Snow is finally here and it is time to go outside on the Côte-de-Beaupré! We are all eager to get a breath of crisp winter air to kick off 2021. A canyon, mountains and a river: our region is a never-ending playground for outdoors enthusiasts. Keep on reading to discover four great places to get some fresh air.
The Mestachibo trail
Did you know there is a trail linking Mont-Saint-Anne and Saint-Tite-des-Caps? Absolutely! The Mestachibo trail, with an elevation gain of 650 metres, is simply stunning. The 22,2 km trail runs alongside the Sainte-Anne river’s canyon and is dotted with about ten lookout points, all offering impressive views of the rocky ridges. Majestic! Wintertime is particularly magical with all the snow-covered trees.
The Mestachibo trail is equipped with three 70 meters long suspended walkways, connecting both sides of Sainte-Anne’s river. The whole trail (from Mont-Sainte-Anne to Saint-Tite-des-Caps) requires around 6 to 8 hours of active walking. Therefore, you can begin with the West or East side to familiarize yourself with the trail. The West side links Mont-Sainte-Anne to Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges – 13,8 km that you can conquer in 3 to 5 hours. The East side*, linking Saint-Ferréol to Saint-Tite-des-Caps, can be completed in 2 to 4 hours of walking and is the only portion of the trail that is suitable for intermediate to advanced hikers. The rest of the trail is aimed at hikers with a certain experience. Walking sticks, boots, even shoe spikes and snow shoes are recommended! It is important to note that the trail is not a loop and you will need to plan a way of transportation at the end.
* Due to the heavy rainfall received during the holidays, the East side connecting Saint-Ferréol to Saint-Tite-des-Caps is closed for an indefinite period. Subscribe to the Mestachibo trail Facebook page to be notified as soon as it reopens.
Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
The Montmorency waterfall: need we say more? It is one of the strongest emblem of our region. We cannot get enough of its splendor and the strength of its 83 meters high waterfall. You can admire the view from the suspended walkway. Breathtaking!
We have to say that the waterfall is as splendid during winter as it is during warmer months. When it is particularly cold outside, visitors can witness a compelling phenomenon: the small droplets thrown by the waterfall freeze and build a natural ice conical shape, the famous “sugar loaf”. Go get some fresh air and take the opportunity to walk along the river on the Résurgence trail – a well-kept secret you should not miss out on.
Picture : Isabelle Cayer
Mont-Sainte-Anne
The favorite mountain of Côte-de-Beaupré is calling your name! Even with the actual restrictions due to the pandemic, the mountain is opened to snow sliding sport lovers. Of course, specific instructions are to be followed but ski season is ON!
With 71 trails and two slopes, Mont-Saint-Anne is one of the biggest ski stations in Quebec. There is something for everyone. Are you familiar with the cross-country ski trails of Mont-Saint-Anne? About 7 kilometers away from the main ski centre, 20 trails are available for enthusiasts, including 4 expert level trails. Two techniques can be practiced: classic-skiing and skate-skiing. The park includes nine walking or snow-shoes trails, as well as six fatbike trails. No time to be bored at Mont-Saint-Anne during winter!
Picture : Renaud Gagnon
Sentier de la chute Jean-Larose
Near Mont-Saint-Anne you can find the Jean-Larose waterfall, comprising three distinct cascades, the highest at 41 meters. The trail offers breathtaking views and is a great excuse to breath some much needed fresh air! Since the staircase is currently closed for renovation, visitors must make a detour to catch the whole spectacle. Careful: the trail has a marked elevation gain at a few specific points. It would be wise to be properly equipped. The trail is classified as intermediate.
Picture: Instagram @ chris80r
