Baie-Sainte-Catherine awakens each winter as the Winter Trails Festival invites adventurers to traverse its icy paths and frosted forests. Located at the gateway to the Saguenay–St. Lawrence Marine Park, this festival offers a blend of nature’s raw power and accessible trail experiences, challenging hikers and outdoor lovers to engage with winter on its own terms.

Trails wind through crisp, snow-packed forests where branches bear the weight of fresh snow that seems to hold its breath in quiet stillness. The frozen Saguenay River dares you to peer over its edge, its icy currents locked beneath a drifting snow veil. Elevation gains here are modest, averaging around 150 meters over 5 to 8 kilometers per trail, but the winter footing demands careful attention. Trails vary from well-groomed paths to lightly tracked powder runs, providing choices that suit casual walkers to more seasoned winter hikers.

Expect sharp, refreshing air that pushes your lungs to keep pace with the rhythmic crunch underfoot. Footwear with solid grip is vital—snowshoes or crampons may be necessary on stretches where icy crusts glue together tighter. Hydration remains crucial despite the cold as the body works hard to regulate temperature, with insulated water bottles recommended to keep fluids unfrozen.

Timing your hikes between late morning and early afternoon maximizes daylight and safety. The festival atmosphere adds bursts of energy with guided treks, storytelling by fire pits, and local artisans showcasing crafts that speak to the region’s rugged character. Whether you're pausing to spot a snowshoe hare darting across the path or admiring the stark geometry of frost on cedar bark, each moment reinforces the forest’s fiercely independent spirit.

To prepare, layer your clothing strategically—breathable base layers topped with insulated, moisture-wicking outerwear. The wind can bite unexpectedly along ridge crests, while sheltered valleys offer brief pockets of calm. Even on relatively short routes, readiness is the difference between an invigorating outing and a rushed retreat.

Baie-Sainte-Catherine in winter offers a trail experience both accessible and demanding, safe yet dynamic. The Winter Trails Festival transforms this encounter into a celebration of winter’s challenges and fleeting beauty. It's a call to step out, respect the season’s rhythms, and find both solitude and community along trails that are, above all, alive with winter’s own pulse.