Ski-Shoeing in Jacques-Cartier National Park from Quebec City

Master ski-shoeing technique on a winter forest trek

Ski-shoeing is a guided activity in Jacques-Cartier National Park where you learn a hybrid technique combining cross-country skiing and snowshoeing over 3 hours. The trek starts with equipment setup and basic technique on easier terrain, then moves to more technical ground where you practice telemark descents before returning to the trailhead. Hotel pickup from Quebec City, all gear, lunch and a professional guide in English or French are included. Children from age 10 are welcome.

The experience

Ski-shoeing equipment arrives with you: skis that are shorter and wider than cross-country skis, paired with boots that let you walk uphill without removing them. The guide spends the first kilometres teaching you how to move in them and how to climb, which takes you to a refuge for a lunch break. From there, the terrain gets steeper: you'll practice telemark turns (a technique that lets you descend while staying in control) before the return to the starting point. The whole day runs 4 hours from pickup in Quebec City to drop-off, with the guided activity itself lasting 3 hours once you arrive at the park.

The guide teaches as you go, pointing out the Quebec forest, the area's history and the winter landscape around you. You'll have chances to photograph the scenery and to ask questions about what you're learning. A hot beverage and lunch with a vegetarian option are provided. Dress in winter layers, a warm coat, hat and gloves, and bring hiking boots or sturdy sneakers. The tour runs in all weather as long as snow conditions allow. If snow or weather forces a cancellation, you get an alternative date or a full refund.

What’s included

• All ski-shoeing equipment and boots.
• professional guide in English or French.
• round-trip hotel pickup from Quebec City.
• lunch with vegetarian option.
• hot beverage.
• all taxes and fees.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Last departure this season: 31 Oct

Book up to9h before

AgesAdult (18 and older) · Youth (10 to 17 years) · Under 10: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10

Live guideEnglish and French

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Quatre Natures

Is this one for you?Small groups keep the pace manageable and let the guide give real attention to technique: ideal if you want to actually learn ski-shoeing rather than just try it once. The fixed 3-hour guided time means you're not wandering on your own. The instruction is built in.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and French.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (10 to 17 years). Children under 10 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between ski-shoeing and regular snowshoeing?

Ski-shoeing uses skis paired with boots that let you walk uphill without removing them, so you can climb and descend more efficiently than you would on snowshoes alone. The guide teaches you telemark turns, a technique for controlled descents, which you practice on the steeper section of the trek.

Do I need skiing experience to join this?

No. The guide teaches easy-to-follow techniques from the start, and the tour is designed for both beginners and experienced skiers. The first part of the trek lets you practice on gentler terrain before moving to more technical ground.

What's included in the price?

All ski-shoeing equipment, a professional guide, round-trip hotel pickup from Quebec City, lunch with a vegetarian option available, and a hot beverage are included. Winter clothing and gratuities are not included.

How fit do I need to be?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The tour is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. The guide adjusts the pace to the group.

When does the day start and end?

Pickup from your Quebec City hotel is at 9 am, arrival at the park is 10 am, and the guided activity runs from 10:30 am to 2 pm. You depart the park at 3 pm and return to Quebec City by 4 pm.