Once again this winter, it is a difficult season with a lack of snow. The places where it is possible to go snowmobiling are limited and it is sometimes impossible to move from one region to another because the trail conditions are poor and sometimes there are simply no trails.
As discussed in a previous column, there are a few places where there is snow. Personally, we avoid traveling with the trailer if possible from mid-January (or before) until it is impossible for us to leave directly from the house. This date is unfortunately very variable, although it usually lasts until mid-March.
Most weekends, we go somewhere to sleep. Ideally, we go further away from home and vary our destinations. As we have difficulty traveling between regions, we have opted on a few occasions for hikes closer to home. This allowed us to take paths that we are not used to using.
East-Angus
We discovered the Square Victoria Maison Hôtelière there. Although access to the city center was not easy and there was little snow, we are satisfied with our stay in this self-contained accommodation. This type of hotel is growing in popularity and it couldn’t be simpler, as you are given a code to access the room. Although we are also seeing the arrival of check-in desks inside hotels, I prefer the self-service option.
The advantage of these two types of establishments is that we avoid the delay in taking possession of the rooms. Many of you will understand what I mean. It’s not always pleasant to have to queue to check in and get our access cards or keys.
Lac-Mégantic
This destination is even closer to our starting point than East Angus. However, we started our hike heading east and then took paths that we are not used to using. We took the opportunity to stop for dinner at the Auberge des Bois-Francs, in Ste-Aurélie.
Warm and friendly welcome from the owners. This establishment offers a restaurant, accommodation, a bistro-bar and a reception room. I would be remiss if I did not point out that it is also possible to purchase Belgian Léonidas chocolates there. According to what the owner told us, Joseph-Armand Bombardier was behind the importation of these chocolates to Belgium. If you stop by the inn, the owner will be happy to tell you all about it.
They also have affordable accommodation and meal packages. The food is excellent, but I can’t comment on the accommodation as we didn’t stay there.
On our way to Lac-Mégantic, we had the opportunity to stop in Saint-Sébastien and climb Mount Morne. This observation point is very popular, I wouldn’t be surprised if you’ve already been there or at least seen photos and videos of it.
We decided to go to downtown Lac-Mégantic for accommodation and stayed at the Microtel. It is easily accessible and there are several shops nearby. The decor of the town center following the tragedy of July 2013 is quite something. All the buildings are new and harmonized and there are several commemorative elements.
Massif du Sud
If we fancy a nearby ride and then returning home to sleep, the Massif du Sud sector in Chaudière-Appalaches is a place where we can enjoy an accumulation of snow that is sometimes impressive. Access to shops is usually easy, so there’s no need to worry about refueling or grabbing a bite to eat.
This area is also very busy at the beginning and end of the season. Not only does the snow arrive early, but we can also extend our seasons there, close to our residence.
Greenville (Maine – USA)
As mentioned in my article on snowmobiling in Maine, we have the opportunity to leave directly from home and cross the border to ride among our neighbors to the south, increasing the number of trails to choose from for a variety of outings.
During our regular rides, Greenville is a town where we occasionally stop for dinner on the way there or back. In the context of a difficult season, we aim to go to Greenville. Depending on how the day goes (every outing in Maine is an adventure!) and if we are able to arrive relatively early, it is always possible to extend the ride around the town. There is also the option of doing loops before arriving near the city. These are commonly called “LOOP” and are clearly indicated on the trails.
In conclusion, we all snowmobile a little in our own way and we don’t all get satisfaction in the same way. But the important thing is that snowmobiling is, for all of us, a passion and a way of life that we share.
Have a great end of the season and we look forward to meeting you on the trails!
