Skip to content
Motoneige Côte-Nord
Guides

When to snowmobile on the North Shore

The snowmobile season on the North Shore generally runs from mid-December to late March, and sometimes later up north. But where and when you ride changes the experience a lot. Here's how to pick your dates.

The heart of the season

January and February are the safe bets: established snow, groomed trails, steady cold. It's the most reliable window to plan a trip without worrying about a lack of snow.

Early and late season

December depends on the first big snowfalls; some years the snow is slow to come in southern sectors like the Upper North Shore. In spring the south starts to melt, but altitude and the north, the Monts Groulx, Fermont, often hold much longer.

Where snow lasts longest

The higher the latitude and altitude, the longer the season stretches. If you're aiming for late March or April, look north rather than toward the river. Fermont is known for riding when almost everything else has melted.

Check before you book

Whatever the date, look at live conditions and trail status before you go. The North Shore is big, and a week can change everything from one sector to the next.

See also

Frequently asked questions

What's the best month for snowmobiling on the North Shore?+

February, usually: the snow is at its best and the trails are well established. January is a close second.

Ready to ride the North Shore?

Turnkey packages from Baie-Comeau: lodging, heated garage and direct trail access.