There’s no need to drive for hours from Montréal or Québec City to immerse yourself in the most authentic of Québec winters. In Lanaudière–Mauricie, nature, culture, adventure, and the art of leisure blend seamlessly with snowy landscapes. It is the perfect destination for embracing the northern spirit, whether as a couple or with the whole family.
Lanaudière–Mauricie: Making Winter Your Closest Neighbor
One glance at a map of Québec reveals the immense advantage of Lanaudière and Mauricie. Perfectly located between the province’s two largest cities and their airports, our regions deliver the very essence of Québec on a silver platter. From the St. Lawrence River, where history flows, to the call of the boreal forest, and through farmland rich in authenticity and flavor—this is the Québec of your dreams, within easy reach.
In winter, this proximity is even more valuable. For couples or families, Lanaudière–Mauricie offers a full immersion into winter without the need to travel hundreds of kilometers, whether you come from Québec City or Montréal. And beyond what the map shows, the regions have everything needed to satisfy every desire for a winter escape: a romantic and epicurean getaway amid pristine landscapes, a family week filled with snow and ice adventures and cultural discoveries, an adrenaline-filled expedition for thrill-seekers, a wide range of accommodations where the art of hospitality is second nature, and cozy evenings spent by the fire.
A high-speed connection with snow in Matawinie’s regional parks
Just east of Montréal, Lanaudière welcomes winter enthusiasts with open arms. To sink into the most enchanting snowy landscapes, head to Matawinie, a region brimming with attractions and lodging that invite you to connect with the forest year-round. Here, no fewer than four regional parks open the doors to Québec’s great outdoors in its winter splendor.
Sept-Chutes regional park stands out for its snow-covered terrain and trails winding through striking reliefs. In winter, its seven frozen waterfalls transform into shimmering sculptures of ice, creating a magical setting. Snowshoers delight in dozens of kilometers of carefully maintained trails, where breathtaking viewpoints multiply, like those of Mont Brassard and Mont Barrière overlooking the valley of the Rivière Noire.
For diversity of trails and landscapes, Forêt Ouareau regional park is another favorite. This mountainous territory, dotted with wild lakes and traversed by the majestic Ouareau River, covers more than 150 km². It is a must for winter hiking: snowshoers and Nordic walkers enjoy over 120 km of trails, with loops for every level, from beginner to expert. Classic cross-country skiing, Nordic skiing, and ski-hok thrive here thanks to abundant snow. A brand-new sector, Grande-Ourse, now features three glade runs for backcountry skiing—a first in Lanaudière, made possible through the Québec Federation of Mountain and Climbing. Families and kids will also love the large tubing slope in the Massif sector, where laughter echoes across the snowy forest before retreating to one of the park’s cabins or micro-shelters for warmth.
A flurry of experiences near our favorite parks
Forêt Ouareau is also home to Marcheur des bois, a company offering immersive forest outings such as interpretive hikes and workshops on forest edibles. Their “Snowshoes & Spruce” adventure, a two-hour guided snowshoe trek punctuated with a delicious homemade meal in the woods, always leaves unforgettable memories.
Near Saint-Donat, the forest-hidden domes of Expérience Equinox take winter lodging to another level. Combining comfort, top-quality amenities, and private spas, they offer the chance to literally fall asleep under the stars. Perfect for couples or families, with space for up to six people.
South of Sept-Chutes, in Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie, Les Boisés de la rivière noire delights travelers in every season. Nestled deep in the forest, their wooden chalets and yurts blend rustic charm with modern comfort—ideal for those seeking a luxurious yet natural stay. Ready-to-camp options are also available for a more rustic twist.
Lanaudière also abounds in prestigious addresses where the hospitality of forest innkeepers meets the joys of winter multi-activities. From Auberge du Vieux Moulin in Sainte-Émélie-de-l’Énergie, to Auberge du Lac Taureau in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, to Auberge de la Montagne Coupée in Saint-Jean-de-Matha—perched high on its namesake mountain with panoramic views of snowy Lanaudière—these inns offer all-inclusive packages, gourmet dining, cozy chalets with fireplaces, and outdoor adventures from skiing and snowshoeing to snowmobiling and dog sledding.
For those wishing to dive deeper into the world of dog sledding, Aventures Liguoriennes offers unforgettable experiences. With their team of fifty Alaskan huskies, these passionate mushers guide visitors through forested trails on rides ranging from an hour to half a day, including original options like moonlit outings or packages paired with a Nordic spa session at La Source.
In Rawdon, Chalets Lanaudière welcomes couples, families, and groups of friends with a wide variety of accommodations—spacious chalets, cozy yurts, mini-cabins, and rustic shelters—set in a vast private domain of lakes and forests. Winter activities are endless: tubing, skating, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing, with equipment rentals available on-site. Pets are also welcome, making for an even warmer atmosphere.
Another Rawdon gem is BESIDE Habitat, where design, comfort, and wild landscapes merge across a vast preserved territory of forests, cliffs, and lakes. Each cabin—unique, sustainable, and inviting—hosts between three and nine guests, opening directly onto trails perfect for snowshoeing or skiing.
And for those visiting Lanaudière at the start of the season, the Joliette Christmas Market is a must. From late November until Christmas Eve, downtown Joliette transforms into a festive village of artisans, with around thirty exhibitors offering handcrafted gifts, gourmet delights, and a joyful holiday atmosphere.
In Mauricie, a winter wonderland named Maskinongé
For those seeking to step straight into a Québec winter postcard without straying far from urban centers, Maskinongé in Mauricie is simply unmissable. Between Lanaudière, Trois-Rivières, and Shawinigan, this vast territory of nearly 2,400 km² encompasses 17 municipalities and picturesque villages. Its snowy farmland, dense forests, and frozen rivers create a rustic, soothing charm—perfect for travelers in search of tranquility or outdoor adventure.
Snowmobile trails weave for hundreds of kilometers through varied landscapes. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers enjoy countless marked routes. Ice fishing on frozen lakes, like Lac Saint-Pierre, blends patience, conviviality, and warm shared meals in rustic shelters. The region also shines for its culinary and cultural heritage, with local farms, sugar shacks, and charming inns such as Auberge St-Mathieu, a Michelin Green-Star establishment where Québec hospitality is experienced at its finest.
The Art of Living Winter in the Heart of Mauricie
Some of Québec’s most renowned four-season resorts await in Mauricie. On the shores of majestic Lac Sacacomie, Hôtel Sacacomie embodies the art of winter living, blending elegance, authenticity, and immersion in nature. Spacious suites and confortable rooms, panoramic windows, and fine dining highlight local flavors, while a wide array of winter activities—cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, tubing, dog sledding, storytelling evenings, and survival workshops—ensure unforgettable stays.
In Saint-Paulin, Le Baluchon Eco-Resort combines serenity, comfort, and authenticity with a strong commitment to ecotourism. Accommodations include eco-lodges, luxury chalets, and immersive cabins. Activities range from snowshoeing and cross-country skiing to stargazing, nordic baths, and dog sledding. Dining focuses on organic, local, seasonal ingredients. It’s a place of true harmony with nature.
Other winter wonders in Mauricie
Mauricie’s wilderness is vast and generous. Parc national de la Mauricie transforms into a winter paradise of frozen lakes, snowy mountains, and dense Laurentian forest. Visitors can ski over 70 km of trails, snowshoe more than 50 km, or stay in rustic cabins, ready-to-camp tents, or even winter campsites. Guided hikes and interpretation activities shed light on local ecosystems and wildlife.
Further south, Parc de la rivière Batiscan offers another winter jewel. Snowshoeing, skiing, fatbiking, with trails winding through forests and meadows. Heated shelters and ready-to-camp cabins make family outings or group trips comfortable and fun, while evening storytelling events under the stars add magic.
For a different kind of thrill, Hydravion Aventure in Saint-Étienne-des-Grès takes visitors soaring over frozen lakes and forests in bush planes. Whether for scenic flights or air taxi service to remote lodges, the experience is nothing short of spectacular.
And for those who prefer views without leaving the ground, the Cité de l’énergie in Shawinigan offers a 115-meter Hydro-Québec observation tower, with a breathtaking 360° panorama of the city and its surroundings. Add to that its “Planet Energy” exhibit and immersive multimedia shows, and the experience is complete.
