Top 10 best ATV trails in Quebec

Published on: Aug 15, 2026
Top 10 best ATV trails in Quebec alt

Summary

The best ATV trails in Quebec are found in Hautes-Laurentides, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Mauricie, Charlevoix, Monts-Valin, Lac-Saint-Jean, Outaouais, Abitibi-Témiscamingue, Bas-Saint-Laurent and Gaspésie.

Our selection includes:

  • Hautes-Laurentides: a vast network of trails rideable in summer and winter.
  • Saint-Michel-des-Saints and Lanaudière: several routes accessible to beginners.
  • Mékinac: including the popular loop around Lac Mékinac.
  • Charlevoix: mountainous routes with spectacular viewpoints.
  • Monts-Valin: many four-season trails with relays and lodging.
  • Lac-Saint-Jean: the Passerelle du 49e and its boreal forest scenery.
  • Petite Nation: a destination that is easy to reach from Montreal.
  • Vallée-de-l'Or: forest trails near Val-d'Or.
  • La Mitis: a particularly interesting summer destination.
  • Gaspésie: nearly 2,600 km of marked trails, including several routes in La Matapédia.

Our selection of the 10 best destinations for ATV riding

1. Hautes-Laurentides

With more than 1,691 km of ATV trails in Quebec, and more than 1,455 km in winter, the Laurentians are an all-season option.

Its landscapes combine forests, mountains and lakes, offering breathtaking natural views. You can make the most of them on one of the best 2026 ATVs.

You will find trails for almost all experience levels, and the region is full of inns, relays and other welcoming services.

The Hautes-Laurentides offer uparalleled winter ATV trails in Quebec, as well as multi-season routes for every skill level.

ATV riding on a wooded trail in the Hautes-Laurentides.
ATV riding on a trail near a lake in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Lanaudière.

2. Saint-Michel-des-Saints and northern Lanaudière

The small municipality of Saint-Michel-des-Saints is a junction for several routes in northern Lanaudière. You can fuel up or stay overnight before tackling 1,085 km of summer trails and 971 km in winter throughout the region.

Accessible and plentiful, there are several beginner ATV trails in this area.

It is also a good pick for riders of all levels, and Lanaudière's natural scenery is as varied as it is beautiful, offering what many consider to be some of the most beautiful ATV trails in Quebec.

3. Mékinac in Mauricie

The loop around Lac Mékinac is a classic ATV ride in Quebec, but it is a fairly long route and not easy to recommend for beginners.

The Mékinac area and Mauricie are ready to welcome you with many hotels and restaurants to make your trip easier.

Aerial view of a lake surrounded by autumn forest in the Mékinac area, Mauricie.
Two ATVs parked on a wooded trail in Charlevoix.

4. Charlevoix

A very mountainous region, Charlevoix's circuits rank among the most popular quad trails in Quebec for riders who love elevation.

You can admire the mountains and picturesque fields, and take advantage of your stops to chat with welcoming locals.

5. Monts-Valin

With several relays and routes crossing multiple municipalities, the Monts-Valin area in Saguenay is full of ATV trails with lodging.

Most ATV trails are open year-round, which makes it an excellent ATV destination regardless of your comfort level or favourite season.

Red side-by-side riding on a rocky trail in the Monts-Valin area.
ATV riding on a grassy trail in the Lac-Saint-Jean circuits.

6. Lac-Saint-Jean

One of the most complete regions, the Lac-Saint-Jean circuits offer more than 30,000 km of some of the most beautiful ATV trails.

Among these, the Passerelle du 49e is a 236 km trail that showcases the beauty of the boreal forest north of Lac-Saint-Jean.

7. Petite Nation in Outaouais

In Outaouais, Petite Nation features several ATV trails in Quebec.

Its proximity to Montreal makes it an excellent destination for ATV enthusiasts who live in the city.

Line of ATVs riding on a wooded trail in Petite Nation, Outaouais.
ATV riding on a muddy trail in Vallée-de-l'Or, Abitibi-Témiscamingue.

8. Vallée-de-l'Or in Abitibi-Témiscamingue

Abitibi-Témiscamingue offers routes that are among the best ATV trails in Quebec, just minutes from downtown Val-d'Or.

The area is known for its forest landscapes, and the proximity to an urban centre makes it a great choice for beginner riders.

9. La Mitis in Bas-Saint-Laurent

An excellent region to discover quad trails in Quebec in summer, La Mitis has fewer winter routes than many other areas.

However, enjoying family ATV trails is a great way to make a stopover on a trip toward Gaspé.

Close-up of an ATV rider on a wooded trail in La Mitis, Bas-Saint-Laurent.
Line of ATVs riding near a lake in the Gaspésie circuits.

10. Gaspésie circuits

With nearly 2,600 km of marked trails, Gaspésie is ideal for planning your ATV itinerary in Quebec.

Among the many ATV circuits you will find in Gaspésie, La Matapédia stands out, with more than 700 km of very well-maintained ATV routes on its own.

How to choose your ATV trail?

Based on your experience level

For beginners, it is recommended to prioritize regions that offer a wider network of quad trails in Quebec, such as the Hautes-Laurentides, Gaspésie or Lanaudière.

It will be easier to decide where to ride ATVs in Quebec if more options are available nearby.

If you are looking for an ATV suited to your experience level, you may be tempted by the Polaris Sportsman 570 vs. CAN-AM Outlander 500, two versatile and affordable ATVs.

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By season

Some regions are less suitable for quad rides in Quebec during winter. Often, very small areas like La Mitis in Bas-Saint-Laurent offer fewer options during the cold season.

By services and lodging

To enjoy services and lodging near ATV trails in Quebec, it is always useful to consult an interactive map, such as the one on the Fédération Québécoise des Clubs Quads website, before you depart.

Many of the best ATV trails in Quebec take you far from civilization to showcase stunning scenery. It is always better to plan your route.

What to check before an ATV ride?

Before you head onto a quad trail in Quebec, make sure your ATV is in good working order and has enough fuel for the trip.

Bring your personal gear, including protective equipment and a tool kit, so you can handle the unexpected.

Finally, consult a map to get a good idea of the route and avoid getting lost along the way.

Summary table of the best ATV trails in Quebec

Here is an overview of the best ATV trails in Quebec:

RegionExample of a recommended route
Hautes-LaurentidesParc régional et relais de la Montagne du Diable
Saint-Michel-des-SaintsTour du Lac-Taureau loop
MékinacPiste 11 loop
CharlevoixTrail toward L'Étape
Monts-ValinKilomètre 31 trail
Lac-Saint-JeanPasserelle du 49e
Petite NationMain corridor
Vallée-de-l'OrToward Lac Fallon
La MitisLa Mitis quad route
GaspésieChic-Chocs panoramic

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FAQ

Where can you find the best ATV trails in Quebec?

The Laurentians offer lots of variety and trails of different levels. It is one of the best regions for ATV riding in Quebec.

How many kilometres of ATV trails are there in Quebec?

The Fédération Québécoise des Clubs Quads (FQCQ) includes nearly 25,000 km of winter, summer and four-season trails.

On top of that, there are several thousand kilometres of private, multi-use and public routes.

How do you know if an ATV trail is open?

The FQCQ offers a map that shows trail conditions in real time. Otherwise, you can often find out that a trail is closed through social media or posted warnings near the area.

Do you need a pass to ride on federated trails?

Yes, you must purchase a pass from the Club that manages the federated trails you want to ride before you use them.

Can you ride ATVs year-round in Quebec?

Yes, there are thousands of kilometres of winter trails in Quebec.

SOURCES