Duration
Rate
980$ +tx (146,76) : 4 days
1690$ +tx (253,08) : 7 days
Difficulty
March 6 to 9, 2025 (4 days)
March 6 to 12, 2025 (7 days)
other dates available on request
ratio: 1 guide for 8 participants
A cross-country skiing hike through the Charlevoix backcountry is truly an unforgettable experience. The Traversée de Charlevoix, which spans breathtaking landscapes, follows one of Quebec’s most beautiful wilderness trails. Imagine yourself surrounded by majestic peaks reaching up to 1000 meters in altitude, with dense forests and highly preserved natural environments around you. This is a true escape into nature!
For the past 30 years, outdoor enthusiasts of all backgrounds have embarked on the adventure, traversing the Traversée de Charlevoix, whether for the pleasure of exploring the entire trail or simply segments. This trail is recognized as one of the most beautiful long-distance hiking routes, proudly standing among the treasures of the eastern Rockies. The Traversée de Charlevoix is part of both the Trans Canada Trail and Quebec’s National Trail, thus offering a beautiful connection with nature.
It is truly an ideal trip for those who wish to practice cross-country ski touring safely. You can enjoy these magnificent landscapes while being accompanied by a professional guide, who will help you navigate through this enchanting terrain. Imagine the sensation of gliding on pristine snow, with the fresh wind on your face and the tranquility of the surrounding forests. It’s the perfect opportunity to recharge and experience a unique adventure in harmony with nature. Ready to put on your skis?
DAY 1: Transport and skiing
Departure by minibus from Quebec City led by the guide towards Charlevoix. Final preparations of the backpacks followed by a demonstration of the use of touring skis by the guide. The hike begins at the entrance to the ZEC des Martres and we set off for our first kilometers on a fairly flat path to reach our Écureuil refuge (720m). Dinner, supper and overnight at the shelter.
Nordic skiing: 4.2 km – positive elevation 53m – negative elevation 50m
Road: approximately 2h30
Accommodation: Refuge Écureuil
DAY 2: Full day of Nordic skiing
After breakfast at the refuge, we will take the path following the stream and continuing through the forest, passing at the bottom of Mont des Morios. We will take a dinner break in a place sheltered from the wind with a good hot soup. Our route then goes back north to finally arrive at our Marmotte refuge. Dinner and overnight at the shelter.
Nordic skiing: 15km – positive elevation 345m – negative elevation 780m
Accommodation: Marmotte refuge
DAY 3: Full day of Nordic skiing
After breakfast at the refuge, we will follow a forest path to the Rivière du Gouffre. We will take a dinner break in a place sheltered from the wind with a good hot soup. The rest of the hike will take us to the Noyée mountain area, and then arrive at the Chouette refuge. Dinner and overnight at the shelter.
Nordic skiing: 11km – positive elevation 520m – negative elevation 270m
Accommodation: Refuge de la Chouette
DAY 4: Full day of Nordic skiing and optional return
From the refuge de la Chouette, the route goes up towards an old refuge then continues towards the highest point of the trip. Then it’s a long descent towards the Hautes Gorges de la rivière Malbaie national park. We will then arrive at the Chalet du Geai Bleu which overlooks the Malbaie River. Dinner and overnight at the shelter.
Possibility of stopping the ski trip on day 4 at the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie national park (half-crossing).
Nordic skiing: 19km – positive elevation 700m – negative elevation 1050m
Accommodation: Geai Bleu refuge
Road (4 days trip): approximately 3h to Quebec City
DAY 5: Full day of Nordic skiing
After breakfast, we leave for a day of skiing which first runs along the Malbaie River then the Chouinard Creek. At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive at the Coyote refuge for dinner and the night.
Nordic skiing: 15km – positive elevation 770m – negative elevation 400m
Accommodation: Coyote refuge
DAY 6: Full day of Nordic skiing
An easy day through snowmobile trails. At the end of the afternoon, we will arrive at the Refuge de l’Épervier for dinner and the night.
Nordic skiing: 18km – positive elevation 315m – negative elevation 410m
Accommodation: Refuge de l’Épervier
DAY 7: Return
Last day of ski touring, after a good breakfast, the crossing path joins the cross-country trails of the Mont Grand-Fond Station. Return to Quebec City, approximate arrival around 6 pm
Nordic skiing: 5km
Road: approximately 2h30 to Quebec City
- supervision by an adventure guide
- ski equipment: nordic skis, ski boots, climbing skin, telescopic poles
- camping equipment: sleeping bag, liner
- group equipment: kitchen, thermos, first aid kit, emergency shelter, satellite telephone …
- refuge accommodation
- daily baggage transfer by snowmobile
- all meals (except in the restaurant)
- round-trip transportation from Quebec City
- your personal expenses
- your faavorites snacks
- personal insurance
- tip to the guide
Group equipment and food will be transported by snowmobile between refuges. Bring a small backpack (maximum 40L) that can hold your belongings for the day and comfortable enough to carry all day.
We take the well-being of our customers seriously. This is why we follow the highest Quality and Safety standards established in the industry.
Quatre Natures is an accredited member of Aventure Écotourisme Québec.
Booking Policies
When booking, a 30% deposit must be paid by credit card (VISA, MasterCard or American Express). The balance of payment will be made 30 days before your activity.
In case of cancellation made more than 60 days before the date of your activity, your reservation will be refunded 100%. Between 59 days and 30 days before the date of your activity, 70% of the total amount will be refunded to you. No refund for a cancellation less than 30 days before your activity.
Changing a reservation : Any changes must be made by email or telephone and are subject to availability. Please contact us at reservation@quatrenatures.com or 418 271-7234.
Weather : The decision to cancel in case of bad weather is the responsibility of the guide or the administration of Quatre Natures. Under no circumstances the customer can cancel and have a refund if he does not like the weather.
* the announced duration of the activity is approximate and depends on the meteorological conditions and the group
