Many snowmobilers think that they need a whole week of vacation to go snowmobiling in Gaspésie. Well, nothing could be more wrong!!!
Three days are enough to discover the numerous wonders of Gaspésie on snowmobile. You ride on different trails between valleys and mountains, getting a glimpse at the sea some time, seeing deer or moose another time. Each time I visit the Gaspésie, I realize how lucky we are to be able to discover such magnificent sites and landscapes that can be reached only by snowmobile.
The Little Tour in Gaspésie preferably begins in Rimouski area. Many quality lodging establishments are available close to snowmobile trails. From the log inn to the 4-star hotel, the choice is yours. I suggest that you take a good look at the snowmobile trail map of Bas-Saint-Laurent region before booking.
The City of Rimouski offers many hotels and is a great point of departure for a tour in Gaspésie
What I liked about this circuit is that you can change it in accordance with the kilometers you and your trip companions wish to ride per day. Also, you can ride the Little Tour one way or the other depending if you want a longer ride at the beginning or at the end of your tour.
For me and my riding companion, the adventure began on a Friday morning around 8h00 in Rimouski. As our first night stay was in Matane and that great riding conditions were predicted, we decided to extend our route a little by leaving the Trans-Québec trail #5 to ride on trail #579, then #587 towards Albertville in the Matapédia Valley. Then, we took many local trails up to the Riôtel Matane.
The Riôtel Matane is a 4-star hotel that offers an incredible view on the St Lawrence River
The Riôtel Matane is really appreciated by snowmobilers since many years. You can reach it directly on your snowmobile and its location makes you feel right away on vacation! The hotel offers 72 renovated rooms plus the pavilion and many of these offer view on the sea. The bar with fireplace and the dining room also face the sea. The spa open all year is unique and will help you relax after a long ride. I recommend the snowmobile package that includes dinner and breakfast. The hotel offers a very diversified menu at the Grand Bleu restaurant and bistro dishes at the bar. As the hotel continuously wishes to offer more, additional services will be announced soon.
Trail #595 rides along the Chic-Chocs and offer absolutely breathtaking panoramas to snowmobilers
The day after, we leave the Riôtel Matane, with some regret, to reach trail #5 and then, #595 towards New Richmond. I personally think that the section between Saint-Paulin and La Cache is one of the most wonderful snowmobile trails in the Province of Québec. On clear day, you will take superb photos of Mount Nicol-Albert and of moose catching his breath on trail to avoid deep snow. Once in New Richmond, we go back on trail #5 to Carleton-sur-Mer..
Hostellerie Baie Bleue lets you enjoy the view on Baie-des-Chaleurs and the comfort of its rooms
Located in Carleton-sur-Mer, the Hostellerie Baie Bleue resort offers 90 rooms totally renovated with view on the sea. Easy to access by snowmobile, with a gas station nearby, this place is chosen by snowmobilers since many years. Safety is ensured by a night-guard and security camera. Located on shore of Baie-des-Chaleurs, the resort also manages the Gaspé Peninsula Conference Centre and the 18-hole Carleton-sur-Mer Golf Club. Two excellent restaurants, La Seigneurie and Le Pub St-Joseph, offer great meals. Le Pub, with its sport atmosphere and delicious cuisine, is the perfect place to end your snowmobile day. And the first drink is free.
On Trans-Québec trail #5, you will discover wonderful points of view on this large region
As all good things must come to an end, it is now time to go back to Rimouski on our last day of the Little Tour. We went back via trail #5 in the Matapédia Valley. Once again, trails were perfect, sometimes in forest and sometimes on fields with outstanding points of view on the Baie-des-Chaleurs and the Province of New Brunswick.
Game is abundant in Gaspésie. You will probably come on the way of many deers and moose on trails during your tour.
To conclude, I strongly recommend this circuit. When planning your next season, think about organizing your first trip of the season with the Little Tour. In Gaspésie, snow and wonderful decors are abundant.
To book your stay : www.riotel.com and www.baiebleue.com
