The Route blanche by snowmobile
The Route blanche is Quebec's great snowmobile adventure. On the Lower North Shore, where the road ends, a long marked trail links the coastal villages all winter, over snow and ice, dotted with refuges. It's remote, it's demanding, and it's one of the finest rides in the country.
Where it runs
The Route blanche runs for hundreds of kilometres along the gulf, from around Kegaska and Natashquan toward Blanc-Sablon on the Labrador border. It passes through villages no road reaches the rest of the year: La Romaine, Tête-à-la-Baleine, La Tabatière, Saint-Augustin. For these communities, in winter, it's their link to the world.
What it takes
This isn't an improvised weekend run. Expect long distances between services, weather that turns fast on the coast, and sections over sea ice. Refuges, survival gear, a reliable sled, and ideally experience or a guide. The markers and shelters are there, but the country doesn't forgive carelessness.
When to go
The season is shorter and more fickle than inland, set by the state of the ice. Generally that means late winter, once the route is well frozen in. Watch conditions closely and leave informed.
See also
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a guide for the Route blanche?+
It's not required, but strongly recommended if you don't know the country. The distances, isolation and sea ice make it a serious expedition, not a cruise.
Is the Route blanche open all season?+
It depends on the ice and on local maintenance, so it opens later and closes with the thaw. Always check conditions before you go.
Plan your ride
Check live conditions and the trail map before you head out on the North Shore.