Why travel hundreds of kilometres to find adventure when only twenty minutes from downtown Montréal you can find magnificent parks for cross-country skiing and 250 kilometres of snowmobiling trails. In Laval, winter is perfectly spiced with outdoor activities easily accessible to the intire family.

Club de Motoneige Laval

Snowmobiling in Laval? Yes it's possible! Come the first day of winter thousands of snowmobile enthusiasts are hitting the 60-kilometre marked trails maintained by the Club de Motoneige Laval. The Club also maintains 40 other kilometres of trails that link Laval's bordering regions. Members of the Club are proud of their great cabin located near Highway 19 and Mille-Îles Boulevard where they can warm up and grab a bite. Visitors with an access right can leave their trailers in the large parking lot and go explore the territory, and make some interesting discoveries. Some trails run alongside Mille-Îles River and across wooded areas, particularly in the western part of the island. Members have also access to all trails in Québec as well as to repair, restoration and rental snowmobile services in Laval. Snowmobilers must ride safely on the trails where twelve agents ensure constant surveillance. To learn more about the complete 2011 winter activity schedule, consult the Internet site.

Access fees:
Yearly, $300; weekly, $185; three days, $100. Access fees available by contacting the Club directly or at the cabin.

12, place Le Royer
450 663-2840
www.clubdemotoneigelavalinc.com
 

Centre de la nature

This huge green space offers five kilometres of cross-country ski trails. The loop-shaped trail makes it possible to shorten or gengthen the distance. On site: an immense skating rink on the large lake (maintained professionally with resurfacing equipment), slides and trails for strolling. The farm, greenhouse and pony carousel are open all year long. Downhill ski beginners’ lessons on weekends for kids 5 to 8 years old. Services: parking, changing room, restrooms and snack bar. Equipment rental: skates and cross-country skis, $5 for a period of three hours; tubes, $3/h. Parking: $6 per vehicle (free upon presentation of the Avantages Laval card). Free admission. Groups: mandatory reservation (special rates).

Services:
Changing room, restrooms, snack bar.
Equipment rental: skates and cross-country skis, $5 for a period of three hours; tubes, $3/h; parking, $6 per vehicle (free upon presentation of the Avantages Laval card).

Admission:
Free admission. Groups: mandatory reservation (special rates).

901, avenue du Parc (Saint-Vincent-de-Paul)
450 662-4942
www.ville.laval.qc.ca
 

Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

Welcome to a natural environment for walking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing on a three trails stretching on 13 kilometers that crosses river and islands. Also, river bank skating rink and slides. Ice fishing turnkey packages. Accessible from Old Sainte-Rose. Services: parking, heated relay stations, toilets. Free admission. Ice fishing: $95 for a complete day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; $65 for hal-day, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Maximum of 6 persons per hut. Reservation are mandatory for ice fishing. Schedule: January to March, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

13, rue Hotte (Sainte-Rose)
450 622-1020
www.www.parc-mille-iles.qc.ca
 

Bois Duvernay

This wooded site offers 25 kilometres of cross-country trails that criss-cross a maple grove and farming zones. A great site for bird watching!

2830, boulevard Saint-Elzéar Est (Duvernay)
450 661-1766
 

Bois Papineau

Come for a stroll and admire the diversified fauna and flora. In winter, trails are used for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

3235, boulevard Saint-Martin Est (Duvernay)
450 662-4901
 

Ferme L’Auteuilloise

This operating farm offers a new twist on dogsledding called pony luge, where the dog team is replaced by a pony pulling a luge. An outing lasts one hour and takes you through nature alternating between fields and woods.
Admission: $60 per sled (2 adults and one child). Also available: horseback riding, on-skate sleigh rides in winter and wheeled sleigh rides in summer, beginner’s pony rides for children and horseback riding lessons. Schedule: depending on snow cover. Free visit to the farm with the purchase of one activity.

The Ferme L'Auteuilloise also proposes a brand new out-of-the-ordinary activity: skijoring. The concept is simple: the skier is pulled by a horse. The two-session package includes an indoor practice, a practice in an outdoor ring, and the ride in the trails with a qualified instructor. The activity takes place in a beautiful country-feel setting and lasts approximately one hour. Admission: $30 per person for each 30-minute period. Schedule: depending on the snow cover.

830, boulevard des Mille-Îles (Auteuil)
450 625-5586
www.fermelauteuilloise.com
 

Parc régional du Bois de Belle-Rivière

This regional park has several trails maintained for sliding sports and various family activities including 7.5 kilometres of cross-country ski trails, and 6 kilometres of walking trails plus several trails of snowshoeing. Tube sliding and horseback riding are two fun activities to discover on the site. Dogs on a leach are accepted on the site ($).

Services:
Rental of shelters; rental of tubes; free parking; dogs on a leach accepted.

Admission:
Adults, $3.54; children 6-16, $0.89.

9009, route Arthur-Sauvé (Mirabel) (ouside Laval)
450 258-4924
www.boisdebelleriviere.com