FAQ – Snowmobile Rentals & Expeditions in Quebec

Where can I rent a snowmobile in Quebec?

Our snowmobile rental center in Quebec City (Sainte-Brigitte-de-Laval) is located in the heart of nature, 40 minutes north of downtown Quebec City. Ideally situated in the heart of the forest, you can enjoy an experience in the great outdoors, without crossing roads or traveling under power lines. From the very first minute of your ride, the forest opens its doors to you!

Where can I find a snowmobile rental center in Charlevoix?

Our Skidoo Experience Center in Charlevoix is located at the Fairmont Manoir Richelieu in La Malbaie, at 181 Richelieu Street, easily accessible from outside the Golf Karting facility.

Do you offer snowmobile clothing rentals?

Whether in our snowmobile rental center in Quebec or Charlevoix, we provide you with all the essential snowmobile equipment (helmets, balaclava, gloves, overalls, jacket, boots) for our guided and self guided tours.

Is my driver’s license valid?

Yes, if it is translated into French or English

When is the security deposit pre-authorized to my credit card?

The deposit is pre-authorized (frozen) on your card when you complete the snowmobile departure formalities on the day of departure. This amount is unfrozen upon your return if no incidents have occurred.

My partner is apprehensive about driving a snowmobile. Isn’t it too difficult or physically demanding?

Unless you have a disability or a strong aversion to this type of activity, anyone can drive a snowmobile. We have guided women in all regions, even the northernmost ones, and it has never been a problem. Women are often more efficient because they pay closer attention to instructions than men!

Can we switch between driver and passenger positions during the tours?

Yes, at each stop if you wish, as long as all potential drivers meet the requirements : 18 or 21 years old (depending on whether it’s a rental or guided tour) and have a valid driver’s license.

I fear that the snowmobile tour is too sporty for me, how do you know if this snowmobile adventure is really for me?

We make no suggestion snowmobiling adventure in Quebec or elsewhere in Canada without first discussing with you about your expectations, your sports profile for you and your partners. This information allows us to make travel suggestions for you.

Are we allowed to swap positions driver/passenger during the ride?

Yes, at every stops, you may change , the person in charge of the controls has to be 18 or 21 (depend rental only or guided tour) and driver licenced.

What is your equipement and and requirements ?

We made the choice to take all that is best in snowmobile (equipment , snowmobiles , guides, locations, stages, bio- oil Esther … ) and position ourselves in the high-end and luxury services market, in order to offer it to a customers looking for excellence. .
We are the only company to offer routes in wild and regulated spaces ( Faunal reserves) and boreal regions (James Bay Eeyou Istshee , Labrador ) for which we have exclusive partnerships .
All our machines are specially adapted , modified or prepared for the type of course , and all our guides ( white or Autoctones ) VHR are certified at the highest level (IV) for very far adventures and they have experiences to pass on to you .
In our snowmobile adventures ( raids or expeditions ) we start with redundant communication satellite systems and navigation aids last generation , with ongoing monitoring to our offices and service of air support .
We are one of the few companies that have all permits , insurance and accreditation to practice in Canada respecting the rights of consumers and the highest quality standards in adventure tourism.
We are not just sellers, we also welcome you right here in Canada, so we strive to include absolutely everything you really need for your raid without omitting anything (from the balaclava to the professional guide’s salary … . )
In the case of Nordic expeditions, we realize with large exploration efforts on the ground and respect Aboriginal interests .
Our prices are calculated to be certain that you will come back with a smile , and you leave with us if this is the price of guaranteed smile for all, the best service.

Can we do a raid as two on one snowmobile ?

For a short trip up to 2 days with some caution and reserve , we are ready to offer you a duo tour. But keep in mind that the best aspect of this mode of transport can be considered only as single on the snowmobile . Indeed , the passenger can hardly anticipate bumps and holes , and provides an additional challenge to control . The passenger is less well protected against the cold.

Can pilote+passenger do a snowmobile trip in Canada?

Only on trails, and even though the duo option is often offered as an economical choice, you risk turning a costly dream project into a “nightmare” or a lackluster experience that is only barely less expensive. We systematically refuse to offer this alternative if there is a risk that the adventure will not be a complete success.

Will I be in a group with other people?

We only offer tailor-made packages, so we do not have guaranteed departures, which inevitably leads to mixing.

I already went snowmobiling in powder once but it’s exhausting , how it happens when you can no longer move ?

Driving technique in powder is accessible to all people in shape, with or without experience of the snowmobile. Our raids are primarily driving courses for which we give you the “recipe” to progress quickly . While some find it difficult to progress , the fact of the position behind the group allows them to continue on a groomed or partially which makes things much easier.

How does the partial waiver for snowmobiling ?

The partial waiver reduces the amount of liability in case of breakage responsible ( one case involving your responsibility ) this amount allows for example to pass a deductible of $ 2,500 to $ 1,500. Beware of total waiver , selling sometimes often misleading, applicable only on very basic snowmobiles and disabled easily for repeated observations of the guide on your driving …

The case of fire and theft are well understood fully covered by our insurance.

The practice of off-road much less exposed to serious physical hazards . Just as physical risks.

How our luggage they follow our progress ?

Luggage “heavy” suitcase kind will be kept at the starting point and your belongings will accompany you in a waterproof bag specially designed on the back of your snowmobile during the raid . In some expeditions, these bags will be in sleds . In other cases they will follow by plane or 4X4 .

How do we do if there is no snow or not enough?

Our starting points are specially chosen to be very snowy , our rental centers are located in the mountains at the foot of the Laurentian and in the mountains of Charlevoix . The snow has always allowed us to practice our snowmobile raids between December 20 and April 20. If that should occur we change the route to get the optimum conditions.

I’m afraid of being cold on the snowmobile ?

Snowmobiles and hot equipment that we offer you are particularly suitable for this sport in the regions most Borealis ( Northern true ). As with any outdoor activity, the weather is variable and requires adaptability to outdoor conditions. Warm base layers are necessary, as are gloves, as with any winter activity. We offer hot pads, particularly for passengers who are more passive in the rear seat.

How do you do in case of an accident?

The fact that we do not ride ‘ motorways tourist ” greatly reduces the risk of accidents. But in terms of adventure risk 0 does not exist and we strive to make the best possible prevention. (Plan of risk prevention, emergency plan … )

The biggest risk is injury accident, which is why all our guides are certified in first aid in remote areas, they are able to communicate quickly with medical assistance and engage air and ground evacuation. In certain cases involving long-distance expeditions, evacuation may be carried out by the expedition’s aircraft or by Air Médic (air ambulance). This insurance is now included for all our trips of two days and more.

My dates are not flexible, you can offer me a snowmobile trip ?

99% of our services are custom and your stay will be built based on the specifications that you will tell us .

A pregnant woman can she go snowmobiling ?

No, snowmobiling is not recommended for pregnant women.

What is the minimum age to drive and be a passenger on the snowmobile ?

Piloting a snowmobile requires a valid driver’s license and a certificate of training ConduiPro for 16-18 residents of Quebec. The rules of the province of origin apply to Canadians outside Quebec.
For Europeans, a Valid license and at least 18 years are required for guided tours and 21 years old for the rental.
To be passenger, there is no limiting age under provincial legislation in Quebec, however, for raids two days or more, we require a minimum age of 16.
For an introduction on half-day or full day , we recommend a minimum age of 9 years. A child passenger on a snowmobile must have their feet flat in contact with the steps, measure approximately 1.34 meters or 52 3/4 inches. He must be able to keep the upper body straight and also to firmly hold the handles in the rear seat and be seated in the back seat of the snowmobile.
Note the outputs of one day or less, the parent is totally responsible for the maintenance of the child and should ensure that it is fully able to perform the activity and especially appreciate.

Can I go with you on an expedition to Labrador snowmobile or James Bay while I have no experience on a snowmobile ?

The destination is not important , it is a match between your physical and psychological profile, duration, and the period of winter that will allow you to raid one of these regions.

Then I come out to these expeditions with my own machine ?

Yes, as long as it is suitable and in good enough condition to undertake this adventure without spoiling the experience.

How many people groups are formed?

Our treks and expeditions snowmobile consist of 1 to 8 participants per guide depending on the difficulty and distance from the raid. But in most cases, between 2 and 4 participants per guide / instructor.

What types of animals can you meet?

It depends on the type of region crossing.

In the Boreal Forest :