forecast
In Quebec, and especially in Lac-Saint-Jean, the weather can be quite unpredictable! One day the sun is shining brightly, and the next day the snow keeps us indoors… Before heading out on a snowshoe hike, be sure to check the weather forecast so you can make the most of your outing!
Make sure you have the right clothes
Snowshoeing is, above all, a sport! Make sure to wear clothes that are appropriate for the weather and allow you to move comfortably: dress appropriately!
Check your equipment
What if you damaged your racket last time? Make sure you set out with equipment in good condition so you won’t be hindered during your hike—and, most importantly, so you’ll be safe with your gear!
Bring some snacks
Long walks work up an appetite. And since you’ll want to stay energized throughout your trip, be sure to pack a snack to satisfy your hunger and get you back on your feet!
The perfect outdoor experience in Lac-St-Jean!
Lac-Saint-Jean is therefore one of the best places for snowshoeing, as it’s full of trails and natural sites to explore! The most beautiful ones offer incredible views and a wonderful atmosphere, making for a truly memorable outing!