Home » Activities » Winter hiking
Parc du Massif du Sud offers about 35 kilometers of marked trails suitable for winter hiking*. With an average snowfall of 450 cm every winter, its high peaks and low valleys, its crystalline waters and ancient forests, the diversity of the park is truly a visitor’s wonder.
* Please bring a means of traction (snowshoes, poles, crampons). Check out our snow report to plan your hike and choose the right equipment.
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
WHILE HIKING
What to do in a blizzard?
A blizzard is a sudden snow and wind storm causing snow to be blown around and reducing visibility. This phenomenon is common is high altitude areas where the vegetation is rarer and the mountains more exposed.
If you get caught in a blizzard or in blowing snow, here are a few tips to help you:
What to do if you are injured and cannot move?
In any case, never leave the signaled areas.
What to do if you are lost?
In any case, it is preferable to wait for help rather than spending your energy going around in circles in the woods.
Trail map |
See trail map |
Length: 4.6 km – Elevation gain: 147 m – Average time: 1h30 – Last departure: 2:30 pm
Ideal for a family or contemplative walk, follow the humming sound of the crystal-clear Milieu river on the Passerelles trail before reaching the refuge du Milieu. New in 2021: the return is now via Le long jeu, a mountain bike trail in summer. Bonus: You will find a lot of information about the brook trout along the trail.
Length: 4.8 km – Elevation gain: 221 m – Average time: 1h30 – Last departure: 2:30 pm
Mystic forests and waterfalls are your things? You found the right trail! Marvel at the Bassin waterfall and then, don’t forget to look up to get a glimpse of some 300 years old yellow birches as you hike the ancient forest!
Length: 7.9 km – Elevation gain: 380 m – Average time: 3h – Last departure: 12:30
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Certainly one of the most popular trail of the park, the mont Chocolat has, apart from its name, everything to please you! Part of the hike follows a pristine river while the other takes you through a sugar maple stand before offering you 3 of the best panoramas of the park. New in 2021: a new return alternative, a bit steeper. A pretty good value for your effort!
Length: 9.1 km – Elevation gain: 468 m – Average time: 3h30 – Last departure: noon
This trail leads you in the heart of the moose habitat and their ravages, where they graze in the clearings. Start your hike early and you might get the chance to see this great mammal. Is it your lucky day?
Length: 9.8 km – Elevation gain: 449 m – Average time: 3h30 – Last departure: noon
Following most of the Mont Chocolat trail, you will be able to gaze into the pristine waters of the Milieu river and admire the view on top of Mont Chocolat. But, instead of coming back down, add 1.9 km to your hike and get the chance to see some of the highest rock walls in the park. A detour well worth it!
Length: 11.1 km – Elevation gain: 550 m – Average time: 4h – Last departure: 11 am
Often the unexpected highlight of a visit, this trail has a lot to offer. Hike through an ancient forest, cross crystal-clear rivers and then get your boots ready for some serious ascent. The effort is well worth it, for the views on top of the Crête des Grives are, just like the ascent, breathtaking!
Length: 13.9 km – Elevation gain: 641 m – Average time: 5h30 – Last departure: 9:30
Ready to reach the highest summit of Chaudière-Appalaches? At 917 meters, take in the 360° view of the area, as far as Quebec city on the St Lawrence river to the highest mountain of Maine, Mount Katahdin. On a clear day, of course!
Length: 16 km – Elevation gain: 756 m – Average time: 6h30 – Last departure: 8:30
The second highest summit of the park (only 2 meters lower than Mont Saint Magloire), Mont du Midi makes for a great day of exploration! Cross many pristine rivers, climb Mont Chocolat and part of Mont du Midi before coming down past remains of the log driving industry in the park.
Length: 18 km – Elevation gain: 723 m – Average time: 7 h – Last departure: 8:30
In search of a challenge? Here is one for you! This trail will take you to the top of Mont Saint-Magloire (the park’s giant), in the heart of the moose habitat (an animal’s giant), and at the feet of ancient trees (a forest’s giant). Hence, the name Giants’ trail.
Length: 28.4 km (day 1: 14.4 km; day 2: 14 km) – Elevation gain: 1,214 m – Average time: 2 days
The longest of the multi-day hiking trails will take you to the summit of the highest peak of Chaudière-Appalaches (Mont Saint-Magloire). Spending the night in the heart of the park, where silence and tranquility are easy to find, will recharge your batteries for the second day! This hike must be done over 2 days.
Available at the park are a wide range of snowshoes, crampons and poles for the whole family. Our snowshoes, equipped with pivot crampons and a strap binding system designed to fit a wide range of footwear, are perfect for any mountain adventure with your family and friends!
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