Best Cross-Country Skiing in Québec City
The Québec City area has the longest season in Eastern Canada and the highest concentration of trails for classic cross‑country skiing and skate skiing in the province. Get ready for some of the best ski days of your life thanks to the superb conditions, inspiring scenery, and excellent trails! Wondering where is the best place to go cross-country skiing in Québec City? Here are our favourite spots.
Mont-Sainte-Anne
A. Cooper
Québec’s national training centre for cross‑country skiing just happens to be one of the most extensive trail network in North America, with over 200 km of trails and numerous heated huts along the way. As you might expect, the grooming is impeccable. Should you need any gear, a ski boutique is conveniently located onsite.
Camp Mercier
Axelle St-Clair, With Axie
Looking for unbeatable conditions that often last into mid‑April? Camp Mercier is a cross‑country skier’s dream, with trails that go winding through a majestic evergreen forest. Bonus: Admission and equipment rentals are free for children and youth age 17 and under.
Sentiers du Moulin
- Nick Dignard
Dreaming of cross‑country skiing through a snowy evergreen forest with tight trails and a nice succession of uphills and downhills? Head to Sentiers du Moulin! This heavenly place, especially for classic cross-country skiing, is only 20 minutes from Québec’s city centre. Bring your equipment or rent on site and spend a day exploring more than 45 km of magnificent trails and 6 huts in an absolutely magical setting.
Station touristique Duchesnay
Sépaq - Station touristique Duchesnay
If you want to combine skiing with quality family time, Duchesnay Resort has a wide range of winter activities on site, with free admission and equipment for those age 17 and under. The network of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing extends for over 60 km and has 4 heated huts for a mid‑ski break.
Centre Castor
Centre Castor
You’ll find this skiable terrain in an unusual location: the grounds of centre Castor located on Valcartier military base. It’s got plenty of trails for classic and skate skiing and the grooming is impeccable. Get your skis ready in the waxing room, then head out to explore the site. There’s something for everyone: flat trails, uphills, downhills, and turns, all in a gorgeous setting.
Forêt Montmorency
Ski de fond Forêt Montmorency
Forêt Montmorency is the go-to spot for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Thanks to its geographical location, it enjoys optimal snow conditions, allowing skiing from mid-November. The centre remains open until early January, when most other centres near Québec City are also in operation. Keep your eyes open—you might spot elite athletes or teams in training!
Cross-Country Skiing in the Heart of the City
- Pierre-Nic Lessard
Don’t miss the opportunity to see this big urban park all covered in snow. There aren’t too many cities where you can slip on your skis almost as soon as you leave your hotel.
The Plains of Abraham has hosted multiple FIS World Cup events and is absolutely free, giving you the chance to go cross‑country skiing in the heart of the city, steps away from a number of hotels. If you’re a beginner, start by the skating rink (in front of the fine art museum) so you can get your bearings on flat terrain. You can even rent your equipment onsite. A unique urban experience!
When Does the Cross-Country Skiing Season Start and End?
Most centres open in late November or in December. The season usually comes to a close at the end of March, but you can—and should—enjoy some lovely spring skiing right up until mid‑April at Camp Mercier and Mont-Sainte-Anne.
What to Wear and Equipment Required
You don’t need much equipment to go cross‑country skiing: skis, boots, and poles. Most ski areas rent equipment. Adults and children alike can have fun on cross‑country skis. It’s quite physically demanding and you will need a bit of practice and good technique to get the most out of the sport. If you’re a beginner, we recommend taking a class or two for guidance as you master the basics.
Pro tip: dress in layers! You’ll warm up as you get going and you need to be able to take a layer off if you start to sweat. Ideally, you want to be a little cold before you start so that you stay nice and comfortable once you warm up.
