Mont-Catherine: Ziplines & Hike

If you’re looking for an activity that combines outdoor adventure with breathtaking scenery in Quebec, the Mont-Catherine Ziplines & Hike tour deserves a spot on your list. This guided experience promises an exhilarating ride from mountain summit to summit, complemented by a scenic 45-minute hike through the snow-dusted Laurentian forests.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the long, high-altitude zip lines—a 3,000-foot descent soaring 377 feet above the treetops, followed by a second thrilling run over 2,132 feet long. Second, the beautiful winter landscape that envelops the hike, offering views of rocky cliffs and expansive forest. Third, the warm, inviting teepees where you can catch your breath and warm up before each zip. That said, a minor consideration is the shorter-than-expected tour duration, which some reviewers noted as being less than two hours despite the advertised length.

This experience works best for active travelers who love a mix of physical activity and adventure, and for families with children over 5 years old who are comfortable with outdoor winter conditions. If you’re after a fun, adrenaline-pumping outing with scenic rewards and a cozy touch, this tour checks most boxes.

Good To Know

• Scenic hike: The 45-minute trek through a maple forest offers stunning Laurentian mountain views.
• High-adrenaline zip lines: Two mega zip lines promise a memorable flight, with heights and lengths that excite.
• Comfort & safety: Helmets are provided and mandatory; snowshoes or micro-spikes are available if needed.
• Warm up in style: Heated teepees at the summit add a cozy element to the adventure.
• Family-friendly: Suitable for children aged 5+ (over 50 lbs) and those comfortable with cold weather.
• Efficient experience: Typically lasts 2 to 2.5 hours, but reviews suggest the actual activity might be slightly shorter.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect During the Tour

Meeting & Preparation

The tour begins at the designated meeting point, which may vary based on your booking. The group is guided by guides who speak both English and French, making it accessible for a wide range of travelers. Helmets are mandatory and provided at the start, ensuring safety on the zip lines. You’ll also receive snowshoes or micro-spikes if the conditions require extra grip, especially handy in winter.

The Hike Up Mont-Catherine

The journey kicks off with a 45-minute hike up the mountain (roughly 1.3 km). This part is relatively easy, but the focus is on enjoying the snow-covered landscape. The hike takes you through a maple forest, with rocky cliffs and panoramic views of the Laurentian Mountains. You might want to bring a hat, scarf, gloves, and warm clothing—layers are always better in winter, and micro-spikes can help with icy patches.

The Heated Teepees & Scenic Views

Once at the summit, you get a chance to warm up in a heated teepee. This cozy space provides a brief respite before the adrenaline rush. The view from the summit offers a striking backdrop: snow-laden trees, rocky cliffs, and expansive mountain vistas, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the serenity.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Zipline Thrills

The main event involves flying down two mega zip lines. The first, at 3,000 feet long, soars 377 feet above the treetops. It’s a true adrenaline rush, with a smooth glide and plenty of opportunities to take in the scenery from above. The second zip is slightly shorter but equally exciting—at 2,132 feet long, it offers another chance to skim the treetops, with the added thrill of elevation. Expect to feel the wind in your hair and the thrill of flying over the winter landscape.

The Return & Wrap-up

After the second zip, you’ll make your way back to the starting point by the same trail, completing the roughly 2-hour guided experience. The guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and safety-conscious, creating a relaxed yet exciting atmosphere. One reviewer appreciated the guides’ kindness, noting they were “super nice,” which enhances the overall experience.

Value & Practicalities

Pricing & What’s Included

At $92 per person, this experience offers a good value for thrill-seekers and outdoor lovers. Included are helmets (mandatory for safety), snowshoes or micro-spikes if you need them, and a guide who speaks English and French. The tour also provides a cozy element with the heated teepees, making the outdoor experience more comfortable during winter.

Duration & Booking Flexibility

Most tours last between 2 and 2.5 hours, typically available in the morning and afternoon. The ability to reserve now and pay later offers flexibility, especially useful if your plans change unexpectedly. Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, providing peace of mind.

What to Bring

To ensure comfort and safety, pack good warm clothing, including a hat (without a pompom), gloves, scarf, and warm shoes. Goggles are recommended for eye protection, particularly if snow or ice is flying during the zip. Remember, backpacks are not allowed on the zip lines, so keep essentials to a minimum.

Access & Group Size

The meeting point varies depending on your booking, but the tour is designed for small groups, enhancing the personalized feel. Because the hike and zip lines are guided, group size isn’t likely to be overwhelming, ensuring plenty of individual attention.

Real Traveler Insights & Tips

One traveler from France praised the “really fun activity for the family,” highlighting the guides’ kindness. This suggests the tour caters well to families and groups of friends looking for a memorable outdoor experience. However, another reviewer noted that the activity ends up being “much less” than two hours, which is worth considering when planning your day.

For safety and comfort, especially in winter, we recommend arriving prepared with layered clothing, goggles, and warm shoes. The guides are experienced and helpful, making even first-time zipliners feel at ease. If you’re unsure about the hike, micro-spikes are available, but you should be comfortable walking on snow and ice for that 45-minute stretch.

Who Should Book This Tour?

This experience is ideal for adventure enthusiasts who love a good adrenaline hit paired with spectacular views. It’s also perfect for families with children over 5 years old, provided they’re comfortable in cold weather and can handle the hike. Nature lovers will enjoy the scenic hike through the maple forest, while thrill-seekers will appreciate the long, high-flying zip lines.

It’s less suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or travelers over 264 lbs, as safety gear and physical demands are part of the experience.

Final Thoughts

The Mont-Catherine Ziplines & Hike tour offers a well-rounded outdoor adventure that balances physical activity, stunning scenery, and adrenaline rushes. While the duration might be a bit shorter than some expect, the experience delivers in excitement and unique views. The cozy teepees and friendly guides add a welcoming touch, making it a memorable winter outing.

For anyone craving a spark of adventure in the Laurentians, this tour provides great value and a chance to see Quebec’s winter landscape from a new perspective. It’s perfect for active travelers, families, or anyone eager to try something different in the snowy outdoors.

FAQ

How long is the hike up Mont-Catherine?
The hike lasts about 45 minutes and covers roughly 1.3 km, through a scenic maple forest with rocky cliffs and mountain views.

Are helmets provided?
Yes, helmets are included and mandatory for safety on the zip lines.

Can I do this activity if I don’t have snowshoes or micro-spikes?
Yes, snowshoes or micro-spikes are provided if needed, especially useful in icy winter conditions.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Children aged 5 and over who weigh more than 50 lbs (23 kg) can participate, provided they’re comfortable with outdoor winter activities.

How long does the tour usually last?
Typically, the tour lasts between 2 to 2.5 hours, including the hike, zip lines, and warm-up breaks.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly! Layers, a hat (without a pompom), gloves, scarf, goggles, and warm shoes are recommended. Long hair should be tied back.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility impairments?
No, this tour is not suitable for those with mobility challenges due to the hike and outdoor terrain.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it easy to keep your plans flexible.

Where do I meet for the tour?
The meeting point varies based on your booking and options selected. Confirm your location during your reservation.

This Ziplines & Hike experience at Mont-Catherine offers a lively mix of outdoor adrenaline and scenic beauty, perfect for those wanting more than just a typical sightseeing trip. Be prepared for an active morning or afternoon, and you’ll leave with stories of flight and forest that will stay with you long after the snow melts.

You can check if your dates are available here: