6 beautiful places for free cross-country skiing in Quebec

Many sites allow you to practice cross-country skiing without taking a penny out of your pocket in Quebec. Here are six that are worth their weight in gold, in as many regions.

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1. Domaine de Maizerets – Quebec

In place since the time of New France, the Maizerets estate forms a charming island of greenery and history at the gates of the Limoilou district. In winter, the atmosphere is magical, and we ski in the shade of emblematic buildings, in a small natural woodland and through an arboretum.

2. La Riveraine – Montreal

Very popular during the summer, the cycle path which runs along the Saint-Laurent in Verdun, LaSalle and Lachine becomes during the winter a long cross-country ski trail which has been named “La Riveraine”. Quiet gliding and magnificent views in calm weather. When it’s windy, on the other hand, skiing on this corridor opening onto the river can quickly give the impression of facing the tundra!

3. La Lantiéroise – Laurentides

If you like narrow, winding and mountainous classic ski trails, head to Lantier village, park at the town hall and set off on La Lantiéroise. This superb track, classified as very difficult, is part of a little-known municipal network, accessible free of charge from several starting points. Bring your dinner: two relays await you in the forest.

14 km classic, easy, intermediate and very difficult levels; racket.
Infos: lantier.quebec

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4. Rawdon – Lanaudière

Thanks to the efforts of a group of outdoor enthusiasts, Rawdon has a wonderful network of ski trails accessible free of charge: the Tournée des Cantons de Rawdon trails. On the program: groomed trails for classic skiing, where you can do easy skiing, and Nordic hiking trails traced in more rugged terrain. The Rawdon golf club chalet serves as a welcome pavilion at the start of the cross-country ski trails.

13 km classic, easy level, 27 km Nordic, intermediate level; racket, walk.
Infos: tourneedescantons.com

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5. Val Plein-Air de Valcourt – Eastern Townships

Led by a good old committee of volunteers, the Val Plein-Air cross-country ski club in Valcourt maintains around ten kilometers of trails in a beautiful corner of the forest. Bonus: this network is connected to that of the neighboring village, Racine, which also extends over ten kilometers. Access is free, but voluntary contributions are appreciated.

6. Châteaudun – Mauricie ecological area

Even though it is located right next to Highway 40, in Cap-de-la-Madeleine, the Châteaudun ecological area forms a pretty natural oasis where you can ski free of charge on trails that form a small labyrinth in the forest. No relief, but well-leveled tracks where you can push the pace.