Localization
Chaudière-Appalaches is a region along the St. Lawrence River on one side and the american frontier on the other side. It is rich with historic and patrimonial treasures among the oldest in the country. As its name says, Chaudière-Appalaches is crossed by the Chaudière River that runs through Beauce and then, flows into the St. Lawrence River in Lévis.
Near its southern limits, on the border with Maine, the Appalaches summits stretch in Thetford, Lotbinière, Les Etchemins, Bellechasse and Côte-du-Sud sectors. The maple groves, the St. Lawrence plains, the valleys and the Appalaches mountains allow us, snowmobilers, to ride on these summits and to enjoy breathtaking views over the territory and villages.
The region in winter
Exceptional amount of snow falls here during winter over the 2 700 km of federated trails. They are groomed and marked by 24 snowmobile clubs. Signs are excellent and we can choose loop routes or even daisy-like routes so that snowmobilers who ride on these trails never ride twice at the same place
History
During my snowmobile adventure in this region, I talked with the locals. I was surprised to learn that in the 50’s until 2002, a total of 15 manufacturers were producing snowmobiles in this area. Here are some brands : the famous Sno Jet, Auto-neige Ookpik, Moto-Loo, Eskimo. I am sure that these names will bring memories to the oldest snowmobilers.
Services
As we enter the city of Montmagny, the snowmobile trail runs all along the main street and allows us to have access to all amenities, restaurants, gas stations, lodging.
Leaving to discover this beautiful region
After a good night sleep at the Hotel L’Oiselière in Montmagny, the great departure day is finally here following a few weeks of planning this trip. Excuse me, I was about to forget my riding companion and photographer, Mr Jacques Turgeon, another member of SledMagazine.com.
On this morning of January 2015, I had tingling in my fingers after a few minutes waiting for departure under sunny sky at -30 °C. Our destination is the village of Lac-Etchemin.
Trail
We crossed the city to reach provincial trail #5, on which we rode in large fields, then in forest and mountains. From this trail, we can get to Lévis or Rivière-du-Loup; it is a major trail in this region.
Trail #5
Then, we head for Saint-Jean-Port-Joli on a wonderful hardened trail, without any curve, only a long stretch with lots of signs. It is easy to follow our route. After a while, we decide to stop for a halt at the relay of Club Sportif Les Appalaches where we meet Mr Alphonse Caron, its president.
Club house
He talks about his club and says that this relay is shared between snowmobilers and crosscountry skiers. “ We have 200 snowmobile members and 300 crosscountry members; without this agreement, we could operate the relay with meals and beverages from Tuesday through Sunday. ”
After a short halt in such good company, we must keep on riding towards the village of Tourville for lunch.
Maple groves
All along our route to our final destination, we rode among maples and I assure you that they are right to say that this region is the Maple Country. Today, I understand why. We rode in the undergrowth surrounded by large maples and tubing that connects maple sap. It was like being in a labyrinth. What a great feeling.
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Maple groves
Village of Tourville
We stopped at the relay of the sport centre in Tourville for lunch. The log construction is really nice and it is located right by the snowmobile trail. Visitors here are 10 % quadists and 90 % snowmobilers. It represents excellent economic benefits for the relay and the village.We stopped at the relay of the sport centre in Tourville for lunch. The log construction is really nice and it is located right by the snowmobile trail. Visitors here are 10 % quadists and 90 % snowmobilers. It represents excellent economic benefits for the relay and the village.
Centre Sportif Le Jasmin
To our finale destination
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Signage
There we go again, towards Lac-Etchemin. Only a few kilometers left and trails are magnificent, snow is abundant and signs are everywhere. We took many pictures of the mountains with vegetation of many different types. As they say, the view is worth it. Once arrived at the hotel, we reach our rooms for a short rest.There we go again, towards Lac-Etchemin. Only a few kilometers left and trails are magnificent, snow is abundant and signs are everywhere. We took many pictures of the mountains with vegetation of many different types. As they say, the view is worth it. Once arrived at the hotel, we reach our rooms for a short rest.
Hotel reception
Meeting a cousin from Europe
In the dining room, we met a French man who was on his snowmobile vacations, Mr Jean-Michel Imbert from Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, and I asked him why he came in the Province of Québec. His answer was : “ For the wide open spaces and backcountry, the outfitters. ”
“ Why did you choose the region of Chaudière-Appalaches? ”
Landscape and forest
“ For the landscape and forest that are so diversified depending on the area where we are riding. Also, lots of circuits are available according to our endurance. ” Mr Imbert says that he comes on snowmobile vacations in the Province of Quebec since 20 years and that his guide from SM Sport in Québec City is Mr Ghislain Piché. He takes good care of these visitors all week long to make their trip memorable.
The Appalaches mountains are worth discovering even in cold temperatures. To conclude, I invite you to come back on this web magazine for the continuation of my trip in the Maple Country.
