7 accessible and inclusive outdoor activities to make the most of winter

When our forests are blanketed in snow, Québec transforms into a giant playground for true winter enthusiasts! Are you looking for thrills or calm serenity in nature? Choose from a range of inclusive activities provided by a number of companies that strive to make the outdoors accessible to everyone.

Dogsledding

Planning an unforgettable dogsledding experience is a great way to embrace the sub-zero temperatures. Take off on an exhilarating ride along snow-laden trails, guided by a musher and their spirited team of dogs. A number of organizations, like Kinadapt, accommodate their participants’ needs so that everyone can partake in the magic of this activity, and do so in complete safety.

Downhill skiing

Our snow-covered mountains are a delight—day and night!—for downhill skiers dof all levels. About ten ski resorts across the province offer increasingly popular adaptive equipment, companions and private lessons to meet the needs of every beginner skier.

Cross-country skiing

Fortunately, cross-country skiing is adaptable to different skier profiles. At several sports centres, including Base de plein air de Sainte-Foy, you can rent a sit‑ski (a chair-like sled mounted on skis) to head out alone or accompanied on cross-country ski trails. Build your endurance as you journey through magical landscapes to the sound of crisp snow beneath your skis.

Ice skating

In Québec, if there’s one activity we love doing as a group every winter, it’s ice skating. And we’ve got lots of welcoming ice rinks that offer different types of rentals for a fun and safe experience: a Lugiglace (a support for wheelchairs for moving around on the ice), an adjustable walker or a tubular sled chair. Perfect for reliving that joyful sensation of gliding across the ice!

Kicksledding

Originally used as a means of transportation in Scandinavian countries, here it’s used more as a recreational snow toy! Grip the handles of this sled on skis and glide in long strides across the scenic snowy trails of Parc national Forillon or Sainte-Catherine’s RécréoParc (French only), to name a few. The kicksled is designed to accommodate a passenger, or to attach your faithful four-legged companion with a harness.

📷 Parc national Forillon © M. Dupuis

Winter hiking

Craving the outdoors and connecting with nature? Then our incredible national parks are the place to be with their breathtaking scenery. Many of the parks strive to accommodate their visitors’ varying levels of mobility and they provide Ski-Vels and Hippocampe all-terrain wheelchairs free of charge. If you’re keen for even more excitement and thrills, BivouaQ is the answer. Sign up for a short or long excursion, with equipment provided to accommodate all types of hikers.

Snowmobiling

This winter, treat yourself to the exhilarating experience of travelling through our magnificent forests on a snowmobile! Some companies such as Arctic Aventure and Nord Expé specialize in snowmobile rentals and arrange guided excursions for drivers and passengers of varying physical abilities. Thanks to the right equipment, you can set off with confidence to explore our vast territory along miles of sparkling trails.

Indoor climbing

Even when the weather tempts you to keep warm indoors, you can still stay active and shake up your routine! Accès Grimpe (French only) offers climbing events and activities in a stimulating and safe environment for people living with disabilities. After all, reaching new heights is a universal quest!