As you near the outskirts of Sept-Îles, in the region of Côte-Nord, you’ll find yourself in an increasingly maritime area with features that can be admired nowhere else in the province of Québec. You’ll also encounter a warm and welcoming population that’s much more diverse than you’d expect. The locals love winter and celebrate it to the fullest! Here are three reasons to stop in Sept-Îles on your next snowmobile trip in Côte-Nord.

1. Trails with amazing views

As you approach Sept-Îles via Trans-Québec trail #3 (TQ3) and local trails, the first thing you’ll notice is the city’s immense bay, which covers an area of 45 km² (17 sq. mi.). As you can imagine, you can see Sept-Îles Bay from afar! Over the tops of the spruce trees, the sea stretches to the horizon, and you’ll be able to spot ships waiting to be loaded in the harbour, which is North America’s largest ore-handling port. In my experience, it’s not every day that you can take a photo that includes both snowmobiles and ships at sea!

Before you arrive in Sept-Îles, the trail follows the coastline, alternating with what are known here as portages: forest barrens between two bays or two marshy plains typical of the environment of this area. You’ll also have the opportunity to get up close to some of the world’s largest power transmission lines. The gigantic electricity pylons (which will make you wonder how they manage to stay upright on such fragile bases) light up when the sun hits them in the late afternoon. You can watch them go from dull grey to incandescent brilliance in a matter of seconds!

When approaching the city from the east, you’ll cross the stunning Moisie River and can soak up an extraordinary view of the river’s estuary, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the forested point between the river and Sept-Îles.

2. Nearby services

For those unfamiliar with this larger-than-life environment, a snowmobile adventure in Côte-Nord can seem daunting. But there’s no need to worry as villages and service points are found all along the coast, providing regular access to supplies. Once you reach Sept-Îles, you’ll find well-marked access trails off TQ3 leading to service stations, maintenance and repair shops as well as restaurants.

3. Comfortable lodging options and delicious meals

When it comes to accommodations, you’ll have many options to choose from in Sept-Îles, so you can make your selection based on your taste and budget. You can expect quality service and warm hospitality wherever you stay, whether you opt for a hotel or cottage. And since you’ll be so close to the sea, it goes without saying that Sept-Îles is a great place to savour delicious fish and seafood specialties, which are showcased on menus throughout the area. Don’t miss this opportunity to sample the city’s legendary seafood pizza!

Practical info

Located on the outskirts of the city, the Ook-Pik snowmobile clubhouse is a reminder that the magnificent snowy trails you’ll ride on in this area are maintained by numerous volunteers who love this corner of the world. For all the latest info, follow the Ook-Pik snowmobile club on Facebook (in French only).

You can also consult the interactive map of Québec snowmobile trails on the FCMQ website to plan your trip and find out about trail conditions.

This winter, treat yourself to a unique snowmobile adventure in Québec and be sure to stop in Sept-Îles along the way!