Help withTrip planning around gaspe 2024

[Snowdevil]

 We are looking to plan out a multi day backpack trip around the Gaspe Peninsula this feb 2024. We plan on leaving out of Fort Kent maine and returning through New Brunswick back to maine. We have done a similar trip about 12 years ago and a clubhouse in chandler set up all our reservations and our itinerary for mileage per day. I have not been able to contact them to see if they still do this so I am hoping to get some recommendations from this group on a preferred route and hotels to contact. 
 We are very experienced riders and there will be a group of 3 couples and would like to ride 175 to 200 miles a day. We are planning on a week trip but have the flexibility to make it longer or shorter  if needed.  How busy is the Gaspe these days in February and should we map all or our lodging out for the whole trip or could we just wing it for a few days with lodging towards the end of trip?

Any advice  or a contact to someone who can assist on our trip planning will be greatly appreciated. We will be traveling with our wife’s and would like nicer accommodations for our lodging.  
thank you for any help and look forward to hearing some suggestions.

[PISTON LAKE CRUISER]

The amount of traffic in Gaspe is substancially more than it was 12 years ago. That fact along with the fact that a number of lodgings, restaurants and clubhouses that were open pre-covid during sled season are no longer open. Many restaurants are not open the hours they used to be due to employee shortages. Fot these reasons  and to assure you get accomodations for all of your crew in the same location, I would recommend booking all your trip accomodations as soon as you can. Canceling is easier than finding lodgings in many cases. JMHO 

The Quebec federation online map is very good and makes it really easy to plot a route and find accomodations. Below is a link:

https://fcmq.fcmqapi.ca/fr/carte-cond.html#map

[Je me souviens]

Welcome aboard Snowdevil.  If I was running a 6 member team around the Gaspe, there is no way in hell I would wing it near peak season.  The flip side of that is shit happens and the best laid plans can crumble on day one if there is a storm or mechanical issues.  I am sure you are aware of all that jazz.  We used to have a couple members here that run tours.  I do not know either one of them personally.  Bon Voyage snow tours is the name of one, the other dude’s name is Bruce Cody, he’s on the facecrack version of QR.  I don’t know the business name.  They could probably lay out a trip for you.  Option 2 would be a lot of homework using the app, combined with member suggestions and hope for the best.  I can tell you Le Francis in New Richmond  is somewhere the lady’s will enjoy dinner.  

[GSX800]

Another place the ladies would appreciate is on a spur trail not far from Cap Chat - https://villagegrandenature.com/en/

[Fuse6]

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

[Fuse6]

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.

Edited September 29, 2023 by Fuse6

[schooter]

I made reservation in early August and there were a couple of places that were booked for the last week of Feb into Mar 

[wng-2]

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. 

Edited September 30, 2023 by wng-2

[Snowdevil]

Great advice by all that have responded and I will plan out a route soon and start calling for reservations.

I have been trying to look at the New Brunswick trail site but it is not up and running for the season yet.

in trying to plan the 1st night how far would you say it is from fort kent to the Quebec system so I can account for that milage when planning on our 1st night ? Last time we rode to mount Joli but I was thinking of maybe going to Amqui this time instead and start from there.  Working on the fqmi trail map it is hard to find towns with hotels within 150/175 miles a day . Here is what I came up with and I would like to know any thoughts or adjustments to route along with favorite hotels sights and Restraunts along the route.

1- fort kent to Amqui 

2- Amqui to Mount st Pierre or mount Louis or Murdochville 

3- st Pierre to Percé via 597

4 Percé to Carlton sur-mer

5 Carlton sur-mer  to Campbellton and nb

Edited September 30, 2023 by Snowdevil

[schooter]

The attached link to FCMQ is a great tool

 

https://fcmq.fcmqapi.ca/carte-motoneige/indexen.html#map

[PISTON LAKE CRUISER]

1 hour ago, Snowdevil said:

Great advice by all that have responded and I will plan out a route soon and start calling for reservations.

I have been trying to look at the New Brunswick trail site but it is not up and running for the season yet.

in trying to plan the 1st night how far would you say it is from fort kent to the Quebec system so I can account for that milage when planning on our 1st night ? Last time we rode to mount Joli but I was thinking of maybe going to Amqui this time instead and start from there.  Working on the fqmi trail map it is hard to find towns with hotels within 150/175 miles a day . Here is what I came up with and I would like to know any thoughts or adjustments to route along with favorite hotels sights and Restraunts along the route.

1- fort kent to Amqui 

2- Amqui to Mount st Pierre or mount Louis

3- st Pierre to Percé via 597

4 Percé to Carlton sur-mer

5 Carlton sur-mer  to Campbellton and nb

If my memory serves it is about 15 miles from Fort Kent to the Quebec border. From there to Amiqui would be 200 miles according to the Quebec on line map. 

[wng-2]

1 hour ago, PISTON LAKE CRUISER said:

If my memory serves it is about 15 miles from Fort Kent to the Quebec border. From there to Amiqui would be 200 miles according to the Quebec on line map. 

It could be traveling in a North Westerly direction. To head toward the Gaspe Region, I believe it's about 30 Miles East to NB 12 just North of Edmunston. From there, it's not very many miles to the Border and Quebec 85, and the town of Degelis, where you can hang a right onto the greet 571 and head North Easterly toward the Gaspe.

[PISTON LAKE CRUISER]

3 hours ago, wng-2 said:

It could be traveling in a North Westerly direction. To head toward the Gaspe Region, I believe it's about 30 Miles East to NB 12 just North of Edmunston. From there, it's not very many miles to the Border and Quebec 85, and the town of Degelis, where you can hang a right onto the greet 571 and head North Easterly toward the Gaspe.

Good to know. So either way you are riding in New Brunswick after you cross the river at Fort Kent until you get to the Quebec border. You either wing it or buy a New Brunswick permit I guess. 

 

[wng-2]

38 minutes ago, PISTON LAKE CRUISER said:

Good to know. So either way you are riding in New Brunswick after you cross the river at Fort Kent until you get to the Quebec border. You either wing it or buy a New Brunswick permit I guess. 

 

Yes, exactly. You are riding in New Brunswick, and Should buy a trail pass. The only way to avoid it, is to ride out the Allagash trail and cross at that end into Quebec. Or, park in Jackman, and leave from there. 

[PISTON LAKE CRUISER]

23 minutes ago, wng-2 said:

Yes, exactly. You are riding in New Brunswick, and Should buy a trail pass. The only way to avoid it, is to ride out the Allagash trail and cross at that end into Quebec. Or, park in Jackman, and leave from there. 

 

[PISTON LAKE CRUISER]

32 minutes ago, wng-2 said:

Yes, exactly. You are riding in New Brunswick, and Should buy a trail pass. The only way to avoid it, is to ride out the Allagash trail and cross at that end into Quebec. Or, park in Jackman, and leave from there. 

Or drive to Degelis

[wng-2]

2 minutes ago, PISTON LAKE CRUISER said:

Or drive to Degelis

Yes, exactly. Many folks don't like to bring the truck and trailer into Canada though.. 

[Fuse6]

On 9/30/2023 at 8:29 AM, Snowdevil said:

I have been trying to look at the New Brunswick trail site but it is not up and running for the season yet.

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 .

[smclelan]

On 9/30/2023 at 9:29 AM, Snowdevil said:

Great advice by all that have responded and I will plan out a route soon and start calling for reservations.

I have been trying to look at the New Brunswick trail site but it is not up and running for the season yet.

in trying to plan the 1st night how far would you say it is from fort kent to the Quebec system so I can account for that milage when planning on our 1st night ? Last time we rode to mount Joli but I was thinking of maybe going to Amqui this time instead and start from there.  Working on the fqmi trail map it is hard to find towns with hotels within 150/175 miles a day . Here is what I came up with and I would like to know any thoughts or adjustments to route along with favorite hotels sights and Restraunts along the route.

1- fort kent to Amqui 

2- Amqui to Mount st Pierre or mount Louis or Murdochville 

3- st Pierre to Percé via 597

4 Percé to Carlton sur-mer

5 Carlton sur-mer  to Campbellton and nb

Here are some of my favorite spots for each of your nights:

1.  Amqui - Hotel Select

2. Mont Louis - l' Amarre

3. Perce - La Table a Roland

4. Carleton - Baie Bleue

5. Campbellton - I would stay in Pointe a la Croix at the Interprovincial then cross the river in the morning. ( Mundles Towing will shuttle you across)

 

Hope some of these ideas help.

[Jackstraw]

Go in March and avoid the crowds. Usually go 3rd or 4th week in march

[iceman]

1 hour ago, Jackstraw said:

Go in March and avoid the crowds. Usually go 3rd or 4th week in march

Hey, don’t be giving that advice. February is awesome. 
 

March will be the new February tabernac. 

[Jackstraw]

11 hours ago, iceman said:

Hey, don’t be giving that advice. February is awesome. 
 

March will be the new February tabernac. 

Yikes, did I say March? I meant Feb. Rarely much snow on the ground end of March in the Gaspie! 😉

[PMAC]

Late February is probably a good choice as winters are getting shorter.I was un gaspe 3 times last winter .One trip was first of March and conditions were like end of March .Some of the south shore was very scratchy and lots of dirt around road crossing.Plus all parking lots were melted off everywhere.I went the end of March and stayed on interior and Northern trails and trails were like first of March most years .Every season is different but it’s changing for sure .My 2 cents,go when ever you can .

[Jackstraw]

Yep,

Very little snow end of March!🙂

[Snowdevil]

We have all hotels booked and a route planned out .thanks for all the comments and advice .

waiting on new sleds to arrive so we can buy our trail passes before dec 9