5 Perfect Places to Try Fatbiking near Québec City

Photo de Marylin Préfontaine
Marilyn Préfontaine
Published on October 16, 2023
Fat biking at Empire 47
Empire 47, Andy Vathis

Content partner: Tourisme Jacques-Cartier

Fatbiking has become highly popular among mountain bikers and other outdoorsy types. And no wonder: it’s as easy as riding a bike! Located just 20 minutes from Québec City, La Jacques-Cartier has five different places to stay that are located right next to the trails and have fatbikes for rent. With so many fatbike-in, fatbike-out accommodations, it's the perfect place to give it a whirl.

Here are our suggestions for an easy introduction to the winter sport everyone’s talking about.

Empire 47 and Manoir du Lac-Delage

Empire 47 has been developing its trail network for more than 10 years, making it one of Québec’s fatbiking pioneers. It even has a reputation as the world’s most popular fatbiking destination! With 50 kilometres (31 miles) of perfectly groomed trails designed for beginner and intermediate riders alike, this fatbiking mecca has everything you need to get a taste of the action. Bump up the fun by going on a totally magical nighttime ride. Apart from the fatbiking trails, there are also 15 kilometres (9 miles) of snowshoeing trails for anyone who wants to take it easy.

Manoir Lac-Delage
Audrey Dionne Photographie la vie

Round out this exceptional experience with a stay right by the trailheads at Manoir du Lac-Delage. After a day spent playing outside, the hotel spa is hard to beat!

Sentiers du Moulin and Montagne Le Maelstrom

With 38 kilometres (23.6 miles) of fatbiking trails, Sentiers du Moulin is an excellent option for experienced fatbikers or people looking for steeper trails. We also love the cross-country skiing trails, backcountry ski trails, and snowshoeing trails.  

Windowed view of the mountain from the Maelstrom
Maelstrom

At night, we make the most of the gorgeous view by staying at one of the exceptional fatbike-in, fatbike-out cabins at Montagne Le Maelstrom

Centre Castor and Village Yourtes Valcartier

Over in Valcartier, Centre Castor has 10 km of trails built for fatbiking. The nature resort also has trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, as well as a hill for snow tubing. Tucked away in the forest at the base of the trails, the Castor’s lovely luxury yurts make for a comfortable and memorable stay. A great option for family getaways!

An Overnight Stay at Jacques-Cartier National Park

Jacques-Cartier National Park is one of Québec City’s premier outdoor destinations. The park has over 10 km (6.2 miles) of fatbiking trails in spectacular surroundings, along with tons of other options for winter fun: snowshoeing, Nordic touring, backcountry skiing, snow scootering, and more. To make the most of our time in the park and fully reconnect with nature, we like to stay in one of the cabins or yurts or even do a little winter camping.

The Cabin at Centre récréotouristique des Hautes Terres

With 9 kilometres (5.6 miles) of trails for all levels, Centre récréotouristique des Hautes Terres can be a good option for beginners. Just be sure to leave time for snowshoeing and snow tubing. For an overnight stay, there’s Le Belvédère, a cabin that sleeps up to 12 people. It has all the makings of a great weekend with family or friends.

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Photo de Marylin Préfontaine
Marilyn Préfontaine

Marilyn is a proud Québec City local and a contributor for numerous magazines, blogs, and newspapers. She has also published a novel, plays, and board games, and always has something on the go! Marilyn is a hardcore foodie and serial traveller with a passion for discovering new places and telling the world about them. 

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