THINGS TO DO AT MONT STE-MARIE

Downhill Skiing

Mont Ste-Marie is a beautiful skiing destination, boasting the highest elevation between the Rockies and the Laurentians. The hill caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels offering challenging black diamond runs, tree-lined trails, and gentle slopes for beginners.

Vanier and Cheval Blanc are the two peaks at Mont-Ste Marie. Vanier peak has the region’s best intermediate tree-lined trails and, for the more adventuresome, the Liberation snowpark. Cheval Blanc peak offers over 1,200 vertical feet of top-notch fall-line skiing and riding. The “Betsy” run, found on Cheval Blanc, was voted “Best Steeps” in Quebec and Outaouais, and best cruiser in a recent Ski Canada reader’s poll. The resort also has the region’s first ski/snowboard cross-fun centre, which is a fun and safe way to experience the thrill of ski-cross, complete with rollers and banked turns.

Back Country Skiing

Check out Cheval West Side, designed for backcountry enthusiasts. You can drop in off the top of Cheval Blanc peak or trek up from the main lodge along the touring routes.

Cross-country Skiing

Mont Ste-Marie features 5 km of cross-country ski trails around the nearby golf course, which is transformed each year into a winter wonderland. The trails are groomed by the volunteer-run Éxpédition Lac Ste-Marie.

Mountain/Fat Biking

The Mont Ste-Marie region is a mountain biking mecca offering thrilling and diverse trails that attract riders of all skill levels. The extensive trail networks, consisting of 52 trails spanning over 45 km, winds through forests, over rugged terrain, up the region’s highest elevation, and showcases stunning vistas. The Velo MSM club maintains all the trails through volunteer-led management, providing an unforgettable riding experience. Fat biking can also be enjoyed on the trails.

Road/Gravel Biking

Mont Ste-Marie is surrounded by many paved and gravel roads on which you can spike your heart rate while cycling through the hilly, lake-spotted Canadian shield.

The nearby Véloroute des Draveurs is a 72 km cycle path with a maximum 4% grade. The path is built on an old railway line that is part of the Great Trans-Canada Trail, the world’s longest network of multi-purpose recreational trails.  This route spans from Low to Messines and traverses through gently sloped paved and gravel dust sections. Along the path, you pedal through a beautiful variety of ecosystems, passing marshes, lakes, rivers and forests. The trail is equipped with parking lots and regularly maintained washrooms.

Lac Fournier

Lac Fournier sits at the foot of the Cheval Blanc peak of Mont Ste-Marie. The large, sandy beach offers a perfect opportunity to swim, kayak, play volleyball, or unwind. Here, time seems to slow, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the joys of summer.

Fishing

Lac Ste-Marie offers anglers the chance to catch trout, walleye, bass, and pike. Make sure to get a valid fishing licence before heading out on the shimmering lake to while away a day enjoying the simple pleasures of life. You can clean the fish at the municipal facilities near the boat launch.

Boating

The village of Lac Ste-Marie has a public boat launch in the center of the village. Explore the beautiful Gatineau River as it flows past untouched forests and farmland all the way from Low to Gracefield. A boat wash is provided to prevent the spread of invasive species and to keep the lake pristine.

Lac Ste-Marie Village

The jewel of the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau, nestled among majestic mountains, is the scenic municipality of Lac Sainte-Marie. It has become a favourite destination for vacationers and outdoor enthusiasts. The village has so much to offer – a lovely boardwalk along the lake, a public boat launch, a well-stocked dépanneur and hardware store, a charming gift and antique shop, a restaurant, a library, a community centre, a baseball field and hockey rink, and a church.

Hiking/Snowshoeing

The Mont Ste-Marie region offers a captivating landscape perfect for hiking. With its abundant natural beauty and varied terrain, this area provides a wide range of hiking and snowshoeing opportunities for adventurers of all levels. The extensive trail network is perfect for hiking and snowshoeing. Whether it is a peaceful solo outing or a memorable outing with friends and family, the Mont Ste-Marie region is a haven for hikers to connect with nature.

Tennis

Tennis Lac Ste-Marie has four well-maintained tennis and pickleball courts located next to the forest trails. Come play and meet other active locals. Adult and youth camps are offered during the summer.

Golfing

Golf Lac Ste-Marie is a picturesque 18-hole course located at the foothills of Mont Ste-Marie. With well-manicured fairways and greens, beautiful views and an assortment of terrain, Golf Lac Ste-Marie is one of the best golf courses in the region.

Horseback Riding

Ranch Labelle Vallée is a family-run ranch close to Mont Ste-Marie that offers day camps, riding lessons, and boarding and training.

Snowmobiling

Mont Ste-Marie offers hundreds of kilometers of maintained and marked snowmobile trails. Discover the joys of snowmobiling and escape into a winter wonderland on a trip of a few hours or a few days. The nearby Véloroute des Draveurs is a marked 72 km trail that runs from Low to Messines and meanders through a beautiful variety of ecosystems.