9 top sites for winter sports in Portneuf
By David C, October 29 2024
Now that November’s here, we can hardly wait to put on our snowshoes, wax our cross-country skis or get out on our snow bikes! Portneuf’s vast territory makes it an unbeatable spot for winter sports, whether you’re on the shores of the St. Lawrence, on the banks of an icy river or in the heights of the Laurentian Plateau. Here are our best spots in the region for your favourite winter sports activities.
1. Parc naturel régional de Portneuf
This nature park located in Saint-Alban offers two winter experiences. The gorge sector boasts spectacular trails along the Sainte-Anne River, with impressive views of the icy cliffs. Put on your boots or snowshoes: there is something to delight the whole family! An ice wall is also available for climbing enthusiasts. In Les Portes de l’Enfer sector, eight cross-country ski trails and three snowshoeing loops allow you to explore the beauty of the Laurentian forest.
2. Vallée Bras-du-Nord
Between mountains, rivers and icy waterfalls, Vallée Bras-du-Nord boasts dozens of kilometres of winter hiking, snowshoeing, snowshoe-skiing and fatbike trails. Its vast territory offers hikes from easy for everyone to advanced for the most adventurous. For thrill-seekers, give a try to the backcountry skiing and via ferrata of the North!
3. Le Centre Nature de Saint-Basile
The perfect place to enjoy winter with the whole family. This centre in the heart of Saint-Basile offers 6 km of hiking trails, 10 km of snowshoeing trails and 15 km of fatbike trails winding through maple woods and mixed forests, alongside the enchanting Rivière Chaude. You can also enjoy snow tubing down the on-site hill.
4. Base de plein air de Portneuf
On this site in the town of Portneuf, you can explore hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and fatbike trails as well as a skating rink and ice trails. The choice is yours!
5. Réserve naturelle du Marais-Léon-Provancher
In winter, the trails are maintained for walking. You can also venture off the trails to explore the site on snowshoes. What’s more, the town maintains a five-kilometre cross-country ski trail perfect for all ages.
6. Ski de fond Saint-Léonard
Ski de fond Saint-Léonard boasts a 25-km network of five cross-country ski trails accessible from the centre of the charming village of Saint-Léonard. A fun activity for the whole family.
7. Ski Saint-Raymond
The region’s one and only downhill ski resort! Downhill skiing, snowboarding, a ski school, a snowboard terrain park and tubing are just some of the activities on offer, with a total vertical drop of over 100 metres.
8. Centre Vacances Lac Simon
In Saint-Léonard-de-Portneuf, Centre Vacances Lac Simon offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking trails. The whole family will love the skating rink, snow tubing and ice fishing for beginners.
9. Centre Dansereau
Pont-Rouge’s Centre de plein air Dansereau is an exceptional site offering access to the banks of the Jacques-Cartier River and the surrounding forest, with several trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and hiking.
For a complete list of outdoor sites and activities, visit our Nature section here. Whether you’re on skis, snowshoes, boots, skates or wheels, our breathtaking scenery awaits you. Be sure to share your best photos on Facebook and Instagram with #PortneufInegalable and #regionportneuf.