© Roger St-Laurent
5 Snowmobile Rides in Gaspésie
Here are 5 snowmobile rides that will give you the opportunity to enjoy abundant snow on over 3000 km of groomed and marked trails in Gaspésie.
Grand Tour
A legendary ride, the Grand Tour of Gaspésie is 1152 km of pure joy! Follow Trans-Québec trail #5 (TQ5) all the way around the peninsula for 5 or 6 days. See the Chic-Choc Mountains, snow-covered trees, spectacular views of the sea and, of course, impressive Percé Rock. This tour is something you must experience at least once in your life!
Mont-Saint-Pierre. Photo: Alexa Fay
Western Peninsula Loop
This 704-km ride takes 2 or 3 days to complete. The main attractions are the Chic-Choc Mountains and deep powder snow. You will also see Mount Nicol-Albert, moose, Murdochville and the coastal landscapes of northern Gaspésie. Starting in Saint-Paulin, the loop will take you along trail #595 to La Cache.
Mont Nicol-Albert. Photo: Alexa Fay
Gateway Loop
This 251-km loop is perfect for a 1 or 2 days. Starting in Mont-Joli, it will take you to Saint-Damase and Sayabec via TQ5, then along trail #591 towards Saint-Irène, trail #587N to La Rédemption, trail #579 via Les Hauteurs to Saint-Gabriel-de-Rimouski and then back on TQ5 to Mont-Joli. Along the way, you can see amazing “snow ghosts” on the Saint-Pierre Mountain, wind turbines and an impressive 360° view from the top of Mount Radar.
La Rédemption. Photo: Richard Marin
Plateau Loop
Another ride that is perfect for a day trip, the Plateau Loop is 213 km long. Departing from Causapscal, head south on TQ5, then take trail #587S via Saint-André-de-Restigouche, Matapédia, Saint-Alexis-de-Matapédia, Saint-François-d’Assise and Albertville before returning to Causapscal. The picturesque landscapes in this area offer beautiful views of rivers and villages.
La Matapédia. Photo: Dany Vachon
Eastern Peninsula Loop
If you do not have time for the Grand Tour or have already done it and wants to try something new, the Small Tour of Gaspésie is 847 km long and can be done in 3 to 4 days. Starting in Saint-Paulin, head eastward on TQ5 all the way to New Richmond (via Mont-Saint-Pierre, Grande-Vallée, Rivière-au-Renard, Gaspé, Percé and Chandler) before veering inland into the heart of Gaspésie via trail #595 and heading back to Saint-Paulin. The highlights of this ride include Percé Rock, spectacular views of the sea, the impressive Chic-Choc Mountains (which you will get to cross) and lots of powder snow!
Please note: the trail between La Cache and Murdochville is closed season due to safety concerns on two essential bridges that will require major work.
Percé. Photo: Roger St-Laurent
Enjoy the many snowmobile rides available in Gaspésie!
See also: