Snowmobiling in Duhamel and Lac Simon: Trails, Direct Access and Where to Stay

When snow settles around Lac Simon, Duhamel becomes a natural starting point for snowmobiling: forest, rolling hills and marked trails within easy reach. Whether you're coming as a couple for the weekend, with the family or with friends from Quebec or Ontario, here is what you need to know to plan your trip, from the trails to where to put down your bags.

Snowmobile trails around Duhamel

The Maraudeurs network: about 150 km

Around Duhamel, the trails are maintained by the club Les Maraudeurs (13-760). Its network covers about 150 km between Duhamel, Lac-des-Plages and La Minerve. That's enough to build several different days without covering the same ground twice: an easy loop in the morning, a longer one after lunch, or a ride from one village to the next.

If you're looking for snowmobile trails in the Outaouais that combine forest and welcoming villages, this corner of the Petite-Nation deserves a place on your map.

The Trans-Québec 43 toward Papineau-Labelle

From Lac Simon, the Trans-Québec 43 leads toward the Papineau-Labelle wildlife reserve. It's a crossing through deep forest, more of an escape than the stretches that run alongside villages. It will appeal to riders who like to feel they're really getting away, as long as they prepare well (see below).

Direct trail access from the motel

This is one of the big advantages of staying at Motel du Lac Simon: access to the snowmobile and ATV trails is direct. You head out in the morning and come back to the same place in the evening, with no access point to hunt for.

For groups, it's a real simplification: everyone leaves and returns together, and there's no logistics of transport between your lodging and the start of the trails.

Preparing your ride

A few good habits before leaving Duhamel:

• Check trail conditions with the club Les Maraudeurs before each outing. Conditions change with snowfall and weather.
• Find out about the trail access fee or pass required to ride, especially if you're coming from outside Quebec.
• Plan your stops (fuel, breaks, meals) before heading toward Papineau-Labelle: in the forest, don't count on a service stop around every bend.
• Ride in a group and tell someone your planned route. Pack spare warm clothing.
• Allow some margin: check-in is from 4 p.m. and check-out is by 11 a.m.

Coming with a trailer? Call us at 438 448-0131 before your stay to make sure there's enough parking space.

Where to stay: choosing your accommodation

The motel is open year-round and offers three types of accommodation, depending on the size of your group and the comfort you're after.

Classic Rooms: the essentials, done well

Starting at $140 a night, the Classic Rooms suit couples and small groups. Each has a small fridge, a microwave, a drip coffee maker, a wall-mounted air conditioner, a 43-inch smart TV (no cable) and a bathroom with a tub-shower. Several rooms have two queen beds, or one queen bed and a sofa bed, for up to four guests.

Comfort Suites: more room to slow down

Starting at $225 a night, the Comfort Suites sleep up to five with two queen beds and a sofa bed in the living room. They come with a fully equipped kitchen (stove, dishwasher, microwave and more), a dining area and a living room. A good choice if you'd like to cook after a day on the trails.

Signature Apartment: for the big group

The Signature Apartment sleeps up to nine in three closed bedrooms, with two bathrooms, a spacious windowed living room and a 75-inch TV. It also has a four-season sunroom with foosball and a games table, plus a washer and dryer. Rates start at $850 for two nights: a great fit for a weekend with friends or extended family.

Rates are "starting from" prices: the exact amount appears when you book. A security deposit is required ($250 for a Classic Room, $500 for a Comfort Suite, $750 for the Signature Apartment), and the person booking must be at least 21 years old.

Traveling with a pet? Some units accept animals, for a fee: rooms 1 to 6 and suites A and B. Details are provided when you book.

After the ride: warming up

A great day on the sled ends best around a fire. The motel's fire pit, with its Adirondack chairs, is set up for all four seasons. Inside, the lobby has a Keurig coffee corner, an ice machine and a pay washer and dryer. Wi-Fi is available, and parking is on site.

A relaxation area with spas and a sauna is currently under construction. Details will be announced when it opens: see the Spa and sauna page to follow the project.

What if not everyone rides?

Snowmobiling doesn't have to be everyone's thing. Just 3 km from the motel, the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon maintains 17 km of cross-country ski trails and also offers snowshoeing, sledding, skating, dogsledding and ice-fishing packages. In the village, 300 m away, the outdoor rink awaits families. For more ideas, see our winter activities and our detailed page on snowmobiling and winter trails.

Book your snowmobile getaway in Duhamel

Between the Maraudeurs network, the Trans-Québec 43 and direct trail access, Duhamel has plenty to fill a long winter weekend. All that's left is choosing your lodging: book online or call Motel du Lac Simon at 438 448-0131. We'll be here to welcome you, with hot coffee and the fire going.