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The bridge is located on Trans-Québec trail #3 (TQ3)
JB Film Production/Tourisme Côte-Nord
What to See by Snowmobile in Eastern Québec: The Manicouagan Bridge
Known for its vast and spectacular landscapes, Côte-Nord is a feast for the eyes for anyone who rides their snowmobile through this region. So it’s not that surprising that the region is home to the highest snowmobile bridge in North America! Find out more about the bridge over the Manicouagan River, which is such a thrill to ride across.
Some info
The bridge is an impressive 213 metres long (700 feet) and 27.4 metres (90 feet) high, which gives it the added distinction of being the highest snowmobile bridge in North America! This structure also happens to cross one of the region’s most famous rivers, the Manicouagan, which flows south from the Manicouagan Reservoir into the St. Lawrence. This mighty waterway is harnessed for hydroelectric power, supplying both the Manic-2 and Manic-5 hydroelectric facilities.
Logging was a major economic driver in this region and even led to the founding of several towns, including Baie-Comeau. At the time, the Manicouagan River was used for log driving. A log flume was built in 1937 to supply the area’s pulp and paper mill. Part of this structure was modified to become the Manicouagan bridge, which is now used by snowmobiles and ATVs, and explains why the bridge is so high.
How to get there
The bridge is located on Trans-Québec trail #3, about halfway between Chute-aux-Outardes and Baie-Comeau. Several snowmobile-friendly services are available nearby.
For more information, consult the snowmobile trail map for this region, which you can view or order on our website.
In addition to the magnificent view you’ll enjoy and the thrill of crossing the Manicouagan River, you now know that this bridge represents an important piece of local history! And don’t forget that there are several other snowmobile bridges worth discovering in Côte-Nord!
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Author Marie-Eve Lagacé
Originally from Gaspésie, Marie-Eve Lagacé loves both writing and her corner of the world, so she’s delighted to be able to combine these passions as a writer for this blog! Her favourite subjects are people, local culture and our regions’ unexpected (and sometimes unusual) treasures. Although she loves relaxing with a coffee and a good book, she also enjoys exploring new vistas and swimming with the salmon in the Matapédia River!
(1) comment
Laurie Wigle
Dear person I recently had the pleasure of crossing the bridge across the Manicouagan River on a snow mobile. Very interesting and beautiful but I have recently been in a discussion with the other three people in the party. Going up the shoot from the east side going west there is a single access - same from the other side. Once you get to the actual bridge there is a piece of wood attached to the deck that directs the skis to the right. I suspect this is so traffic coming from the east do not collide with people coming the west. My other three colleagues insisted that it is only for one way traffic. So my question is what is the actual design and protocol. Thanks you Laurie
Hi Laurie, thank you for your comment on our blog! The Manicouagan Bridge is indeed a one-way trail, however, while crossing the bridge you must go one snowmobile at a time, because you might have another vehicle coming the other way. You will find signs on each side that will indicate you those restrictions at the time being. Hope you will find this information usefull! Anthony