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 2022. 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.
Main picture credit : Étienne Dionne
Be challenged – The Mestachibo trail
The Mestachibo trail is a stunning and mythical destination for hikers and attracts outdoor enthusiasts from all over the province, year-round. Divided into two segments, the west side (only segment presently open) connects Mont-Sainte-Anne to Saint-Ferréol-les-Neiges. It goes for 13.8 km with an elevation gain of 530 meters, a 3-to-5-hour walk. Wintertime is particularly magical with all the snow-covered trees. The trail goes alongside the Sainte-Anne river’s canyon and is dotted with several lookout points, all offering impressive views of the rocky ridges. Majestic!
Warning: The trail is aimed at hikers with a certain experience. Walking sticks, boots and shoe spikes or snow shoes are recommended. Also, please take note that the trail is not a loop and you will need to plan a shuttle to get back to the trailhead.
The complete Mestachibo trail goes from Mont-Sainte-Anne to Saint-Tite-des-Caps and is equipped with three 70 meters long suspended walkways, connecting both sides of Sainte-Anne’s River. Due to an exceptional flood which had damaged a large part of the trail, the entire eastern sector remains inaccessible for the moment. Normally, the whole trail (from Mont-Sainte-Anne to Saint-Tite-des-Caps) requires around 6 to 8 hours of active walking, for a total of 22.2 kilometers over 650 meters of elevation. When available, 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.
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Be amazed – Parc de la Chute-Montmorency
The Montmorency waterfall: need we say more? It is one of the strongest emblems 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. More short trails for snowshoeing and hiking are proposed. If you are curious and you want to get as close as possible to the falls, you will be pleased by the new 410 meters long path, located at the bottom of the falls. In addition to the magnificent show offered by the fall, it is also possible to sight climbers on an icy wall dedicated to ice climbing. Spectacular!
Going on a cable car ride is also possible at certain times during winter. The ride promises a dazzling view of the fall and the Île d’Orléans, in full winter wonderland mode.
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Be impressed – Mont-Sainte-Anne
The favorite mountain of Côte-de-Beaupré is calling your name! With 71 trails, Mont-Saint-Anne is one of the biggest ski resorts in Eastern Canada. The ski terrain is so varied that experts or beginners have plenty for themselves. Indeed, the resort is renowned for its expert zone and slopes like La Super S or La Crête, offering the most spectacular view on the St-Lawrence River. At the same time, the initiation zone proposes two lifts and bunny hills, free for all at all time.
Photo credit : Étienne Dionne
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 five fatbike trails. We specially recommend the hiking trail named “Le Belvédère”, a well-kept secret of 9,5 kilometers.
Photo credit : Abby Cooper
Get away – 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 (approximately 6 kilometers for the round trip). 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.
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