The Chic-Choc Mountains are one of my favorite places in Quebec.
With 25 peaks at over 1000 meters, it's one of the best places to practice your favorite winter activity.
We did a quick trip over there last weekend, as I really wanted to show this region to my fiancee.
Our "Expedition" vehicle for this trip - a reliable 2006 Toyota Matrix. All stock except for the winter tires...it took some time explaining to my Californian partner than unlike Americans in Lake Tahoe in the winter, we Canadians don't need chains or lifted 4x4s with 32" tires to get around in the snow.
Getting ready for the road, with all the essential equipments.
Once you pass Rimouski, the St-Laurent river becomes much wider.
The river has always played a big role in the local economy.
Unfortunately, this economy is not always the strongest.
Tourism has helped a little bit.
Growing up in Quebec there were a few things you could be sure to see in every village - a church, an ice rink, and a strip club.
The clubs are all gone, the churches are mostly empty, but the ice rinks are still around.
We finally reached Matane where we spent the night.
Is there anything more cool than checking in with your snowmobile?
We hit the road again and saw our first moose...
Getting closer to Mount Albert.
We eventually reached the base station and got ready for the walk.
Wearing the right outfit helps.
Time to hit the trail!
The main road becomes cross-country skiing paradise!
Scenery is amazing.
A few hours later we reached the summit!
It was time to hit the road again.
It was a long drive back home.
Which allowed us to see more churches.
And covered bridges.
This sign was part of a controversial campaign many years ago. They took away most of them but apparently forgot a few.
Basically it says: "Be careful with our children - this could be yours"
It was unfortunately too brief but we will back soon.
Feb/March is the best time to hit that area, that's when the bowls are full of snow!
With 25 peaks at over 1000 meters, it's one of the best places to practice your favorite winter activity.
We did a quick trip over there last weekend, as I really wanted to show this region to my fiancee.
Our "Expedition" vehicle for this trip - a reliable 2006 Toyota Matrix. All stock except for the winter tires...it took some time explaining to my Californian partner than unlike Americans in Lake Tahoe in the winter, we Canadians don't need chains or lifted 4x4s with 32" tires to get around in the snow.
Getting ready for the road, with all the essential equipments.
Once you pass Rimouski, the St-Laurent river becomes much wider.
The river has always played a big role in the local economy.
Unfortunately, this economy is not always the strongest.
Tourism has helped a little bit.
Growing up in Quebec there were a few things you could be sure to see in every village - a church, an ice rink, and a strip club.
The clubs are all gone, the churches are mostly empty, but the ice rinks are still around.
We finally reached Matane where we spent the night.
Is there anything more cool than checking in with your snowmobile?
We hit the road again and saw our first moose...
Getting closer to Mount Albert.
We eventually reached the base station and got ready for the walk.
Wearing the right outfit helps.
Time to hit the trail!
The main road becomes cross-country skiing paradise!
Scenery is amazing.
A few hours later we reached the summit!
It was time to hit the road again.
It was a long drive back home.
Which allowed us to see more churches.
And covered bridges.
This sign was part of a controversial campaign many years ago. They took away most of them but apparently forgot a few.
Basically it says: "Be careful with our children - this could be yours"
It was unfortunately too brief but we will back soon.
Feb/March is the best time to hit that area, that's when the bowls are full of snow!
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