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12 original winter activities in the Mauricie region

1 janvier 2014

Looking for something different for your winter vacation this year? Why not try a new family activity, something now, something special? In the Mauricie region, you’ll be spellbound by outings, packages and activities  that are far from run-of-the-mill.

Centre Aventures Mattawin

1 – Snowshoeing With a Storyteller or Trapper

 

trappeur-raquette-lac-blanc

Photo credit: Michel Julien / Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc, St-Alexis-des-Monts

Head out on the trail with a friendly trapper and discover the techniques used for trapping Quebec’s small forest animals and learn about the fur trade. You can also try ice fishing and enjoy your trout cooked over a campfire. We also offer the « coureurs des bois« (woodsmen) package for you to find out how our ancestors roamed the forests in order to trade both resources and knowledge with the First Nations.

 

Nestled in the forest, this luxurious inn offers snowshoeing by torchlight in the woods, guided by a trapper.

 

Photo credit : Michel Julien / Hôtel Sacacomie, St-Alexis-des-Monts

Photo credit : Michel Julien / Hôtel Sacacomie, St-Alexis-des-Monts

Go snowshoeing with a “coureur des bois” (woodsman) who will reveal the surrounding wildlife and show you various trapping methods. Then, on to a frozen lake: discover ice fishing and enjoy eating your trout outdoors, cooked fresh over a wood fire, rounded out with a glass of Caribou. Also try the « First Nations View » package, snowshoeing with an Aboriginal guide over to a First Nations site. You’ll be fascinated as you learn more about First Nations lifestyle and culture. A tasting of wild game or fish is included.

 

Photo credit : Auberge du Trappeur, St-Mathieu-du-Parc

Photo credit: Auberge du Trappeur, St-Mathieu-du-Parc

At the Auberge du Trappeur, treat yourself to a guided round of trapping on snowshoes. Combine this outing with a visit to the Mokotakan First Nations site and their Wildlife Museum (stuffed animals), not to mention a hearty dinner at the inn, serving up Aboriginal meals.

 

Photo credit: Michel Julien / Centre d'Aventure Mattawin, Trois-Rives

Photo credit: Michel Julien / Centre d’Aventure Mattawin, Trois-Rives

This « multi-activity » centre offers a neat package: the « coureurs des bois trek » that includes a snowshoe hike with a storyteller or a trapper.

 

For a “nature-sized” getaway, meet up in the Haute Mauricie at the Pourvoirie Duplessis, where you can take a stroll on snowshoes with a trapper and go snowmobiling on the ice all along the huge Blanc Reservoir. Breathtaking views guaranteed!

 

Photo credit : Michel Julien

Photo credit : Michel Julien

As a special offer for groups, l’Aventureux offers up a snowshoe hike with a trapper by day and a storyteller by night.

 

2 –Snowshoeing at Night by Headlamp

 

raquette-ile-melville

Photo credit : Station Plein Air Val-Mauricie, Shawinigan

Nights sets in; head off to discover the snowshoe trails of Melville Island. Trails are marked by small signs that glow when illuminated by a headlamp. These trails are intermediate difficulty and the 12 km trek winds its way through the forest and along the Saint-Maurice River. For a little extra obtain a guide service and a meal or hot chocolate, for a group of 10 or more. Self-guided access to the snowshoe trails is free of charge.

 

3 – Scavenger Hunt

 

Photo credit : Michel Julien / Centre d'Aventure Mattawin, Trois-Rives

Photo credit : Michel Julien / Centre d’Aventure Mattawin, Trois-Rives

Put those snowshoes on and off we go on a scavenger hunt! The hunt is designed so that each participant can work alone and complete it at his own pace. The hunts last about two to three hours; some may take longer.

 

4 – Skating by Torchlight

 

Photo credit: Auberge Le Baluchon, St-Paulin

Photo credit: Auberge Le Baluchon, St-Paulin

Take part in Night-owl Saturdays at Auberge le Baluchon and skate on the rivière du Loup. You’ll find a 5 km skating rink on the river, complete with fire pits and heated shelters. An enchanting evening awaits!

 

5 – Ice Climbing

 

Photo credit: Maïkan Aventure, Trois-Rivières

Photo credit: Maïkan Aventure, Trois-Rivières

Do you dream of trying your hand at ice climbing this winter? No problem! Drop by Maïkan Aventure and experience climbing on their ice tower, accompanied by a pro who puts your safety first.

 

6 – Ski Plane Tour

 

Photo credit: Michel Julien / Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc, St-Alexis-des-Monts

Photo credit: Michel Julien / Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc, St-Alexis-des-Monts

Ever heard of a ski plane? Climb aboard and soar up in the sky to admire the Mauricie region blanketed in white. Pure delight!

 

7 – Winter Paintball

 

Photo credit: Aventurier Paintball, Trois-Rivières

Photo credit: Aventurier Paintball, Trois-Rivières

Do you enjoy Paintball? If so, you ought to know that Aventurier Paintball is one of the few Paintball operations to stay open in wintertime. Grab a group of friends, dress warmly and book your day of Paintball for the fun of it! (Closed in January)

 

8 – Skeet Shooting

 

Practice skeet shooting in wintertime at the Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc outfitters. The daily rate is $25 for 10 rounds (minimum 6 people), $50 for 25 rounds (minimum 2 people) and $75 for 50 rounds (minimum 2 people). These prices include rifle rental, bullets, clay pigeons and a guide.

 

9 – Half-Track Tour

 

Photo credit: Pourvoirie Club Hosanna, Trois-Rives

Photo credit: Pourvoirie Club Hosanna, Trois-Rives

The “A Day in the Great Outdoors” package at Hosanna  includes a half-track tour. This unique passenger vehicle was built in the 1950s by Bombardier. Accompanied by a guide, you’ll head out for to some ice fishing, a meal of freshly caught trout and an afternoon Trapper hike. What’s more, we offer a tasty sampling of maple taffy on snow. It all makes for a busy day that will leave you fulfilled. This half-track is unique in the Mauricie!

 

10 – Alpine Sit-Skiing

 

Photo credit: Vallée du Parc

Photo credit: Vallée du Parc

Get your thrills carving down the mountain at Vallée du Parc, regardless of your limitations. Ideal for people with reduced mobility, take to the slopes on a tandemski or dualski that will allow you to safely experience the thrill of racing down the hill. Alpine sit-skiing: a unique and enjoyable activity!

 

11 – Forest Survival Techniques

 

Photo credit : Michel Julien

Photo credit : Michel Julien

Enjoy trekking through the forest? Would you like to learn how to build a makeshift shelter and pick up survival skills that will get you through our Quebec winters? Not a problem! The Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc offers you this simple training so that you can head into the woods with confidence.

 

12 – Overnight in a Quinzee

 

This exceptional package deal includes a first night in a cottage, a snowshoe excursion and a second night in a quinzee. This temporary shelter is made ​​out of snow and is often used in winter hiking or for survival.

 

Do you know of other out-of-the-ordinary activities in the Mauricie region? Share them with us in the comments section below!

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