Winter is a big deal in Québec. While you may be tempted to use the cold weather as an excuse to stay indoors, there are actually lots of fun things to do outside, including several that are quite unusual.

In addition to going skiing or snowshoeing, you can also enjoy other outdoor activities that make the most of the magic and wonder of this season. Our regions offer something for everyone, so here are a few unusual options you may want to try out. Which of these activities and events make you look forward to winter this year?

Dogsledding

What could be more authentic than gliding through the forests of Québec pulled by magnificent sled dogs? This activity will delight visitors of all ages and, in my opinion, is one of the best ways to admire our winter scenery!

At the Ferme 5 Étoiles in Côte-Nord, you can learn to drive your own dogsled team while exploring the trails overlooking the Saguenay Fjord. How’s that for an ideal setting for a winter adventure? An experienced guide will teach you the basics of dogsledding and help you perfect your mushing techniques. You’re sure to be impressed by the dogs’ energy and spirit as well as touched by their infectious enthusiasm. Who knows, you may discover you have hidden talents as a musher!

Ice fishing

When you think about ice fishing, what probably comes to mind is a little village of huts on the ice. What’s on offer at Ferme 5 Étoiles, however, is closer to the original tradition, which means the activity takes place entirely outdoors. You’ll be provided with all the gear you need, and your guide will help you drill a hole in the ice. You can also participate in the fun family-friendly ice fishing day organized by the Attitude Nordique team in Baie-Comeau every winter to introduce people to this traditional activity.

Treetop trekking and ice climbing

Want to try something truly unusual that you may not necessarily associate with winter? Unleash your inner adventurer by enjoying a treetop escapade in an aerial adventure park or going ice climbing.

What does treetop trekking entail? Safely attached to a harness, you’ll make your way through an obstacle course in the trees that will draw upon both your physical agility and your problem-solving skills. Whether you’re walking along a high wire, climbing nets or ziplining above the snowy ground, this is bound to be an exhilarating experience! If this sound like something you’d like to try, head to Domaine Valga, in Bas-Saint-Laurent, which offers several courses in the “Forêt de Maître Corbeau” adventure park suitable for beginners as well as those who are more experienced.

To try something even more adventurous, go ice climbing with the guides at Attitude Nordique in Côte-Nord. In addition to admiring the surrounding winter scenery once you get to the top of the climb, you can soak up another view as you soar along the zipline over St-Pancrace Bay!

Special events

Boréal Loppet

Taking place in February in Forestville, in Côte-Nord, the Boréal Loppet annual event celebrates the popular sport of cross-country skiing. Elite skiers race on a scenic 48-km (30-mi.) course while the course for less experienced skiers is 32-km (20-mi.) long. The general public can also join in by participating in the 7-km (4-mi.), 10-km (6-mi.) and 16-km (10-mi.) races as well as in shorter races for children. Cross-country ski enthusiasts of all ages can take part in this fun event!

The Boréal Loppet also includes a fatbike race, an increasingly popular activity in this region.

Festival des Hivernants

If you happen to be in Sept-Îles, in Côte-Nord, in March, don’t miss the Festival des Hivernants*! Regardless of how cold the weather may be, this festival will keep you warm with a combination of outdoor fun and cultural discoveries. Experience the joys of winters past and present through a varied program focused on the hivernants. But who were these hivernants, you may ask? Hivernants (winterers) was the name given to those who overwintered at trading posts such as the Old Trading Post. Many of the festival’s activities take place at this historical interpretation site that presents daily life in a 19th-century fur-trading post. Come and discover the lives of the hivernants during this fun winter festival!

*Please note that the Festival des Hivernants will not take place in 2025. Stay tuned for more information about the 2026 edition!

If traditional winter activities are more your speed, I invite you to read our blog posts about snowshoeing and backcountry skiing in our regions.

With all these options, you’ll have a tough time convincing me that winter is not an inspiring season! What are you waiting for? Dress warmly and come and discover Québec’s winter wonderland!