With an average of six meters of snow each year, the grandiose landscapes and the 3,800 km of groomed trails, it is no wonder that Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean is nicknamed the Snowmobile Paradise!
Snowmobiling is one of the most popular leisure activities in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region when inches of snow accumulate. Every year, the region welcomes many snowmobile enthusiasts who come from all over the world to ride our trails and face the beautiful powder! Will you be there for the 2022-2023 season?
Snowmobile trails in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
The snowmobile industry in Quebec remains possible thanks to the involvement of many passionate and dedicated volunteers in the clubs. They take care of the application of signs, rights of way, trail grooming, etc. Volunteers remain at the heart of the snowmobile activity.
Snowmobiling on trails involves riding on groomed trails. A wide range of services are available along the marked, signed and groomed trails. This environment is therefore the safest place to practice snowmobiling as a leisure activity.
At all times, respect for the rights of way is essential. Loitering, or unauthorized off-trail use of private or public land, puts at risk the rights of way that are the very foundation of the region's trail system.
It is important to have a valid trail right of access to use the trails. When you rent a snowmobile from a company, the right of access is included.
Snow cover in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region can last about 5 months, from mid-November to mid-April. To ensure sufficient snow at the beginning and end of the season, you must go to more mountainous terrain to take advantage of it.
The main trails in the region
TQ-23 - from Alma to the Laurentian Wildlife Reserve
TQ-93 - Chibougamau to Sacré-Coeur, via Monts-Valin
TQ-83 - La Malbaie to Val-d'Or (Ferland-et-Boilleau, Saguenay and Sainte-Hedwidge)
R-383 - near L'Anse-Saint-Jean
R-328 - from Alma to Saint-David-de-Falardeau
R-373 - from Roberval to Monts-Valin via the northern part of the lake
R-367 - Dolbeau-Mistassini to Saguenay
R-368 - La Baie to Réserve faunique des Laurentides
The main access trails to the region
3 - The North Shore (Tadoussac), Charlevoix and Quebec
23 - Laurentian Wildlife Reserve
83 - La Malbaie to Val-d'Or (via Ferland-et-Boilleau, Saguenay and Sainte-Hedwidge)
93 - from Chibougamau to Sacré-Coeur (via Dolbeau-Mistassini and Monts-Valin)
355 - from Mauricie to Lac-Bouchette
Condition of the trails
To find out about trail conditions, you must visit the interactive trail map and click on the snowflake icon in the upper right corner. Knowing the conditions is essential for a safe and fun trip. Depending on the trails you choose, check the conditions for snow conditions, snowfall and more.
Plan your getaway to Snowmobile Heaven!
Snowmobiling is a means of transportation, but it is above all a leisure activity. An activity that gives a great feeling of freedom and ecstasy. But this feeling must be accompanied by a great deal of preparation and the respect of certain safety rules. Safety is a priority. Consult the safety rules that apply.
When preparing the itinerary, it is important to identify the accommodations, stops and gas stations.
- Order your free print edition of the trail map
- Always tell a friend or family member before you go on a trip and share your itinerary with the iSnowmobile
- Make sure you have a valid trail pass
- Never go alone and always plan your trips in advance
- Choose to travel during the day when the sun is always out
- Download the iMotoneige application and consult the interactive trail map
- Double check trail conditions before you leave, to ensure that you leave safely
- Reserve your lodging in advance
- If you don't own a snowmobile, make sure to reserve your snowmobile with a snowmobile rental company
- If you are a beginner snowmobiler, consider the services of a snowmobile guide
- Make sure you never drink alcohol when you plan to drive your snowmobile
- Always stay on the marked snowmobile trails
The printed map and the interactive map of snowmobile trails in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
Printed map of snowmobile trails
This paper map is easy to carry and will give you an overview of the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean destination.
Use it at home to plan your routes and on the trail during your excursions.
You will be able to discover the regional trails, the businesses offering services to snowmobilers (lodging, relays, dealers, rentals, etc.) and tour ideas.
Consult the interactive trail map
The FCMQ's interactive map and mobile application iMotoneige offer a ton of tools to prepare your snowmobile trips:
Interactive Trail Map
Trail Conditions and Surfacing Times
Route creation tool
Location of businesses offering services to snowmobilers
Download the app to your phone to access trail maps without a data plan or cell signal.
Use it to build your own itinerary, locate snowmobile service businesses, and view real-time trail conditions and status. Plus, discover a multitude of short and long-distance tour ideas. Want to know more? For more details, visit the FCMQ website.
Snowmobile trails to discover in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
The Gateway of the 49th
An exceptional 402 km long tourist circuit, located north of Lac Saint-Jean, mostly north of the 49th parallel in the parc régional des Grandes-Rivières.
The Big Loop
Take this 5,700 km circuit and travel through 3 regions of Quebec: the Capitale-Nationale, Charlevoix and Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean.
The Ha! Ha! Tour
This 200 km tour will allow you to discover the Baie des Ha! Ha! and discover its magnificent ice fishing village.
Exceptional views
The infinite icy surface of Lac Saint-Jean from the Village sur glace de Roberval.
Relays and gourmet stops
When you say snowmobile, you say relay. These essential places for snowmobile enthusiasts meet the needs of travelers and represent a meeting place where it is good to live, laugh and of course break bread.
Several restaurants and discovery activities will be on your route to satisfy your taste buds or to entertain you between two snowmobile rides.
List of clubs in the region
There are 11 snowmobile clubs in the region as well as 2 partner clubs in Chapais and Chibougamau. Together, these 13 clubs cover 3,800 km of trails, so it's no understatement to say that our beautiful region is a true snowmobiling paradise.
Snowmobile rental and guide service in Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
Take full advantage of the landscapes and exceptional snow conditions in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region by combining discovery and adventure on a snowmobile rental. If you do not own a snowmobile or are a beginner, it is important to reserve a snowmobile rental and consider the services of a guide when planning your excursion.
Here are some suggestions of companies that offer snowmobile rentals and/or guide services in the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region:
Lodging
Snowmobilers who travel our regional trails enjoy an affordable, diverse and comfortable hotel offer. Outfitters' lodges, inns, yurts and hotels offer hospitality, warmth, hearty meals and, of course, more than comfortable beds. Many even offer special packages for snowmobilers.