4 ways to enjoy Quebec’s winters
Alfred-Kelly Nature Reserve, QC (Photo by NCC)
One of the many incredible things about Quebec is its natural beauty in all four seasons. Although Quebec winters can be harsh, cold and snowy, with the right footwear, clothing and attitude, it can be an enjoyable time of year!
While it’s easy to hibernate indoors during the winter, making an effort to brave the weather has countless benefits. Spending time outside in the crisp, fresh air can help recharge your batteries, while also boosting your mood.
The Nature Conservancy of Canada’s Nature Destinations offer an opportunity to take in the beauty of the province’s natural areas with these winter activities:
1. Hiking: One of the easiest ways to enjoy the winter is to bundle up and go for a walk. Walking gets the blood circulation going and keeps you warm.
Winter hike in the Green Mountains Nature Reserve, QC (Photo by Guillaume Simoneau)
- Where: Nestled in the heart of Estrie, the Green Mountains Nature Reserve is full of beautiful sights.
- Trail distance: 100-plus-kilometre trail system.
- Highlights: Vast, dense and majestic forests of the Appalachian Mountains.
2. Snowshoeing: Where there is a lot of snow, snowshoeing is a great way to explore nature at a gentle pace.
- Where: Immerse yourself in the quiet forests of the Alfred-Kelly Nature Reserve, 60 kilometres north of Montreal.
- Trail distance: 15-kilometre trail system.
- Highlights: Magnificent views of either the large beaver pond in Piedmont, the small Lac Paradis underneath the escarpment or the surroundings offered by the viewpoint at the top of the cliffs.
3. Cross-country skiing: Cross-country skiing is an excellent workout and a lot of fun.
Tourbière-de-Venise-Ouest Nature Reserve, QC (Photo by NCC)
- Where: Glide along the snowy landscape at the Tourbière-de-Venise-Ouest Nature Reserve, located 80 kilometres south of Montreal.
- Trail distance: 3-kilometre trail — perfect for beginners or a short ski outing.
- Highlights: Magical wetland views.
4. Wildlife sighting: Winter is an incredible time to appreciate wildlife in nature. Grab your binoculars and try to spot some wildlife through the bare trees and in contrast with the bright snow.
- Where: Pointe Saint-Pierre is one of the most beautiful areas on the Gaspé Peninsula. The gentle trails at the Jean-Paul-Riopelle Nature Reserve, 20 minutes from Montmagny (near Quebec City), meander through a serene forest.
- Trail distance: Pointe Saint-Pierre: 3.5-kilometre trail system. Jean-Paul-Riopelle Nature Reserve: 4.5-kilometre trail system.
- Highlights: Pointe Saint-Pierre: grey seal, snowy owl, Barrow's goldeneye and long-tailed duck. Jean-Paul-Riopelle Nature Reserve: landscape of the archipelago of Isle-aux-Grues, snowy owl, great horned owl, white-tailed deer and woodpecker
This winter, instead of avoiding the cold, bundle up and embrace it! Get outside, play in the snow and make the most of Quebec’s winter wonderland by connecting to its natural beauty.
Alfred-Kelly Nature Reserve, QC (Photo by NCC)
