Montcalm: Trails, Cross-Country Skiing and Climbing

Montcalm brings together several distinct travel themes: a municipal network of interpretive trails, cross-country skiing in winter, technical climbing routes and the multi-use Corridor aérobique. There is also the Jackrabbit Ecological Reserve. If you are planning a hotel stay, you can start by considering which of these activities will be the main focus of your trip.

Hiking the Interpretive Trails

The municipal network of interpretive trails consists of three trails with a combined length of more than 8.4 kilometres. Wildlife interpretation panels accompany the network. The trails combine outdoor exercise with information about the wildlife featured on the panels.

The trail network was renovated in 2014 and new viewpoints were added. The panels and viewpoints provide additional points of interest for visitors exploring the trails on foot. Since trail conditions and panel availability can change, it is a good idea to check locally before setting out.

Cross-Country Skiing and the Corridor aérobique

The Montcalm cross-country ski trail is open free of charge every winter for skate skiing and classic cross-country skiing. Snow and operating conditions vary, so check local conditions before your outing. The route description runs from kilometre 29.8 in Montcalm to kilometre 22.9 in Lac-des-Seize-Îles. These two kilometre markers help you locate the described route.

The 58-kilometre Corridor aérobique brings together several activities. It is a multi-use recreational trail on a former railway line, used for cycling, hiking and cross-country skiing. In Montcalm, there are two access points at kilometre 30. Access point 2 has parking, washrooms, drinking water and food services. Since amenities at an access point can change, check what is important for your plans before heading there.

When choosing an activity, the distinction between a single winter activity and a trail with multiple uses makes it easier to decide: the cross-country ski trail focuses on skate and classic styles, while the Corridor aérobique also accommodates cycling and hiking, in addition to cross-country skiing. The former has the specific kilometre markers listed above; the latter is 58 kilometres long.

Climbing and Community Activities

The Mont Larose–Weir climbing area in Montcalm has long, technical routes. From the parking lot, it is a short walk to the area. To climb, you need an FQME membership or a day membership. Check the membership requirement before your visit, as this operating requirement may change.

Another offering is the Montcalm art group. It meets on Monday afternoons from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the community centre at 33 rue du Lac-Rond Nord. Activities include painting, watercolour painting, drawing and wood carving; participation is free. If you would like to include the group in your travel plans, check the schedule and venue before you arrive.

The Jackrabbit Ecological Reserve

The Jackrabbit Ecological Reserve is in Montcalm and covers 750 hectares. It adds a large protected area to the municipality’s range of outdoor activities. Together, the offerings described here showcase different options for a stay: trails with wildlife panels and viewpoints, winter cross-country skiing, the varied uses of the Corridor aérobique and technical climbing routes. You can use Montcalm as a starting point for your hotel search and plan your trip around the activity that interests you most.

Discover more destinations: Saint-Jacques, Arthabaska, Lotbinière, La Vallée-De-La-Gatineau, Drummond, Rivière-Du-Loup, L'amiante, Pierre-De Saurel.

For the broader travel overview: Quebec.