Charlevoix in the wintertime is a wonderland of outdoor activities and quality cocooning. If you’re seeking thrills or looking to chill, here are 10 ideas for winter escapades to enjoy in this magical region.

1. Hit the slopes on snowboard or skis

When it comes to powder, Le Massif de Charlevoix is the star of the region. With its awesome vertical drop and ski runs that seem to plunge into the Saint Lawrence River, the mountain is truly awesome!

For a less expensive ticket and shorter line-ups, Mont Grand-Fonds is a great alternative. Plus, on the weekend, a shuttle passes near the La Secousse hostel to take you there.

If you prefer to find your own powder rather than freeze you butt in a chairlift, a little research will lead you to an epic off-trail option in one of these areas:

• Le Massif de Charlevoix
• Mont Grand-Fonds
• ÖBois Charlevoix
• Parc d’aventure en montagne Les Palissades

2. Experience dogsledding

Discover why this classic winter tourist activity is so popular! Just make sure to choose a business that’s respectful to man’s best friends. Bosco Charlevoix, for example, makes the well-being of the dogs a priority.

3. Warm up on the cross-country ski trails

Whether you’re into classic cross-country skiing, Nordic ski touring or skating, and have a ton of experience or almost none, you’ve chosen the right place to roam! Choose from plenty of options for daytrips, including these destinations close to the hostel:

• • Centre de plein air Les Sources Joyeuses
  • Mont Grand-Fonds

4. Go snowshoeing in a winter wonderland

Some parts of Charlevoix receive up to 645 cm of snow every year, so this is a perfect place to strap on your “raquettes”! The region’s topography is super varied, so you have an abundance of choices for your excursions. Personally, I have a weakness for the Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix for its breathtaking views of the river.

5. Enjoy the adrenaline rush of sledding

If you think that sledding is only for kids, you haven’t tried Le Massif de Charlevoix. We’re talking 7.5 km of trails to descend at full speed (or not!) with some very tight turns for extra thrills. You can get to the starting point by catski or snowshoes.

6. Pedal the trails on a fatbike

You can fatbike pretty much anywhere in Quebec, but I find the coolest destination is the Vallée des Glaces in Parc national Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie. It’s truly awesome to pedal the snow in this frozen canyon bordered by cliffs 800 metres high!

7. Give ice fishing a try

Don’t forget that it’s possible to go fishing in the wintertime! If you’re looking for a first-time experience, Le Manoir Richelieu offers guided outings not far from the hostel. If you prefer a more independent experience, Domaine Pic-Bois has heated cabins and equipment to rent out. It’s a very different way to chill!

8. Paddle through the ice

Here’s another surprising activity you can do in the wintertime! Katabatik organizes sea kayaking excursions among the ice floes of the Saint Lawrence River. You’ll paddle along the cliffs of La Malbaie and Cap-à-l’Aigle and enjoy the extraordinary feeling that you’ve got the river to yourself  plus the ducks and the seals!

10. Indulge in some cocooning at the cozy hostel

After a day of braving the winter cold, reward yourself with a relaxing dose of cocooning. Whether you’re taking a break between activities or for the entire day, slip on your wool socks, dig into a heartwarming meal at the hostel resto-pub or sit back with a steaming hot chocolate. It’s time to read, sort through your photos, socialize with other travellers or do nothing at all.

Take a load off then settle in for some resourceful shut-eye so you can get up early for fresh powder first thing in the morning!

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