La Matanie, it's winter at its best.
Between sea and mountains, the region offers well-maintained trails, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming rest stops. Whether you're seeking adrenaline or tranquility, here are 5 must-see circuits to explore Gaspésie by snowmobile.
1. The small tour of western Gaspésie: Between sea and mountains
A panoramic circuit for snowmobilers eager for discoveries.
From Matane to Carleton-sur-Mer, this route crosses valleys, mountains, and the Gaspé coastline for a total wilderness immersion. Ideal for a two-day getaway on the trails.
Main highlights of the circuit:
- Majestic wind farms
- Crossing the Chic-Choc Mountains
- Breathtaking view of Baie-des-Chaleurs
- Discovery of the Matapédia Valley
- Mount Saint-Joseph in Carleton-sur-Mer
Total distance: Approximately 600 km (loop)
Suggested duration: 3 nights / 2 nights in Matanie + 1 night in Baie-des-Chaleurs
First night in Matane: Check out the lodging options
Day 1: From Matane to Carleton-sur-Mer
- Departure from Matane on the Trans-Québec Trail 5 (west direction)
- Crossing the Matapédia Valley via Trail 591 towards Saint-Léon-le-Grand
- Passing through Saint-Irène, then back on Trans-Québec Trail 5 towards the south
- Arrival in Carleton-sur-Mer, overnight stay with a view of an enchanting winter scenery
Day 2: From Carleton to Matane via the Chic-Choc Mountains
- Departure towards New Richmond on Trans-Québec Trail 5
- Taking Trail 595 towards La Cache Relay (recommended stop)
- Continuing towards St-Paulin Relay, then back on Trans-Québec Trail 5
- Return to Matane for a well-deserved third night by the sea
Suzy F. Bergeron
2. From the river to the summits: the circuit to Mount Saint-Pierre
A favorite circuit for enthusiasts of spectacular landscapes. From the coast of Matane, this route takes you through wind farms and snowy valleys to the summit of Mount Saint-Pierre.
Main highlights of the circuit:
- The snow ghosts of Mount Saint-Pierre
- Panoramic view of the Saint Lawrence River
- Passing through the wind farms of Saint-Ulric
- Varied trails between valleys, forests, and summits
Total distance: Approximately 200 km (loop)
Suggested duration: 2 nights in Matanie
Itinerary
Departure: Matane, on the Trans-Québec Trail 5 (west direction)
- Take Trail 591 south to Saint-Irène
- Continue on Trail 587N towards La Rédemption
Recommended stop at Mount Saint-Pierre: a surfaced trail leads you to the summit to admire a breathtaking view
- Continue on 587N to La Rédemption for a meal break
- Take 587N towards Saint-Angèle-de-Mérici, then return on Trans-Québec Trail 5 (east direction)
- Pass through Saint-Damase and the wind farms of Saint-Ulric before returning to Matane
Yves Ouellet
3. Grand encounter with the Chic-Choc Mountains
A spectacular circuit for lovers of high mountains. This route immerses you in the Chic-Chocs, with impressive views from the first kilometers, including Mount Nicol-Abert. Rustic shelters and snowy peaks accompany you throughout this Gaspesian adventure.
Main highlights of the circuit:
- Spectacular views of the Chic-Choc Mountains
- Contemplative stop at Mount Nicol-Albert
- Passing through several relays and shelters
- Forest and mountain trails
Total distance: Approximately 335 km (round trip), approximately 165 km (one way)
Suggested duration: 2 nights in Matanie
Itinerary
Departure: Matane, on Trans-Québec Trail 5 (east direction)
- Take Trans-Québec Trail 5 to St-Paulin Relay
- Then take Trail 595 south to La Cache Relay
Recommended stop: St-Adelme Relay, Camp Simoneau Shelter, Canton Richard Shelter
- Lunch break at La Cache Relay
- Turn back to return to Matane by the same route
Jean Langelier
4. Sea and mountains: from La Matanie to the Haute-Gaspésie
A circuit between sea and mountains, perfect for a contemplative escape.
This route takes you to Haute-Gaspésie, with superb views of the Chic-Chocs to the south and the river to the north, all the way to the Village Grande Nature Chic-Chocs, nestled in the heart of the peaks.
Main highlights of the circuit:
- Views of the Chic-Choc Mountains along the route
- Marine panoramas of the Saint Lawrence River
- Stop at Village Grande Nature Chic-Chocs
- Accessible and well-marked trails
Total distance: Approximately 270 km (round trip), approximately 135 km (one way)
Suggested duration: 2 nights in Matanie
Itinerary
Departure: Matane, on Trans-Québec Trail 5 (east direction)
- Continue towards Haute-Gaspésie along the coast
- Shortly after Cap-Chat, take the local trail south for about 9 km
Recommended meal stop at Village Grande Nature Chic-Chocs
- Turn back to return to Matane by the same route
Mero Films
5. The maple syrup loop: between sugar shacks and bucolic landscapes
A gentle and gourmet circuit in the heart of the maple groves of La Matanie.
Through agricultural fields and maple forests, this route takes you to Mytik Shack-Sucré maple grove, where you can enjoy local products and even sleep in a Scandinavian chalet in the middle of nature.
Main highlights of the circuit:
- Agricultural fields and peaceful lakes
- Saint-Ulric wind turbine park
- Maple forests and private sugar shacks
- Gourmet stop and accommodation at Mytik Shack-Sucré maple grove
Total distance: Approximately 157 km (loop)
Suggested duration: 2 nights in Matanie
Itinerary
Departure: Matane, on Trans-Québec Trail 5 (west direction)
- Take Trail 591 south to Saint-Irène (meal break)
- Continue on Trail 587, then take the local trail to Amqui
- Join Trans-Québec Trail 5 (north direction), then turn right on the local trail to Saint-Vianney
- Continue to Saint-René-de-Matane for a break at Mytik Shack-Sucré maple grove
- Finish the loop passing through Saint-Luc-de-Matane, then return to Matane
Yves Ouellet
La Matanie is waiting for you! Ready to explore your playground?
Whether you're a seasoned snowmobiler or a lover of open spaces, La Matanie is the winter destination not to be missed. Between sea and mountains, maple groves and snowy peaks, each circuit immerses you in the wild and authentic beauty of Gaspésie.
With its marked trails, its welcoming rest stops, its breathtaking viewpoints, and its accommodations tailored to snowmobilers, the Matane region is more than just a starting point: it's a true winter playground.
Plan your adventure:
- Check trail conditions
- Book your snowmobile accommodation
- Share this article with your group!
La Matanie promises you an authentic, memorable, and 100% Gaspesian winter adventure! It's time to play outdoors!