Located at the gateway to the Gaspé Peninsula, the La Matanie sector provides a spectacular welcome to Gaspésie and gives you access to some of the region’s most amazing attractions… and a snowmobile ride is a great way to discover all that this diverse area has to offer! Here are three reasons to stop in La Matanie on your next snowmobile trip in Gaspésie.

1. A vast network of trails

To get to La Matanie, follow Trans-Québec trail #5 or cross the St. Lawrence aboard the Matane–Baie-Comeau/Godbout ferry. This sector offers 350 km (215 mi.) of well-groomed trails in the area surrounding Matane, which makes this town a perfect home base for snowmobilers who want to experience more than the traditional tour of the Gaspésie region. If you’d like to set off on an adventure in La Matanie, here are several ride ideas that will allow you to explore this sector as well as the sectors of La Mitis, La Matapédia, La Haute-Gaspésie and La Baie-des-Chaleurs (this last ride includes an overnight stay outside La Matanie).

Many of the trails in La Matanie run along the coast, where the St. Lawrence begins to widen into the sea. Trail #595 will take you into the snow-covered interior of this sector, to the foothills of the highest peaks in the Chic-Chocs (which are an extension of the Appalachian mountain range), including impressive Mt. Nicol-Albert, which is 890 metres (2920 feet) in altitude. Year after year, this area reports some of the highest snowfall levels in the province.

Bordered by the sea and mountains, La Matanie features deep valleys as well as high peaks, of which Mt. Saint-Pierre is a favourite destination among snowmobilers. As you ride up this mountain, the landscape transforms and the snow- and ice-covered trees stand defiantly against the wind. From the lookout (often covered in ice), you can admire a stunning view of this wild region dotted with lakes and colossal wind turbines spinning their blades along the horizon and following Trans-Québec trail #5 along the coast.

2. A multitude of services

As you explore La Matanie, you can stop in the various snowmobile clubs along the way to warm up by the fireplace, refuel, enjoy a meal and/or spend the night. These sites also offer opportunities to meet other snowmobilers from all over the world who are visiting La Matanie and Gaspésie as well as local snowmobile enthusiasts from the communities along the trails, which offer a multitude of services along with a warm welcome.

3. Lodging options for all tastes and budgets

Matane and the surrounding area offer a wide range of easily accessible lodging establishments to suit every traveller’s taste and budget. Here are a few of your options:

• Riôtel Matane: Located near the water in Matane and popular with snowmobilers for decades, this establishment offers comfortable rooms, quality service and delicious meals (along with a wine cellar).
• Mytik Shack-Sucré: With such a unique name, you can expect a memorable experience! Located at the heart of a maple grove in Saint-René-de-Matane, this sugar shack offers warm and modern chalets with luminous architecture in a natural oasis. Inquire about meal options!

Practical info

To plan your trip and find out about the latest trail conditions, consult the interactive map of Québec snowmobile trails on the FCMQ website, download the iMotoneige app and follow the Matane snowmobile club on Facebook (in French only).

So what do you think? Will you add a few days in La Matanie to your itinerary for your next snowmobile trip in Gaspésie?