Why Fatbiking Is Perfect for Winter
Fatbikes are the ideal winter bike when snow starts covering the ground.
Their wide, soft tires offer excellent grip on packed or fresh snow, allowing you to enjoy winter instead of staying stuck indoors.
In Quebec, many trails are accessible and perfectly suited for winter outings, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned rider.
Must-Try Trails This Winter
Here are some popular fatbike spots across Quebec, offering various distances and difficulty levels:
Trails Near Quebec City:
Empire 47 (near Quebec City)
- Nearly 50 km of mechanically groomed fatbike trails
- Routes for all levels, from beginners to advanced
- Fatbike rentals available on-site
- Perfect for a full-day outing, easily accessible from Quebec City
Sentiers du Moulin (SDM)
- Around 40 km of diverse trails
- Technical sections for thrill seekers and easier loops for beginners
- Beginners: short, simple trails (~7 km) perfect for discovering fatbiking
- Advanced: more technical terrain and longer loops to push your limits
Link: https://www.sentiersdumoulin.com/pistes-et-conditions/
Vallée Bras-du-Nord (Portneuf)
- About 20–25 km of winter trail
- Exceptional scenery: snowy forests, rivers, panoramic viewpoints
- Fatbike rentals available
- Ideal for a nature-filled day trip
Link: https://valleebrasdunord.com/activites-de-plein-air/fat-bike/
Mont-Sainte-Anne
- Shorter network (~9 km), perfect for a first winter fatbike experience
- Multiple loops for various skill levels
- Easy to combine with other winter activities in the area
Link: https://mont-sainte-anne.com/ici-et-a-proximite/
Trails in the Eastern Townships (Estrie):
Parc des Sommets – Bromont
- Vast multi-use network of about 140 km (hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, fatbiking depending on the sector)
- Several sectors are winter-fatbike compatible: Mont Oak, Mountain sector, Villageois, Mont Berthier, Ceinture C1 (depending on snow conditions)
Link: https://parcdessommets.com/activite/fatbike/
Base de plein air André-Nadeau
- Easy trails, flat or gently rolling terrain, great for beginners
- About 10 km of tracks; several fatbikes available for rental
- Ideal for a first fatbike “test ride” or a family-friendly outing
Link: https://www.visitezsherbrooke.ca/fr/decouvrez/quoi-faire/base-de-plein-air-andre-nadeau
Trails in the Laurentians:
Le P’tit Train du Nord (Laurentians / Mont-Tremblant sectors)
- Some sections allow winter fatbiking, perfect for a smooth and less technical ride
- Great if you want an easy trail or a longer, relaxed outing
Link: https://pleinairsteadele.com/fatbike/
Parc du Mont Loup-Garou (Sainte-Adèle / Pays-d’en-Haut)
- Trails adapted for fatbikes with beautiful forested and mountain scenery
- A nice alternative for a more “mountain/forest” winter experience
Link: https://pleinairsteadele.com/fatbike/
Centre de ski de fond Gai-Luron (Saint-Jérôme / Laurentians)
- Offers about 17 km of groomed fatbike trails
- Rental bikes available
Link: https://skigailuron.ca/
Tips for Riding Safely in Winter
- To enjoy your winter fatbike rides without trouble:
- Make sure brakes and gears work properly and the chain is lubricated
- Add full fenders to protect yourself from snow and splashes
- Carry a small de-icer for your lock in your bag or coat when it’s freezing
- Bring active lights, winter days are short
- Adjust tire pressure, saddle height, and gears based on snow conditions and your comfort
In Summary
Winter isn’t a reason to store your bike! With the right bike and the right Quebec trails, you can explore snowy landscapes, stay active, and have fun. Whether you’re looking for easy rides or more challenging routes, there are trails for every level.