Plan your Snowmobile escape in La Matanie
La Matanie is the perfect base camp for snowmobile enthusiasts eager to explore one of Quebec's most beautiful snow-covered regions : the Gaspé Peninsula. Accessible via the Trans-Quebec Trail #5 or after a St.Lawrence River crossing aboard the Matane-Baie-Comeau-Godbout ferry, the 350 km of meticulously maintained trails by the Matane Snowmobile Club offer breathtaking landscapes that blend the vastness of the sea and the majestic Chic-Choc Mountains. Starting from the region of Matane, riders can explore a vast network extending from Baie-des-Sables along the coast to the heart of the Gaspésie mountains at the La Cache Relay Station. Enjoy some of the best snow quality in the Province of Quebec and the diversity of our scenery for unique snowmobiling routes, making La Matanie your launch point for an unforgettable adventure.
Trail Map
Check the interactive online map or the iMotoneige app for all snowmobile trails in the Gaspésie to plan your trip.
You can also download or order for free a printed version of the Gaspésie Snowmobile Trail Map.
Must-See Snowmobile Itineraries
The Little Tour of Western Gaspésie - 670 km (loop)
2 nights in La Matanie and 1 night in Baie-des-Chaleurs
Starting Point: La Matanie
Itinerary:
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Day 1: Cross La Matapédia via the Trans-Quebec Trail #5 (westbound), then take trail 591 (southbound) for 37 km. Rejoin the Trans-Quebec Trail #5 heading towards Amqui, passing north of Lake Matapédia. Continue on the Trans-Quebec Trail #5 to reach Carleton-sur-Mer for an overnight stay.
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Day 2: Depart Carleton-sur-Mer eastward toward New Richmond on the Trans-Quebec Trail #5. At New Richmond, take trail 595 (northbound) towards the La Cache Relay Station, stopping there for a break. Continue on trail 595 to St-Paulin Relais Station, where you'll reconnect with the Trans-Quebec Trail #5 (westbound) back to Matane and its surrounding area.
End Point: La Matanie
*Route marked in pink.
From the Coast of La Matanie to the St-Pierre Mountain in La Mitis – 200 km (loop)
2 nights in La Matanie
Starting Point: La Matanie
Itinerary:
- Take the Trans-Quebec Trail #5 (westbound), then switch to trail 591 (southbound) towards Sainte-Irène. From there, take trail 587N (westbound) towards La Rédemption, stopping at Montagne Saint-Pierre (St-Pierre Mountain). Continue along trail 587N to La Rédemption for a meal break. Rejoin trail 587N towards Sainte-Angèle-de-Mérici, then return to the Trans-Quebec Trail #5 (eastbound). Head back to La Matanie via the Trans-Quebec Trail #5, passing through Saint-Damase and the fields of Saint-Ulric before reaching Matane.
End Point: La Matanie
*Route marked in pink.
Gateway of the Chic-Choc Mountains – 334 km (round trip)
One-way: 167 km
2 nights in La Matanie
Starting Point: La Matanie
Itinerary:
- Take the Trans-Quebec Trail #5 (eastbound) to the St-Paulin Relay Station, then follow trail 595 (southbound) to the La Cache Relay Station. Enjoy multiple stops along the way (St-Adelme Relay Station, Camp Simoneau Shelter, and Canton Richard Shelter). Stop for a meal at the La Cache Relay Station. Return to Matane along the same route.
End Point: La Matanie
*Route marked in pink.
The North Side of the Chic-Choc Mountains, from La Matanie to Haute-Gaspésie – 270 km (round trip)
One-way: 135 km
2 nights in La Matanie
Starting Point: La Matanie
Itinerary:
- Take the Trans-Québec Trail #5 (eastbound) towards Haute-Gaspésie. Shortly after Cap-Chat, take the local trail towards Saint-Octave-de-L’Avenir for about 9 km (southbound). Enjoy a meal stop at Village Grande Nature Chic-Chocs. Return to La Matanie along the same trail afterward. As you travel, if you look to south, you’ll often enjoy views of the Chic-Choc Mountains. To the north, you will frequently catch glimpses of the St.Lawrence River.
End Point: La Matanie
*Route marked in pink.
For more snowmobile itinerary ideas or to take the Grand Tour of Gaspésie, visit the Snowmobile section on the Tourisme Gaspésie website.
Relay Stations, Shelters, and Services for Snowmobilers
A vast network of trails means numerous snowmobile relay stations and shelters where you can take a break, warm up, and grab a bite to eat. Plan a few stops during your trip.
Snowmobile Relay Stations and Shelters
- Relais Place des Sports, Matane: Open. On-site dining and bar services.
- Relais St-Adelme, Saint-Adelme: Open. On-site dining and bar services. Accommodation available (Motel M) and a convenience store with fuel nearby.
- Halte des montagnes, Saint-Jean-de-Cherbourg: Open. On-site dining services.
- Relais St-Paulin, Les Méchins (Saint-Paulin-Dalibaire): Closed for the winter. Located on the Trans-Quebec Trail #5 between Les Méchins and the Camp Simoneau shelter, near the intersection to take trail 595. On-site dining services.
- Relais de la Cache, TNO Rivière-Bonjour: Open. Located on trail 595, near Route 299. Fuel services, convenience store, dining, and accommodation available on-site.
- Camp Simoneau Shelter, TNO Rivière-Bonjour: Open. Located on trail 595 between Relais St-Paulin and the Faribault Outfitter. Equipped with a wood stove.
- Canton Richard Shelter, TNO Rivière-Bonjour: Open. Located on trail 595 between the Faribault Outfitter and the La Cache Relay Station. Equipped with a wood stove.
Great Meal Stops
- Café La Caisse, Baie-des-Sables
- Place des Sports Relay Station, Matane
- Resto-Bar L'imprévu, Matane
- Restaurant Cargo, Matane
- Relais St-Adelme, Saint-Adelme
- Le Shack 1880, Les Méchins
- Café-Resto de la Halte des montagnes, Saint-Jean-de-Cherbourg
Snowmobile Dealers and Repairs
- Boutique de la Moto, Matane
- André Hallé & fils, Matane
Trail Conditions and Weather
To stay updated on trail conditions, check the iMotoneige app, the Facebook page of Club Les Amoureux de la Motoneige de Matane, and visit the website amoureuxdelamotoneige.com.
Useful Tools, Rules and Safety
- Trail Access Rights: All snowmobilers are required to have a trail access permit to use the trails in Quebec. You can obtain one through the website of the Fédération des clubs de motoneige du Québec or by calling 1 844 253-4343.
- Rules and Regulations for Off-Road Vehicles
- Map of Restricted Areas: Certain areas are off-limits for off-trail snowmobiling. Consult the map of restricted zones in Gaspésie for off-trail snowmobiling. Not adhering to the rules negatively impacts the sport of snowmobiling. Note that in the region of Matane, there are currently no off-trail areas.
- Follow the Facebook page Motoneige Gaspésie for the latest news.
What should I do if I come across an animal while snowmobiling?
- Slow down or turn off the engine completely to avoid scaring them;
- Stay calm, do not shout;
- Do not disturb them in their ravage or chase them;
- Do everything you can to avoid injuring it;
- Turn back if the animal does not run away or if you find yourself in a ravine.
By adopting these good habits, you contribute to responsible snowmobiling by reducing its impact on wildlife and to the positive impact of this important activity, particularly for the tourism industry.
