Hi guys!

We are considering a run from Shawinigan to Hotel Charlevoix (CASINO/CASTLE), then cross at Tadoussac and up over Mont Valin to the HI, then back down to Shawinigan either through L E'Tape or La Tuque. I do not have a trail map in my office and was wondering what the conditions would be like. Would it be smarter to head north right out of Shawinigan to the HI and stay 2 nights up that way and come back? Thanks in advance.

Shane

Hi guys!

We are considering a run from Shawinigan to Hotel Charlevoix (CASINO/CASTLE), then cross at Tadoussac and up over Mont Valin to the HI, then back down to Shawinigan either through L E'Tape or La Tuque. I do not have a trail map in my office and was wondering what the conditions would be like. Would it be smarter to head north right out of Shawinigan to the HI and stay 2 nights up that way and come back? Thanks in advance.

Shane

From Shawinigan you're looking at well over 300 miles if you go the route you are refering to. From the Ferry you have about 140 miles to HI. We start in St. Foy, around the Quebec airport, head 3 east and then go up 83 to the HI that way. It's about 240-250 miles but from Shawinigan add another 40 miles or so. A nice ride would be to go from Shawinigan on 3 west, take 304 east to 369 north to E'Tape and then to the HI. I'm guessing around 230 miles or so because it's about 190 from St. Foy that route.

Shawinigan to Hotel Charlevoix is about 170. Takes a bit longer than normal 170 due to many road crossings near Quebec city.

I just got back on Sunday after 4 1/2 days of riding, We left Auberge mekinack which is about 25 miles North of Shawinigan. We went up the 355 to 83 to 3 across the ferry up through valins and around the lake back to Mekinack, 1020 miles all an 8+ the only thin and icy section was the lower part of 355 but still very passable.The mekinack is a great place to start from, secure and n/c to keep trucks there plus Richard speaks great english.

Gentlemen,

Thank you for all the replies. I have doen these loops multiple times. I have been riding Quebec for 20+ years. You information and assistance is greatly appreciated. My main question/concern was adequate snow cover and grooming of this specific area from folks with first hand knowledge.

Thanks to everyone here for helping myself and each other. That is what makes QR such a great site!

Shane

Gentlemen,

Thank you for all the replies. I have doen these loops multiple times. I have been riding Quebec for 20+ years. You information and assistance is greatly appreciated. My main question/concern was adequate snow cover and grooming of this specific area from folks with first hand knowledge.

Thanks to everyone here for helping myself and each other. That is what makes QR such a great site!

Shane

All the trails are in good shape from what I've heard and read. I'll be in Quebec Friday night, heading north to the HI on Saturday. Will probably go 3 from the Quebec airport up 83. East of the city they still have plenty of snow. The rain actually helped. It froze and created a hard base and then snow fell over it.

All the trails are in good shape from what I've heard and read. I'll be in Quebec Friday night, heading north to the HI on Saturday. Will probably go 3 from the Quebec airport up 83. East of the city they still have plenty of snow. The rain actually helped. It froze and created a hard base and then snow fell over it.

We will be at the HI Saturday night as well. See you in the lounge?