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Quebec winter activities : what to do in Rimouski
Rimouski welcomes many tourists each summer, but that doesn’t mean that all goes quiet when winter comes! In fact, there are many wonderful activities that are only available when the region is blanketed with snow.
From snowmobiling and skiing to snowshoeing and ice fishing, Rimouski boasts a wide range of winter activities in a unique, stunning atmosphere.
In this article, Vieux Loup de Mer invites you to explore 10 great winter activities Rimouski has to offer.
SNOWSHOEING
Snowshoeing is another typical winter activity in Rimouski. The region offers many trails for snowshoers to explore, including some in national parks such as Parc du Bic—or you can go off-trail if you’re feeling adventurous.
Snowshoeing is a great way to admire the stunning landscapes and rich wildlife of the region. You can explore Rimouski on snowshoes with or without a guide, at your own pace and according to your own preferences. Just remember to dress warmly and plan your route before setting out!
SKIING
If you’re wondering what to do in Rimouski and love winter sports, why not go skiing? Whether you prefer downhill or cross-country skiing, you’ll be able to find excellent ski hills and trails in the region.
Rimouski’s ski resorts include Club de ski du Mont Biencourt, Parc du Mont-Comi, Parc du Mont Saint-Mathieu and Club de ski de fond de Luceville. Whether or not you have your own equipment, you can visit the region’s resorts to try out skiing or perfect your skills!
DOG SLEDDING
If you want a truly memorable experience, dog sledding is a great winter activity to try. Fly along snowy trails on a sled pulled by a team of huskies, immersing yourself in nature and the history of the region by participating in a tradition that goes back thousands of years.
There are many professionals that offer dog sledding tours in Rimouski, and almost 100 km of trails in the region are completely dedicated to the practice. Don’t miss out on this delightful winter activity!
WILDLIFE WATCHING
If you’re not sure what to do in Rimouski in winter, why not go wildlife watching? There are many wonderful species of animals to discover in the region during winter.
Natural sites such as Hell’s Gate Canyon-Terfa are great places to spot wildlife such as lynx, owls, deer and red foxes. When it comes to marine life, you can look for harbour seals, which are the emblem of the region, and the end of winter is the best time to go whale watching on the St. Lawrence River.
So take your time, keep your eyes open and let your curiosity lead you to the wonders Rimouski has to offer!
SKATING
Skating is a very popular winter activity in Quebec and elsewhere. Rimouski offers urban skating rinks and skating paths in some parks for visitors and residents to enjoy.
Parc Beauséjour in Rimouski has beautiful skating paths available during the winter. If you don’t have skates, there’s no need to worry—equipment rentals at the park are free for everyone throughout the 2021-2022 season!
Just one of many great reasons to take your partner or family skating in Rimouski this winter!
ICE FISHING
Ice fishing is another traditional winter activity on offer in Rimouski. There are several different organizations in the region that can take you out on a lake or bay and initiate you to the unusual practice.
It takes patience and luck to catch fish under the ice, so take the opportunity to relax and recharge your batteries while enjoying the beauty of the landscape. Ice fishing is an activity that little ones particularly enjoy, so take note, parents!
ICE CLIMBING
Daredevils and adrenaline junkies wondering what to do in Rimouski this winter, look no further! Ice climbing is the ultimate activity for those who love the thrill of taking risks.
There are frozen waterfalls that provide the perfect façade for ice climbing in Rivière-du-Loup. Introductory courses are available for those who want to learn more about ice climbing before hitting the falls.
Once you’re out on the ice, put your trust in your equipment—and don’t look down!
Some of the frozen waterfalls at Chutes de Rivière-du-Loup can be climbed!
RIMOUSKI’S CHRISTMAS MARKET
After days of being active and enjoying nature, why not take a moment to relax and check out Rimouski’s Christmas market? Christmas markets are the highlight of the season in many cities and towns across Quebec.
Several markets take place in Rimouski as the holidays approach. Visit the intercultural market or public market in Rimouski to get into the spirit of the holidays.
Christmas markets generally take place around the end of November or during the first half of December. It is too late to visit them this year, but that just means you’ll have to come back next year!
Next year, consider coming to Rimouski as the holidays approach to enjoy the magic of Christmas.
WALKING ON THE FROZEN BAIE DU BIC
Walking on the frozen Baie du Bic is a little-known and often-forgotten winter activity in the region. When the temperature drops, the bay freezes solid enough to walk on. Many of the region’s inhabitants walk on the bay for the extraordinary vistas of ice and the feeling of freedom they inspire.
Note that it’s best to consult a local professional to find out when it’s safe to walk on the bay. It’s important to make sure the ice is thick enough to avoid accidents.
SNOWMOBILING
There are many things to do in Rimouski during the summer, but winter offers a whole new world of activities to discover!
Snowmobiling is a quintessential winter activity in Rimouski. The Bas-Saint-Laurent region offers a number of snowmobile trails to explore, including the Route des Monts Notre-Dame and the Route des Navigateurs circuits. Snowmobiling gives you the opportunity to escape from city life and enjoy the richness of nature, with an added dose of adrenaline for good measure.
Check out the Bas-Saint-Laurent website for more information about the snowmobile trails available during the winter.
STAY AT VIEUX LOUP DE MER OVER THE WINTER
Contrary to what some may believe, visiting Rimouski in winter is just as enjoyable as it is in the summer. A variety of amusing activities become available once snow blankets the region. What to do in Rimouski in winter isn’t the issue—the true challenge is trying to squeeze all of the fun activities into your trip!
If you decide to visit the region over the winter, why not stay in one of our chalets in Rimouski? We have a wide selection of cozy accommodations to choose from. Contact us today! Our team will be happy to welcome you and let you in on the secrets of the region.