Snowmobiling in Gaspésie: Passion Driving 3,000 km of Trails

Behind every snowmobile trail in Gaspésie are people dedicated to developing and maintaining the routes. As part of the web series Behind the Scenes in Gaspésie, Christine Bérubé-Martin met with Maria Fortin and Denis Henry, two passionate volunteers who contribute to snowmobiling in the region.

The Strength of Volunteer Commitment

For Maria Fortin, regional administrator at the Fédération des clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ), the community’s strength comes from the roughly 550 volunteers who contribute each year, both in the offices and out on the trails. She also emphasizes that this volunteer effort, along with snowmobiling itself, is valuable for local businesses, as it helps support the economy throughout the winter season.

Denis Henry, president of the Mont-Carleton Snowmobile Club, shares this vision of solidarity. For him, the continued maintenance of the trails is possible because the clubs communicate and help each other regularly. It is not uncommon for one club to assist another by providing equipment, such as signage, for example. Denis is retired, and he sees his volunteer involvement as a way to give back.

What makes snowmobiling in Gaspésie truly unique is this tightly knit community, the warm welcome, and the passionate people you meet along the trails.

Snowmobiling Adventures Between Sea and Mountains

Gaspésie stands out for its network of 3,000 km of well-marked and maintained trails that wind through the region’s unique landscapes. Every winter, more than 35,000 snowmobilers visit Gaspésie to explore its non-linear circuits and countless loops. Among them is the Grand Tour: one of the province’s legendary routes, usually completed in 5 to 7 days. Along the way, riders also discover several spectacular spots, including Mont Saint-Pierre, which offers one of the most breathtaking viewpoints in the region.

For the 2025–2026 snowmobiling season, the local trail connecting La Cache and Murdochville will reopen. This route offers excellent conditions throughout the season and several great route options. Its reopening is made possible thanks to the outstanding work of Steven Grenon and his team from the Étoile des Monts de Murdochville Club.

The trail’s return will allow riders to fully enjoy the area and the vastness of the Gaspésie territory.

Watch the episode 3,000 km of Tightly Woven Trails to learn more about Maria Fortin, Denis Henry, and the passionate world of snowmobiling in Gaspésie.

To discover the people who help the region shine in winter, the web series Behind the Scenes in Gaspésie features several inspiring profiles available on our YouTube channel.

Please note that these texts have been translated by AI.