If there’s one cause that’s close to all our hearts, it’s certainly cancer. Who doesn’t know someone who has battled, is battling, or will eventually battle this disease? Yes, research has made progress, but we must continue to make strides, and a great way to support this cause is to donate to the Breast Cancer Foundation.
When I heard about plans to organize a women’s hike to benefit breast cancer research, I knew I had to be there. This wasn’t my first event of this kind; I’ve participated in past fundraisers and hikes for the Kelly Shires Foundation, and the cause is particularly close to my heart.
FEBRUARY 28, 2026 – THE BIG DAY HAS ARRIVED
I left Beauceville around 6:15 a.m. since I had about a 1.5-hour drive ahead of me before arriving at the garage of the Sapin d’Or Snowmobile Club on Quebec City’s north shore. I wanted to get there early so I could take the time to chat with the participants, volunteers, and companions. To my surprise, there were already quite a few people there and several snowmobiles ready to hit the trails.
AN EMOTIONAL RETURN TO MY ROOTS
A native of Quebec City, I left in 2006 to join my partner in Beauce. So it had been 20 years since my last outing without him on the North Shore. It was truly special to find myself back in my corner of the country, just like 20 years ago, where I used to go on solo rides, and to see childhood friends, volunteers, and people I hadn’t seen in several years.
It was also really nice to ride the trail again with people I occasionally run into at certain events, but with whom I hadn’t had the chance to ride since I left Quebec City.
WHERE PARTICIPANTS CAME FROM
The success of an event depends not only on the preparations but also on people’s participation. For the first edition, the majority of participants were residents of the Côte-de-Beaupré region (Boischâtel, l’Ange-Gardien, Château-Richer, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, Saint-Joachim, Saint-Ferréol-des-Neiges, Saint-Tite-des-Caps. Others came from Baie-St-Paul, Les Éboulements, Quebec City, Ste-Brigitte-de-Laval, Ste-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, and I myself from La Beauce.
GIFTS FOR ALL PARTICIPANTS
All the women received a sample of herbal tea courtesy of Cafés de Julie, a 30% discount offered by the Retour aux Sources boutique, and Pro Performance gave everyone a beautiful beanie. In addition to the gifts, a door prize drawing was held.
START OF THE RIDE
There were 44 participants divided into 3 groups. The departures were scheduled as follows: 8:45 a.m., 9:00 a.m., and 9:15 a.m. Depending on the group, subgroups were generally formed consisting of a guide, five participants, and a support person. The entire group was secured at the finish line by volunteer FCMQ safety officers from the Sapin d’Or snowmobile club. Event organizers collaborated with the Sûreté du Québec to ensure compliance with protocols and to ensure the smooth running of the hike.
PLANNED ROUTE AND WEATHER FOR THE DAY
Departure from the Sapin d’Or Snowmobile Club garage to join Trail 320 and take Route 3 toward Baie-St-Paul. The return trip followed the same trails, resulting in a total distance traveled of 225 kilometers.
The temperature was warm, but there was no rain at the time of departure. However, after a few kilometers, it began to snow and the snowfall intensified, significantly reducing visibility. We drove a considerable distance in near-storm conditions, but traveling in a group makes this type of journey much safer.
MEAL AND GAS LOGISTICS
We were welcomed at the Michelieu rest stop (St-Placide near Baie-St-Paul) for lunch, where the service was impeccable. Wearing the ribbon indicating that we had paid our registration fee streamlined the service, which was included in the registration cost. The meal choice had been confirmed at the time of registration.
Three groups of this size that need to refuel and have a meal require good logistics, as it is difficult to do everything together. It was therefore planned to alternate between lunch and refueling. For example, for the first group, we stopped for lunch while the second group continued the hike to the gas station in Baie-St-Paul and returned for lunch.
There was a great energy in the group. Everyone was chatting together as if they’d known each other for years. It was also a wonderful opportunity to meet people and form friendships.
TRAIL CONDITIONS ON THE RETURN TRIP
I had planned to wear my pink Polaris jacket, which was appropriate for the event. But, given the weather forecast, I opted for my Polaris outfit with a waterproof Gore-Tex membrane. It was an excellent choice since it kept me dry despite the heavy rain we encountered on the way back.
In the morning at the start, conditions were excellent. But with the crowds, the mild temperature, and the mix of rain and snow, it’s clear that trail conditions deteriorated rapidly on the return trip. However, the trails were still passable.
FOR A GOOD CAUSE
Getting involved in an event to benefit a cause can also add the responsibility of a goal to achieve. Pro Performance and the Sapin d’Or Snowmobile Club had set the goal at $3,150. Registration for the event cost $100 per participant. This included gifts and lunch. With the funds raised plus donations, a generous total of $10,047 was presented to the Foundation.
I have been organizing various activities myself for about twenty years. I can say that for a first edition, this ride was a huge success! There are so many logistical details to plan and other things to anticipate. People are rarely aware of all the effort required to make an event a success. I can confirm that this one was a success across the board.
CONCLUSION
For the next edition, if each participant brings a friend who snowmobiles, we’ll be able to double participation next year. For my part, I fully intend to take on this challenge.
I can confirm that discussions are already underway for the second edition, which will take place the weekend of February 20, 2027. I invite you to stay tuned, as information will be released early in the 2026–2027 season.
