A Cool Way To Experience Quebec’s Top Ski Destinations
Mont-Sainte-Anne / photo by Etienne Dionne.
As the Canadian Shield makes its way into the province of Quebec, it forms the famous Laurentian Mountains — a landscape of gentle peaks and valleys, lakes and rivers. Dozens of small towns dot the rolling region, each with a uniquely French Canadian vibe. The region’s topography is stunning and provides year-round enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts.
In the winter, the Laurentians form the backdrop for the province’s many ski resorts, which are all located within an easy drive of Montreal and Quebec City. Our 10-day itinerary is specifically designed for snow enthusiasts who want to experience the best of Quebec’s ski region with a bit of on-the-road adventure in an RV. Go at your own pace and stay cozy inside your own home-on-wheels. RVing in the winter is a fun and unique way to experience Canada’s outdoors while remaining warm and comfortable. You’ll be able to go ski-resort-hopping without the hassle of packing and unpacking at each destination. Read on below for some of the trip’s highlights.
Le P’tit Train du Nord
As you leave Montreal to head north into the Laurentians, make some time for a stop at the Le P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park. Built over an old railway line, this unique park stretches for 234 kilometres, providing a long-distance trail for cycling or hiking in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter. The old railway stations along the route have been converted into restaurants — how cool is that? It is the longest park of its kind in Canada and well worth a visit. The trail begins at St. Jerome and ends at Mont Laurier, north of Mont Tremblant. If you chose to head out on the trail, there is a shuttle service along the way that will take you back to where you parked your RV.
Mont Tremblant
Quite possibly the most well-known ski resort in the eastern side of North America, Mont Tremblant is a dream to visit in the winter and it is only an hour and a half from Montreal. The picturesque village of Mont Tremblant sits at the base of the mountain and has charm galore, with cobblestone streets and plenty of lovely spots for shopping and dining. The surrounding peaks are the highest of the Laurentians and offer challenging runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Head to the top of the highest peak (2,781 feet) for incredible views of the surrounding region.
Quebec City
Take a small break from skiing as you travel from Mont Tremblant to Quebec City. You can go at your desired pace: either drive straight to Quebec City to enjoy the historic location or take a leisurely route, stopping at the many beautiful villages along the way. You can’t go wrong with either plan as winter in Quebec is charming at every stop. If you’re looking to remain active during your stay in Quebec City, you’ll find plenty of winter adventures — from cross country skiing in Battlefields Park to ice climbing at Montmorency Falls. Or just wander the charming streets of Old Quebec and take in the magic of one of Canada’s oldest cities.
Stoneham Mountain
Located 20 minutes north of Quebec City is the mountain resort of Stoneham. Here you will have your choice of 42 trails on three mountains, with the highest peak coming in at 1,946 feet. This resort also offers an Olympic halfpipe — the only one in the province — and three snow parks, each at a different skill level. The fun doesn’t stop at night as Stoneham lights up the runs for some of the best night-skiing around.
Stoneham Mountain Resort, photo by Stephane Groleau
Mont-Sainte-Anne
Just 45 minutes northeast of Quebec City is the beautiful resort of Mont-Sainte-Anne. This ski resort offers 71 trails and four snow parks spread across three sides of the mountain — that’s 547 acres of skiable terrain. You’ll also find plenty of dining and apres-ski activities to keep you busy. But the resort’s biggest claim to fame is its night skiing. After sundown, 19 trails remain floodlit into the night, including one that is the highest vertical drop for night skiing in the country.
Mont-Sainte-Anne, photo by Etienne Dionne
Le Massif de Charlevoix
From skiing and snowboarding on the highest vertical drop east of the Rockies to nighttime sledding along 7.5 kilometres of tight turns, Le Massif Ski Resort offers one heart-pumping adventure after another. This spectacular resort sits in the Charlevoix region of Quebec, about an hour north of Mont-Sainte-Anne. It is so close to the St. Lawrence River, that you’ll be able to see the shores from the slopes.
Le Massif Ski Resort, courtesy of Destination Canada
Mont Orford
The last ski destination on our epic resort-hopping RV tour is the Mont Orford ski area, which actually covers three different interconnected peaks: Mont Orford, Mont Giroux and Mont Alfred DesRochers. The mountains here are more than 2,000 feet high and offer runs for all skill levels. There is also a snow park and a halfpipe for snowboarders. If you’ve reached your limit of skiing by now, you’ll have plenty of other activities to keep you busy, from ice climbing and snowshoeing to sleigh rides and delicious dining. From here you’re an easy two-hour drive back to your starting point of Montreal.
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