For winter sports and mountain lovers, and for those who want a change of scenery this winter, we obviously recommend traveling a little further than Montreal and taking the 3.5-hour drive to Le Massif.
Le Massif, the ski resort with the most beautiful views in the region, has suspended operations due to an indefinite general strike since January 2, 2026. Obviously, for those who had planned to go to Charlevoix, booked their romantic weekends, planned their ski trip for the season, it’s disappointing.
But right next to Le Massif—just a few minutes away by car— there is a trail where you can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking, with the same sublime views. And after your outing, Le Sentier des Caps has one of the best bowls of chili we’ve ever eaten…
Charlevoix
The Charlevoix region is located northeast of Quebec City, between the banks of the St. Lawrence River and the mouth of the Saguenay River.At the heart of the region lies the Charlevoix Biosphere Reserve, which is located in a 400-million-year-old asteroid crater.
@sentierdescaps
Charlevoix is a region crossed by the Canadian Shield, a rock formation dating back to the Precambrian era (approximately 4.5 billion years ago), and the region’s disparate and hollow peaks. It is a true oasis of biodiversity, and the villages and inhabitants of the region repay it with a primal energy that highlights nature and minimizes human impact on the landscape. When you’re there, you feel like you’re alone in the world, on a Jurassic beach.
The Cape Trail
Between Cap Tourmente and Petite Rivière Saint-François, on the heights, you can stroll among the snow-laden trees. You can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking.
@sentierdescaps
From the capes and numerous viewpoints along the 51 km of trails, you can see the entire region, all the way to Île-aux-Coudres and the Montmagny archipelago. Along the trail, there are also shelters where you can stop and spend the night, heated by a stove, and camping platforms where you can sleep in a tent in the summer.
There are two access points to the Sentier des Caps —one in the Saint-Tite area and one in the Charlevoix area. We’re not sure about Saint-Tite, but we know that the Charlevoix area has some pretty exceptional chili to eat after your hike.
Practical Information
Where? Sentier des Caps, at 2 Rue Leclerc, Saint-Tite-des-Caps (Saint-Tite sector) and at Chemin du Massif, Petite-Rivière-Saint-François (Charlevoix sector)
When? Open daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
How? $11.74 for daily access, which can be purchased on site— or reserve here!
Enjoy your ride!