Quebec Renews Historic Ski Trails
Quebec is investing in the renewal of historic backwoods ski trails, some of which were vital links between villages a century ago. The renewed trails are attracting a new wave of outdoor enthusiasts and boosting winter tourism in the province while promoting sustainable use and heritage conservation.
- The renewed trail network in the Laurentian Mountains, developed by the company Les Routes Blanche and overseen by the non-profit preservation group SOPAIR, spans 75 miles of both historic and new trails. - This project revives the historic tradition of village-to-village skiing, which was popular in the early 20th century when "snow trains" brought hundreds of thousands of skiers to the Laurentians. - A key mechanism for land access is a provincial "park tax" established in the 1990s, which requires developers to contribute 10% of a deal's value or land for green spaces and trails. - While a specific government investment figure for this renewal project is not detailed, Quebec did announce a C$11.7 million investment in March 2025 to help tourism in the Laurentians, with a portion dedicated to developing four-season mountain activities. - The revitalization is already showing a positive economic impact, with local businesses such as shuttle services, restaurants, and bed and breakfasts reporting an increase in customers. - The history of skiing in the region is significant, with the first ski tow in North America reportedly invented in Shawbridge in the Laurentians in 1930. - This trail renewal is part of a broader trend of investing in non-motorized, human-powered recreation, which is the fastest-growing segment of winter activities. - In a separate but related investment in the region's trail systems, the Quebec government announced C$2.7 million in July 2023 to upgrade the National Hiking Trail, which includes a 27-kilometer section in the Laurentians.
