Trails between sea and mountains
With more than 330 km of ATV trails accessible from May to October, the Matanie region stands out as one of the must-visit destinations for this sport in Gaspésie. This vast trail network winds through spectacular territory between the St. Lawrence River, forested valleys and the impressive peaks of the Chic-Choc Mountains. Connected to the ATV trail networks of the Mitis, the Matapédia and the Haute-Gaspésie regions, the trails of the Matanie ATV Club allow you to cover miles and discover a wide variety of landscapes throughout Eastern Quebec. Whether you are looking for a day trip or a true adventure getaway, you will find an exceptional playground here for exploring Gaspésie aboard your ATV.
Club Quad de La Matanie
Our favourite routes
Thanks to their connection with neighbouring networks, Matanie's ATV trails offer countless route possibilities. To plan your outing, use the iQuad Web interactive map or the iQuad mobile app and let yourself be guided to the region's most beautiful panoramas.
- The Chic-Chocs Panorama Route - 133 km - Intermediate
- Bridges, Rivers and Maple Groves - 102 km - Intermediate
- Vineyard, Strawberries and Seaside - 44 km - Easy
- From the Matapédia Valley to Haute-Gaspésie -120 km - Intermediate
- Into the Peaks to Étang-à-la-Truite - 159 km - Expert
Club Quad de La Matanie
Guided side-by-side tours
You don't have your own ATV, or simply want to enjoy the scenery without worrying about driving? Motel M, in Saint-Adelme, offers guided side-by-side tours with a driver-guide. Lasting approximately four hours, these excursions allow you to discover the federated ATV trails, mountain panoramas and hidden treasures of the Matane backcountry. Two departures are offered daily, at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., for up to three passengers on board.
Club Quad de la Matanie
The most beautiful viewpoints in Gaspésie
Trail 807 provides access to one of the region's natural jewels: the Matane Wildlife Reserve. Known for its large moose population, this vast wilderness area is crossed from south to north by the ATV trail network and leads, among other places, to the Étang-à-la-Truite area in the heart of the Chic-Chocs. Please note that the section crossing the reserve is closed during moose hunting season, starting on the Tuesday following Labour Day.
Even during this period, panorama enthusiasts have access to an exceptional site: the Chic-Chocs Observatory, located in Saint-Jean-de-Cherbourg. This lookout offers breathtaking views of more than 32 peaks and is accessible by car, bicycle, ATV, snowmobile or on foot.
MTN Films
Events for ATV enthusiasts
Throughout the season, Matanie's ATV Club organizes several group rides that allow participants to discover new routes and various tourist attractions in the region, such as the Grotte des Fées, the Carpinteri Vineyard and the Matane Wildlife Reserve. These activities are also an excellent opportunity to connect with other enthusiasts and experience Gaspesian culture in a different way. Off-road motorcycle enthusiasts can also take part in Aventure MTCTAN, a renowned event that brings together nearly 150 motorcyclists each year for three days of exploration over approximately 800 km of routes through the Gaspesian backcountry.
Club Quad de La Matanie
ATV geocaching: a unique adventure in Gaspésie
La Matanie is also home to the first geocaching route designed specifically for ATV riders. Thirteen caches are scattered throughout the region, allowing visitors to discover spectacular viewpoints as well as historic, geological and natural sites of interest. Since this activity takes place primarily in forested areas, a few precautions are necessary:
- download maps in offline mode before departure;
- bring sufficient water and food;
- wear clothing suited to weather conditions;
- ride with at least one other ATV rider;
- avoid areas affected by hunting.
This activity perfectly combines adventure, discovery and the enjoyment of ATV riding.
Motel M - Steve Bernier
ATV-accessible accommodations
La Matanie offers several establishments suited to ATV travellers:
- Camping aux pignons verts - Campground
- Camping de La Matanie - Campground
- Étang-à-la-Truite Campground, Matane Wildlife Reserve
- Camping Rivière Matane - Campground
- Hôtel-Motel Belle-Plage - Hotel and motels
- Quality Inn et Suites Matane - Hotel
- Le Métropole - Hotel and motels
- Manoir des Sapins - Youth hostel
- Motel La Vigie - Motels
- Motel Le Portage - Motels
- Motel M - Motels
- Mytik Shack-Sucré - Cottages
- Relais La Cache - Campground and motels
- Villa Carpinteri - B&B
Quality Inn et Suites Matane - Resto-Bar l'imprévu
ATV-accessible restaurants
After a day on the trails, several establishments welcome ATV riders:
- 9 resto déjeuner - Matane
- Café-Crêperie Les Gamineries
- Matane Golf Club - Place des Sports
- Le Métropole
- Relais de La Cache
- Relais St-Adelme
- Resto-Bar l'imprévu
Fuel and services near the trails
To fill up or get assistance during your ATV stay, several services are accessible directly on or near the network:
- Dépanneur du Lac - Fuel and convenience store
- Marché central de Sainte-Félicité - Grocery store
- Saint-Adelme Solidarity Cooperative - Fuel and convenience store
- Relais de La Cache - Fuel
- Boutique de la moto - Polaris and Yamaha dealer
- André Hallé et fils - CAN-AM dealer
- St-Louis Sport - Dealership
Club Quad de La Matanie
Important information before you go
Before hitting the trails, make sure to:
- Hold a membership card or trail pass from the Quebec Federation of Quad Clubs (FQCQ);
- Check trail closure periods related to hunting;
- Respect trail signage and keep away from the railway line;
- Consult the FQCQ interactive map to plan your outings.
Set out to discover La Matanie by ATV
Between the St. Lawrence River, the Chic-Choc Mountains and the vastness of its backcountry, La Matanie's ATV trails let you experience the immensity of Gaspésie while remaining only a few hours' drive from Québec City and Montréal. Its hundreds of kilometres of trails, spectacular viewpoints, adapted accommodations and numerous activities make it a destination of choice for enthusiasts of ATVs, side-by-sides and off-road motorcycles.
Plan your route, fuel up on adventure and let yourself be surprised by the wild beauty of Matanie!