The Outaouais is a snowmobiling paradise, with a different atmosphere in each of its tourism areas: the city of Gatineau, the Collines-de-l’Outaouais, Petite Nation (Papineau RCM), the Pontiac and the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau. The latter lies in the northern part of the region, following the Gatineau River toward the vast (frozen) waters of the Baskatong. When winter arrives, the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau transforms, offering seasoned snowmobilers hundreds of kilometres of trails winding through boreal forests, frozen lakes and rolling hills. The Les Ours Blancs snowmobile club maintains the extensive network of federation trails running from south to north through the Outaouais and intersecting the Trans-Québec TQ13 and TQ63 trails. The FCMQ’s interactive snowmobile trail map is the best tool to guide you on your ride.
Day 1: from Lake Cayamant to Maniwaki
Our itinerary begins at Lake Cayamant. Before setting off, a stop at the foot of Mont Cayamant is a must. After a short walk, we climb the observation tower’s steps to admire a 360-degree panorama of frozen expanses and snow-covered treetops. Once back down, we will be sure to stop for a meal at Resto Rustik 55, an essential stop for a generous poutine or a comforting burger.
It is time to start the snowmobiles and discover a lesser-known part of this region. Rolling terrain, views of the wilderness and trails wide enough to maintain a good cruising speed—remember, the maximum permitted speed is 70 km/h. We head for Maniwaki for dinner at a well-known restaurant.
As we take the local trail toward Gracefield, it winds through dense forest, passing along the shores of Blue Sea Lake. The terrain lends itself to a smooth, flowing ride. At the junction with Trans-Québec 13 (TQ13), the scenery changes. The trail widens and follows the contours of the Gatineau River, offering a memorable view of the frozen waterway.
After two to three hours of invigorating riding, we reach the Maniwaki area and pull right up to Resto Pub Le Rabaska. This restaurant offers a varied menu with local flavour and a lively evening atmosphere. It sits beside the Auberge du Draveur, a favourite hotel among snowmobilers, with an indoor pool and sauna, where we have decided to spend the night.
Before that, we spend the afternoon riding a short loop, continuing northeast along the TQ13. For a while, we follow the Gatineau River toward Aumond, and it is magical.
To return, we turn west and join the TQ63 toward Montcerf-Lytton. The landscape is hilly, with stretches of woodland. We head back to Maniwaki to enjoy the Auberge du Draveur’s outdoor hot tub and a lively evening at the Resto Pub.
Day 2: Through the Boreal Forest to the Baskatong Reservoir
Early the next morning, our Ski-Doos head north again on Trans-Québec 13. We soon leave the settled areas behind and enter the boreal forest. It feels like another world. Frost-covered conifers form a picturesque white canopy. The club’s groomer has passed through recently, leaving the trail surface in ideal condition.
We arrive at Grand-Remous and leave the TQ13 for trail 322, which leads to the legendary Baskatong Reservoir, circles it and crosses it.
The municipality of Grand-Remous is vast. Its area of 506.3 km² is greater than that of Montréal or the Capitale-Nationale, yet it has fewer than 1,500 residents.
Our destination is Domaine Pine Grove, which offers eight cottages and lies about fifty kilometres from the entrance to Grand-Remous. There are two ways to get there. The first is to follow the federation’s “land” trail to Philomène Bay, where the property is located.
We choose the second option, a more adventurous route reserved for experienced snowmobilers or those accompanied by a guide. We cut directly across the frozen reservoir to reach Domaine Pine Grove. If you choose this option, you must stay exclusively on the ice trail marked by the snowmobile club. Taking on the Baskatong by snowmobile brings entirely new sensations. There are no more boundaries, no more trail edges—just markers to follow, creating the impression of surfing across a frozen ocean with a feeling of freedom.
For a meal, La Pointe à David restaurant, on a peninsula accessible by trail 322, is a popular winter stop, with simple, comforting food and equally warm service.
Day 3: the enchanting journey continues…
After a restful night, we set off in the crisp morning air. The engines have had time to warm up and purr softly as we join trail 322. The trail soon leads us to the Savoyard covered bridge, dating from 1931. The imposing red and grey wooden structure spans the Gatineau River, and we take a souvenir photo with this historic landmark.
Continuing on, we pass through the Quinn Falls area, where the water seems to have frozen into white ice and shimmering reflections.
A little farther on, we pick up Trans-Québec 63, where the trail widens and allows us to increase our riding pace.
As we make our way toward Lake Lytton on trail 319, it is time for a well-earned break. The refuge à Gérard shelter appears beside the trail, a welcome stop where we can chat with other snowmobilers out for a ride. We let the engines cool while we warm up around the wood stove, exchanging a few words about trail conditions and the beauty of the route.
Back on our machines, we ride toward Montcerf-Lytton and Bois-Franc before reaching Maniwaki. We spend the night at Hôtel Château Logue, a lovely stone building beside the river, with a restaurant, a bistro-bar and an indoor pool with a hot tub.
Day 4: Completing the Loop
On our final day, we head back to Cayamant to complete the loop.
Along the way, we detour to Village Majopial to treat ourselves to a meal at l’Huile d’Olive restaurant, a well-kept secret on the shores of Lac des 31 Milles. With its red chairs and white tablecloths, the restaurant stands out for its refined cuisine and regularly changing dishes, such as the duck legs and shrimp dishes on offer during our visit.
The Vallée-de-la-Gatineau stands out in the Outaouais snowmobiling landscape for its varied terrain: a well-organized network of federation trails around Maniwaki, vast expanses of off-trail terrain on the Baskatong Reservoir, and nearby natural attractions such as the Mont Cayamant observation tower and boreal forest stretching as far as the eye can see. Unlike the Pontiac, which focuses more on long-distance through routes, or the more urban area surrounding Gatineau, the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau offers a unique balance of accessibility, immense forests and welcoming accommodations, equally suited to family getaways and more adventurous expeditions.
