Sleeping in the woods winter!
Snowshoes hiking in a powdery snow trail, mountain climbing and shelters for the night, everything’s waiting for you! And how about a maple treat to top the day off?
This itinerary offers you an outstanding adventure in wild nature. Hike the trails in snowshoes and live a unique experience in staying in one of the shelters of the Parc des Appalaches. With over 70 km of trails, the Parc is a very adequate spot for the beginners who want to get the most of the white season. The most experienced, hikers will face quite a challenge as some of the trails will put their endurance to the test! And don’t forget that dogs are more than welcome everywhere in the Parc des Appalaches!
Day 1
Your first stop will be at the Parc ’s front desk in Sainte-Lucie-de-Beauregard. Our team will give you the information, the indications, without forgetting the shelter’s key, that you’ll need to get the most of your stay. During the winter, 11 shelters are available for the hikers, while 7 of them are located in the Sainte-Lucie’s area.
Some shelters have a parking that is still available, even in winter.
Refuges des Érables
Capacity: 2 people (can be extended up to 4)
Accessibility: Parking at 300m, near the Route des Chutes
Refuge de la Chute à Dupuis
Capacity: 6 people
Accessibility: Parking at 50m, near the Route des Chutes
Refuge des Draveurs
Capacity: 8 people
Accessibility: Parking at 50m, near the Route des Chutes
Refuge du Moulin
Capacity: 4 people (can be extended up to 6)
Accessibility: Parking at 50m, near the Route des Chutes.
Some shelters are located farther from the road and are accessible by a snowshoes trail, which is a quite interesting challenge for nature fans.
Refuge des Pins
Capacity: 8 people
Accessibility: The shelter is at the end of a 7km snowshoes trail. The hike should take about 4 to 5 hours from your departure at the nearest parking, in the Chute à Dupuis’s area.
Refuge de la Cascade Noire
Capacity: 4 people
Accessibility: The shelter is at the end of a 8km snowshoes trail from the nearest parking, in the Chute à Dupuis’s area.
Refuge le Martin-Pêcheur
Capacité: 4 people
Accessibility: A 10 km hike is necessary to get to the shelter. The hike should take about 6 to 7 hours from your departure at the nearest parking, in the Chute à Dupuis’s area.
DAY 2
On the next morning, you’ll put on your snowshoes to climb up the Sugarloaf Mountain! Your efforts will pay off when you’ll see the breathtaking view at the summit. At an altitude of 650 m, you’ll be able to see the Appalachian Mountains and the surroundings hills on 360 degrees!
On your way home, let’s make a short stop at the Boulangerie Boutin in Saint-Fabien-de-Panet. Take some time to buy fresh bread and a few pastries.
After the mid-February, you’ll be able to take a seat at the gourmet table of the Bistreau d’érable , in Saint-Lucie-de-Beauregard. They are serving a traditional Sugar shack meal, with a little contemporary touch, using as many local products as they can. Make sure to save some place for the fresh maple taffy on snow!
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