My Snowy Winter Hike to Mont Megantic in Quebec

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My snowy winter hike to the summit of Mont Megantic in Quebec was one of the coldest hikes I have ever done. But it was totally worth it! Keep reading to learn about my experience hiking Mont Megantic in winter, plus helpful trail tips if you are planning your own visit.

Mont Megantic in Quebec

Before I dive into my winter hike experience, it helps to know what makes Mont Megantic such a special place.

Located in southeastern Quebec, Parc national du Mont Megantic is one of the most scenic mountain areas in the province, known for both hiking and astronomy.

This region is also home to the Mont Megantic International Dark Sky Reserve, one of the first designated dark sky parks in the world.

The forest section of the hike was so quiet and beautiful, with heavy snow clinging to every branch.

The park limits light pollution, which creates incredible conditions for stargazing and night sky experiences.

At the summit, you will find the ASTROLab Observatory, which attracts visitors from around the world who come to see the stars.

Even during the day, hiking here feels different, knowing you are climbing a mountain that is famous not only for its trails, but also for the sky above it.

My Hike to Mont Megantic in Winter

Here is a detailed look at my hike, so you know what to expect!

Driving From Maine to Mont Megantic

We drove from Maine to the Mont Megantic region, which for us was about a three-hour trip.

Since we live close to the border, we drive into Canada fairly often, and this was the only time we have ever had an issue crossing.

When we entered Canada, agents stopped us for a full car search, and we waited there for nearly two hours.

We had nothing to hide, and the agents eventually let us through, but I wanted to mention it here as part of the experience.

After researching this entrance, it seems to be a common issue, so just be prepared for extra time if you are coming from Maine.

Thankfully, we had no problems at all when returning back to the United States, only when entering Canada.

Arriving at the Trailhead on a Freezing February Day

After the delay at the border, we arrived at the trailhead around 12:00 PM.

It was later than we would have liked for a winter hike, especially on such a cold February day, but it was the only timing that worked for us.

Starting the climb with trail signs pointing toward the summit.

The temperature was brutal, with a high of 0°F and wind chills closer to -18°F.

I also want to be clear that we have plenty of winter hiking experience, and we have climbed multiple 13,000-foot peaks in Colorado in winter.

I do not recommend this hike in these conditions unless you feel fully prepared, have the right gear, and feel comfortable on serious cold-weather mountain trails.

Putting On Our Winter Gear

Once we parked, we took time to bundle up in full winter gear, including base layers, wool socks, heavy gloves, a thick winter jacket, hats, and everything we would need to stay warm.

We also packed high-protein snacks and water bottles, which are always important on a hike like this.

Trail Stats and What to Know Before You Go

The Mount Megantic Loop is not an easy hike, especially in winter conditions.

The loop is about 7.4 miles long with roughly 1,725 feet of elevation gain.

The hike takes about four and a half hours in summer. But winter conditions often add at least an extra hour, if not more.

The snow on the trees was unreal, every branch looked completely frozen in place as we climbed higher.

The trail starts near the ASTROLab visitor center, where we followed the signs toward the loop.

Snow covered the entire trail, but other hikers had packed it down enough that we skipped snowshoes.

We used microspikes instead, which worked perfectly for the conditions that day.

Snowy Forest Views and the Steep Climb Up

From the very beginning, the hike was a steady climb.

The trail was narrow, with deep snow on either side, so stepping off the path was not really an option.

This part of the forest looked like something out of a winter movie, every tree was completely buried in snow.

There was post-holing along the edges, which made passing other hikers a little tricky.

But everyone was respectful, and we managed.

The first couple of hours were spent hiking through the trees, which helped block some of the wind.

Walking through scenes like this was one of the highlights of our Mont Megantic winter hike

The forest was completely frozen and beautiful, with thick snow piled on every branch and ice clinging to the trees.

It honestly felt unreal, like walking through a winter world that did not even look real.

The Final Stretch Above the Trees

During the last mile, we climbed above the treeline, and that was when the hike became even colder.

The wind hit hard without the shelter of the forest, but it was also one of the most stunning parts of the entire trail.

The trail was beautifully packed down for most of our Mont Megantic winter hike

The views opened up in every direction, and everything looked like an icy tundra.

Even though the cold was intense, this was the section where we stopped the most just to take it all in.

Reaching the Observatory Dome at the Summit

Eventually, we reached the main attraction at the top, the ASTROLab observatory dome.

Seeing it appear around the corner, completely covered in snow and ice, honestly took my breath away.

Reaching the frozen dome was the most unforgettable moment of our Mont Megantic winter hike

It felt like we had stepped onto another planet.

We stayed at the summit for a few minutes, soaking in the views and the atmosphere, before heading back down.

Our hats and faces were completely covered in frost, but we were so happy to make it to the summit.

Proof of how cold it was at the top!

Our hats and faces were completely covered in frost, but we were so happy to make it to the summit.

Taking the Road Down

For the descent, we decided to take the winter road down instead of retracing the trail.

It gave us different views, but to be honest, it felt longer and much colder because we were more exposed without the protection of the trees.

Even the trail signs were coated in ice near the top, a reminder of just how intense the winter conditions were.

Still, the scenery the entire way down was breathtaking, wide open, frozen, and unlike anything I have ever seen on a hike in winter.

We made it back to the car with only a little daylight left.

The summit area felt like an icy tundra during our Mont Megantic winter hike, the wind up here was unreal.

If you plan to hike Mont Megantic in winter, I strongly recommend bringing headlamps just in case the trail takes longer than expected.

Also, starting earlier in the day is also a good idea.

Unless you are trying to take advantage of slightly warmer midday temperatures.

My Final Thoughts on Mont Megantic in Winter

I would have loved to stay for stargazing, since this is such a famous dark sky area, but the cold that day was truly grueling.

I hope to return in the summer so I can experience the ASTROLab observatory in a different season.

What to Wear for a Winter Hike on Mont Megantic

This is everything I wore and packed for our snowy winter hike to the summit. Conditions can change quickly on this mountain, so being prepared is key.