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A large portion of Canada is inaccessible during the winter, making it hard to find a safe and easy hiking spot. Fortunately, Mont-Orford National Park is built for winter lovers, from cross-country ski trails to various winter hiking. Here is everything you need to know for a day trip to Canada’s Mont-Orford National Park this winter.

Mont-Orford National Park

Despite National Park being in the name, Mont-Orford is not one of Canada’s National Parks but one of Quebec’s provincial parks.

The park is named after Mount Orford, which is the highest peak in the region, reaching an elevation of about 850 meters or 2,789 feet.

The mountain offers several hiking trails of varying difficulty levels, allowing visitors to explore the park’s hiking trails while taking in wintery views.

Winter Activities At Mont Orford

While summer attracts visitors looking to camp, fish, hike, and enjoy water sports, winter offers its own unique activities. Here’s a look at some exciting winter options to enjoy at Mont-Orford.

Ice Skating

Mont-Orford National Park has scenic lakes, including Lake Stukely and Lake Fraser.

These lakes are popular destinations for swimming, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing during the summer months.

When the lakes freeze over in the winter, they become ideal ice skating and fishing spots.

Cross Country Skiing

The park is also a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Mont-Orford is infamous for being a ski resort with several downhill skiing trails catering to various skill levels.

Additionally, the park offers numerous cross-country skiing trails.

Snowshoeing & Winter Hiking

In addition to cross-country skiing, there are a variety of snowshoe trails and winter hiking trails that you can enjoy.

I hiked the Le Coyote Winter Hiking Trail and it was magical. Here is a detailed look.

Le Coyote Winter Hiking Trail

This pleasant hike, rated easy, will take you to the Le Vieux-Camp Refuge hut, where you can admire Martin Pond and the Massif des Chênes.

This 3.2 km or 1.9-mile hiking trail departs from the Le Cerisier Discovery and Visitors Center.

The Visitor Center is easy to access during winter, and most hikes leave from this area. They have two large parking lots and staff on-site to help direct you.

From here, you will go from the parking lot past the visitor centers towards the hiking trails.

You will also see a cross-country ski path to the right; stay to the left so as not to ruin the trails.

Then, you will reach the hiking trail signs. Follow the Green Trail for Le Coyote.

The hike takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete. You will walk along a beautiful path until you start a steep uphill climb.

The trail was both snowy and icy, so bring snowshoes or microspikes.

There are some steep sections, which will get your heart rate pumping.

However, it is not too difficult! It’s a great day trip or morning hike to enjoy in Quebec.

Look at the marks on the trees to make sure you are on a snowshoe or hiking trail and not a cross-country ski trail. They are easy to follow!

Winter Hike Mont Orford Directions

Mont-Orford National Park is located in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec, Canada, near the town of Orford.

Winter Hike Mont Orford Map

There are maps throughout the National Park. But if you want to plan in advance you can review the Mont Orford Map.

Do You Need Reservations?

Yes, you do; in fact, the park was sold during my visit on a Saturday after a snowfall. Those who did not have one were turned away at the gate.

You can purchase your reservations in advance on their website. It costs $9.55 per adult for each day you want to visit. Y

our reservation is valid all day as it’s not a timed entry.

I highly recommend doing this in advance if the park sells out before your visit.

Explore More

I suggest staying in Magog; there are so many things to do in this charming Canadian town in the winter.

Dine at The Most Gourmet Dinner Spot In Magog, Au Comptoir MarCel!

Then soak your worries away at The Best Nordic Spa Near Magog: Spa Bolton.

Here is what you need to know about The Best Ice Skating in Magog.

Read all of my Canada Travel Guides!