Fuse6

I never complain about the cost of Quebec permit. The significant grooming capacity and constant investment in infrastructure like this projects makes us all fortunate to have these trails.

I never complain about the cost of Quebec permit. The significant grooming capacity and constant investment in infrastructure like this projects makes us all fortunate to have these trails.

I never complain about the cost of Quebec permit. The significant grooming capacity and constant investment in infrastructure like this projects makes us all fortunate to have these trails.

I was thinking exactly the same thing.  The picture of your sleds and significant others in front of the Rock is a "must do" on Gaspesie loops. Better leave early from Gaspe.

The NB map site has been available all summer. It just went down Wednesday night. I was in the middle of planning a week long NB trip.
l just emailed the NB federation to see when it will be online again. Hopefully soon .

As mentioned, lodging has become a tremendous problem. And in my opinion, so has the decreasing length of time that good riding conditions exist. Therefore, as also mentioned, February is peak season, and really the best time to make the trip, which further complicates the lodging issue. I can certainly understand booking way in advance for a group of your size. This is not my personal preference, as too much can go wrong, namely weather and trail conditions, next,mechanical and health issues. The list goes on from there. However, Advance booking is probably best for your situation, you can always cancel. Last year three of us, three men, taking two rooms, made the trip. We drove up from Southern Maine/NH. We unloaded in Monticello, Maine, and rode to Fort Kent, staying at the Northern Door Inn, eating at the Swamp Buck restaurant. Yum. We had a reservation for the Hotel. From here we wung it reservation wise. I can speak some French, so that helps calling ahead for reservations. We stayed at the Quality Inn Mont joli the next night, although Matane is certainly doable. From there we made a reservation at the Delice in Mont St. Pierre. I understand they will be closed this winter. keeping an eye on that. Snow was predicted for the next day, so no reservation was made. We encountered snow very early, and it became heavy by mid day. Being older, and in my case fat, I don't want to risk getting stuck. We were able to get rooms at the Caribou Inn,  Riviere Au Renaud early in the afternoon.  It was still snowing in the morning, we got a late start, and managed to get out of town without getting stuck,  and the weather cleared quickly. We skipped Perce due to the late start, and stopped in Grande-Riviere for fuel, then stopped at the clubhouse to use the wifi and  attempt to secure a room for the night in New Richmond. No rooms available. We pressed on. My sled flashed an error code upon getting into Chandler. We stopped at the Motel Chandler. Very quiet there, It was early February, and there had been little or snow or riding in January. The lady there, Beatrice,  was very helpful, letting us use the wifi, and made a call to the dealer for us. By the time we figured the sled was going to run fine, minus the thumb warmer, and plus an annoying code on the screen which obliterated my trip meter, we had killed an hour. It was after 3 PM, so we took a room there. The restaurant was closed, so Beatrice gave us a ride to and from the Dixie Lee for supper. We secured rooms at the Interprovincial In Pointe-A-La- Croix for the next night, Super Bowl Sunday.  Nice room, great meal, some Molson Canadian, snored through the Super Bowl. We secured  rooms at the Hampton Inn Presque Isle, Maine for the next night, and the next morning called Mundles for the transport across to Cambleton, New Brunswick. They dropped us trailside in town. There is fuel,  and injection oil for our two smoke friend across the street. Trails in New Brunswick were great for a while, but we hit a few hours of junk. Crossed the border at St Leonard/Van Buran, and got to the Hampton Inn without issue. Just over an hour to the truck the next morning. In your case, you could take the reverse route mentioned above, and reenter at Fort kent. Not sure what will happen this year. I will buy my trail pass Monday if the website doesn't fight me too much. I never tire of the Gaspe, Winter or summer. I hope your trip goes well. Please share. 

Last two years we have done a 6 day New Brunswick/Gaspe tour.
Here is one option for a route. Will see all of the most scenic parts of the Gaspe. Miss out on Perce Rock but l don’t find it the highlight of the trip. 
We were in the Gaspe last week of February this year and it was very busy. All hotels were full. Going again mid February this year and will book ahead. Rather not but not safe if requiring multiple rooms during prime season.
Another route option in NB: we start in Edmunston, head north to Moose Valley then on to Campellton. That’s a nice one day ride. At Campellton you can take the shuttle (Mundle’s Towing ) to get across the bridge into Quebec. Was $50 a sled last year.
On the map l’m showing not crossing at Campellton but taking the 587S trail up to Amqui. I really like that ride. Then take the orange trail down to NB which will hook up with the NB trail leading to Moose Valley, NB.
200 miles a day in the Gaspe is a full day, mid February the days are short. 200 miles is what we do on the guys trip. On couple trips we aim for 150-175 miles . Find with the wives there is a fine line between a great day vs turning it into a marathon.
Steve

Last two years we have done a 6 day New Brunswick/Gaspe tour.
Here is one option for a route. Will see all of the most scenic parts of the Gaspe. Miss out on Perce Rock but l don’t find it the highlight of the trip. 
We were in the Gaspe last week of February this year and it was very busy. All hotels were full. Going again mid February this year and will book ahead. Rather not but not safe if requiring multiple rooms during prime season.
Another route option in NB: we start in Edmunston, head north to Moose Valley then on to Campellton. That’s a nice one day ride. At Campellton you can take the shuttle (Mundle’s Towing ) to get across the bridge into Quebec. Was $50 a sled last year.
On the map l’m showing not crossing at Campellton but taking the 587S trail up to Amqui. I really like that ride. Then take the orange trail down to NB which will hook up with the NB trail leading to Moose Valley, NB.
200 miles a day in the Gaspe is a full day, mid February the days are short. 200 miles is what we do on the guys trip. On couple trips we aim for 150-175 miles . Find with the wives there is a fine line between a great day vs turning it into a marathon.
Steve

http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_09/IMG_7062.thumb.png.ce959dff7b5ca4c640d187b4f59c412b.png
Route from Edmunston to Moose Valley to Campellton, NB
http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_09/IMG_7072.thumb.jpeg.45c7ef6af21d34168d5b6bc9f42865b9.jpeg
Bridge from Campellton NB to Pointe a la Croix QC
Quality Inn in Campellton, Interprovincial Hotel  on Quebec side
 
http://quebecrider.com/forums/uploads/monthly_2023_09/IMG_7108.thumb.jpeg.03010731915fb50aa4c52db2d1dbbbde.jpeg
Grand Nature Choc Choc lodge that GS800 mentioned, near Cap Chat on the north shore.

Last two years we have done a 6 day New Brunswick/Gaspe tour.
Here is one option for a route. Will see all of the most scenic parts of the Gaspe. Miss out on Perce Rock but l don’t find it the highlight of the trip. 
We were in the Gaspe last week of February this year and it was very busy. All hotels were full. Going again mid February this year and will book ahead. Rather not but not safe if requiring multiple rooms during prime season.
Another route option in NB: we start in Edmunston, head north to Moose Valley then on to Campellton. That’s a nice one day ride. At Campellton you can take the shuttle (Mundle’s Towing ) to get across the bridge into Quebec. Was $50 a sled last year.
On the map l’m showing not crossing at Campellton but taking the 587S trail up to Amqui. I really like that ride. Then take the orange trail down to NB which will hook up with the NB trail leading to Moose Valley, NB.
200 miles a day in the Gaspe is a full day, mid February the days are short. 200 miles is what we do on the guys trip. On couple trips we aim for 150-175 miles . Find with the wives there is a fine line between a great day vs turning it into a marathon.
Steve

Playing around on the interactive map today planning some trips and discovered there is a new motel at St Adelme right behind the church and clubhouse. Brand new construction and the reservation link is taking winter bookings.
Great to see a new option in the Gaspe as seem to be losing some of the old regular options.
Will give another option to the Matane area and should be better snow conditions for early and late season lodging vs the shoreline in Matane.
Reasonable rates also at $130.00 a night CAD.
Does anyone know if the clubhouse is open 7 days a week and how late in the evening. Have stopped in there to eat but usually for lunch.
https://www.motel-marquis.com/
The accommodation icon is on the map.

Playing around on the interactive map today planning some trips and discovered there is a new motel at St Adelme right behind the church and clubhouse. Brand new construction and the reservation link is taking winter bookings.
Great to see a new option in the Gaspe as seem to be losing some of the old regular options.
Will give another option to the Matane area and should be better snow conditions for early and late season lodging vs the shoreline in Matane.
Reasonable rates also at $130.00 a night CAD.
Does anyone know if the clubhouse is open 7 days a week and how late in the evening. Have stopped in there to eat but usually for lunch.
https://www.motel-marquis.com/
The accommodation icon is on the map.

Do believe it’s been there a couple years now .They haven’t been open 7 days a week since Covid like many spots .Who knows what this season will be like .

Playing around on the interactive map today planning some trips and discovered there is a new motel at St Adelme right behind the church and clubhouse. Brand new construction and the reservation link is taking winter bookings.
Great to see a new option in the Gaspe as seem to be losing some of the old regular options.
Will give another option to the Matane area and should be better snow conditions for early and late season lodging vs the shoreline in Matane.
Reasonable rates also at $130.00 a night CAD.
Does anyone know if the clubhouse is open 7 days a week and how late in the evening. Have stopped in there to eat but usually for lunch.
https://www.motel-marquis.com/
The accommodation icon is on the map.

Yes Double Tree has a large lot, will be 20 -30 trucks/trailers park there, most for the week while people are on a saddlebag trip. About a 10 minute drive from the hotel to Old Quebec City. If any in your group haven’t seen Old Quebec City it would be a great spot to spend the evening of your arrival day.
Hotel Roquemont in St Raymond that Iceman suggested is also poplar spot for people starting a saddle bag trip. 
We spend two weeks in this area last winter, one week with a group of guys and another with my wife.
This winter will likely do the following 5 day loop with another group of guys going counter clockwise.
Day 1: Start from #1, Double Tree, Quebec City or Roquemont, St Raymond to #4 Auberge Eva
Day 2: Auberge Eva riding around west end of Lac St Jean, across the top to #8 Otis Nature Center
Day 3: depart Otis ride through Mont Valin to #10 Hotel Pelchat via the Pelchat trial, #9
Day 4: depart hotel Pelchat, head west taking ferry across Saguenay river, head north up to #14 Delta or someplace that area
Day 5: back to the trucks
Iceman had a good trip report last winter riding around the Lac St Jean/ Saguenay area. He maybe able to post a link to it. Will give you some ideas of the various lodging options.
l really like staying at some of the outfitters and lodges when possible. Only problem is many of them aren’t so flexible for cancellations vs regular hotels. If travelling with 4 people or less can often wing it, get larger groups need to book ahead in many areas.
My wife and l spend two weeks last summer touring NH, Vermont and the Adirondacks on our Spyders. New Hampshire is a beautiful state. One of the best days of riding we ever had was big loop in NH, Mont. Washington was an interesting ride.

I would suggest starting at Quebec City at the Double Tree by Hilton. Shorter drive for you and can make a great 4-5 day loop from here. Beautiful ride from here up the #23 to either Saguenay or Lac St Jean.
Can give hotel suggestions if this starting point is of interest.

Does not get better than this. 
 
start St Raymond also an option.

I would suggest starting at Quebec City at the Double Tree by Hilton. Shorter drive for you and can make a great 4-5 day loop from here. Beautiful ride from here up the #23 to either Saguenay or Lac St Jean.
Can give hotel suggestions if this starting point is of interest.

Ask the guys on the forum at this link.
https://ontarioconditions.com/forums/index.php?/forum/10-sledjunk-garage-technical-forum/
 
They seem to be up on the GPS tricks.

We start from from Mon Joli Hotel in Mont Joli.
Reason being you leave your truck keys with them. If you break down they have a guy that will come rescue you. Had two trips where a machine in the group broke down. Real life saver when your 100’s of km from your truck

You planning on doing the Cabot Trail?
lf taking the ferry from Port Sydney to Port a Basque NFLD the night crossing and renting a cabin is the best use of time.
Wife and l both ride Spyders and have been to the Maritimes 3 times since getting them. Went to Newfoundland once in 2020. 

I’m the Gaspe and NB last week. Good snow in Gaspe but nothing like last year.
For snow l would say northern NB the best. Start in Edmunston and head for Moose Valley, spend night at Serpentine lodge and or Island Lake lodge. Could start from RDL possibly.
This week started Tuesday from Shawinigan. Up to Windigo then Otis Nature. Snow is thin around Alma and east end of lake. Very little in the fields. Yesterday rode Mont Valin area, rough choppy trails all day. Paid the surcharge and worst day we had this year. 
Riding 373 today north of Lac St Jean, trails are perfect but not a lot of snow even this far north. Won’t survive warmer weather very long. 
 
For scenery l would vote Gaspe, for snow conditions New Brunswick 

Friends are in the Gaspe now. Yesterday they started down 595 from the north shore and came across a stuck groomer and had to turn around. Saw pic this morning on FB showing 595 South was really drifted. Said hoping to get the groomer through today.
Poor clubs having to deal with drifts, down trees and stuck groomers. Always amazes me what a wonderful system Quebec has with the majority of the week being done by volunteers.

I would book the Copper Hotel in Murdochville if that is one of your planned stops. 
In 2020 we were a group of 4 doing the Gaspe.and winging hotels.
Called the Copper night before heading there and they were all booked . Had to change our route and ended up staying at LaCache in the motel units which are now gone.
Only way to book the Copper hotel is to call. Jack is the owner and speaks very good English.
 
 

March 13, 2023 4:08 p.m.Updated at 6:42 p.m.
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Access rights: zec Martin-Valin temporarily exempted
DENIS VILLENEUVE
The Daily
The litigation affecting snowmobilers using the trails on the territory of zec Martin-Valin is over.
Discussions between representatives of the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay and the Ministry of the Environment resolved the impasse. The zec has obtained the flexibility that allows it to be exempted from pricing and temporary registration for snowmobilers who are members of the Fédération des Clubs de motoneigistes du Québec (FCMQ).
Under the agreement, snowmobilers who hold their access card from the Federation will not have to register and pay traffic fees in the zec, provided they stay on the trails maintained by the federated clubs.
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March 11, 2023
Snowmobilers who travel off-trail and all people who travel through the zec reception station must register and pay their driving fees, otherwise they risk a fine.
During a press briefing held late Monday afternoon, the MNA for Chicoutimi, Andrée Laforest, said she was satisfied with the outcome of the dispute, which nevertheless constitutes a temporary measure allowing the continuation of tourist activities related to the snowmobiling for the rest of the winter. "We realize that a small decision can disturb tourism," she said.
As for the future, the MNA mentioned that discussions will have to take place between the FCMQ and the zecs, however, insisting on the fact that the MRC du Fjord-du-Saguenay is preparing to submit its tourism strategy and that it will take partnership to get it right. She recalled that the snowmobile industry represents spinoffs of $35 to $40 million.
Asked whether snowmobilers who have received statements of offense distributed by zec patrollers could be exonerated, Ms. Laforest mentioned that she was going to discuss with her colleagues in Quebec.
Under current regulations, the zec must ensure the control and protection of its territory by distributing statements of offense when there is omission to respect the regulations.
Zec Martin-Valin decided last year to diversify its activities during the cold season by opening certain lakes to ice fishing, increasing the accommodation offer and offering free parking areas.
Director General Marie-Josée Savard has indicated in a press release that she is ready to discuss with the partners in order to work towards the development of all forms of collaboration.