Mont-Catherine: Ziplines & Hike

If you’re considering a ziplining adventure in Quebec’s stunning Laurentian Mountains, the Mont-Catherine Ziplines & Hike tour is worth a look. We haven’t tried it ourselves, but it’s a popular choice for travelers wanting a mix of outdoor activity and breathtaking scenery. The tour combines a scenic 45-minute hike with two mega ziplines that promise both thrills and beautiful views.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances adventure with comfort. You’re provided with warm clothing, micro-spikes or snowshoes, and even heated teepees to warm up before each descent. Plus, it’s accessible for children over 5, making it a flexible option for families or groups looking for a memorable outdoor outing.

One potential downside is that the actual activity duration might be shorter than some expect. One review pointed out that it’s advertised as a 2-hour activity but runs a bit less, which is something to keep in mind if you’re planning your day around it. Overall, it’s best suited for outdoor lovers who want a scenic, fun experience with manageable physical demands.

If you’re after an activity that offers spectacular views, a moderate hike, and adrenaline all in one go**, this tour checks a lot of boxes. It’s also a good pick if you want a guided, well-organized adventure that doesn’t require any prior experience. Let’s get into the details.

Key Points

• Scenic hike: A 45-minute walk through a maple forest with rocky cliffs and mountain views.
• Two epic ziplines: 3,000 feet long and 2,132 feet long, with heights reaching 377 feet above the trees.
• Comfort and safety: Helmets are mandatory, and snowshoes or micro-spikes are provided if needed.
• Warm-up options: Heated teepees at the peak offer a cozy break between descents.
• Age & weight limits: Suitable for children 5+ (over 50 lbs) and under 264 lbs.
• Duration & flexibility: Tour lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, with flexible booking options including free cancellation.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What You Can Expect from the Tour

The Hike Up Mont-Catherine

Starting at the base, the guided tour kicks off with a 45-minute hike up the mountain. Don’t worry if you’re not a seasoned hiker—this is described as an easy walk through a maple forest, with sights of rocky cliffs and sweeping views of the Laurentians. The trail is about 1.3 km, making it a manageable trek even in winter, especially since snowshoes or micro-spikes are provided if conditions demand them.

This part of the trip is as much about enjoying the winter landscape as it is about the activity. The forest is reportedly quite picturesque with snow-covered trees, and the ascent is a good warm-up for the adrenaline to come. The guides tend to be friendly and helpful, making sure everyone feels confident during the climb.

Warming Up in the Teepees

Once at the summit, you’ll have the chance to warm up in heated teepees before your first zipline descent. This is a thoughtful touch, especially if you’re visiting in colder months. It helps keep the experience comfortable, and you can relax before launching into the next thrill.

The Zipline Thrills

The star of the tour is, of course, the two massive ziplines. The first is 3,000 feet long and carries you at heights of 377 feet above the treetops. It offers spectacular views and a rush of speed that’s sure to get your adrenaline pumping. After a brief pause to enjoy the scenery, you’ll head back for the second zipline, which is 2,132 feet long. This one skims over the treetops, giving you that lovely feeling of flying.

Travelers report “thrills guaranteed,” and the experience is described as both fun and scenic. A reviewer from France said, “Really fun activity for the family. The guides are super nice,” which suggests that the guides make a point to ensure everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

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The Return and Wrap-Up

After the second zipline, you’ll walk back down the mountain to the meeting point. The entire experience typically lasts about 2 hours, though some reviews hint it might be a bit shorter than the advertised 2 hours—something to keep in mind if timing matters for your day.

Is It Worth the Price?

At $92 per person, this tour is priced competitively, especially considering the inclusion of guides, helmets, snowshoes/micro-spikes, and heated teepees. The value is quite good for an adventure of this scope, given the scenic setting and thrilling ziplines. Of course, if you’re expecting a very long or extensive activity, this might feel a little brief, but for a well-organized outing, it hits a sweet spot.

Who Will Enjoy This Experience?

This tour is a great pick for outdoor enthusiasts, families with children over 5, and anyone eager for a scenic, adrenaline-filled activity in winter. If you’re comfortable with a moderately easy hike and want a combo of nature and thrill, you’ll likely find this a memorable experience.

People who might want to consider other options include travelers with mobility impairments or those over 264 lbs, as the tour has specific restrictions. Pregnant women and very young children are also advised to skip this activity for safety reasons.

Additional Details and Practical Tips

• Clothing: Dress warmly in layers, including a hat (without a pompom), gloves, goggles, and long hair tied back.
• What to bring: Apart from clothing, bring a hair tie and perhaps a scarf to stay cozy.
• Restrictions: No backpacks allowed, so pack light.
• Meeting point: May vary depending on your booking, so check your reservation details.
• Languages: Guides are available in English and French, making it accessible for most travelers.
• Cancellation policy: You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if your plans change.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

One traveler from France rated it 5 out of 5, calling it a “really fun activity for the family,” with “super nice” guides. Another noted that while it’s advertised as a 2-hour activity, it felt somewhat shorter, which is something to keep expectations in check if you’re planning around the timing.

Final Thoughts

The Mont-Catherine Ziplines & Hike tour strikes a nice balance between scenic beauty and adrenaline rushes. It’s well-suited for those who want a guided, safe, and fun outdoor adventure with minimal fuss. The inclusion of heated teepees and snow gear makes it comfortable for winter, and the views promise to be memorable.

If you’re after a moderate outdoor activity that combines light hiking with a splash of thrill, this is a solid choice. It’s particularly worthwhile if you’re traveling with family or a group that appreciates a mix of scenic nature and adrenaline.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for outdoor lovers, families with children over five, and groups looking for a scenic, guided ziplining adventure. It’s also great if you want to enjoy winter scenery without strenuous or overly technical activities. Those with limited mobility, pregnant women, or individuals over 264 lbs should consider other options.

FAQ

• How long does the tour last?
  The tour lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours, including hiking and ziplining.

• Is the hike difficult?
  No, it’s a relatively easy 45-minute hike suitable for most people, especially since snowshoes or micro-spikes are provided if needed.

• What should I wear?
  Dress warmly in layers, including a hat, gloves, goggles, and warm shoes. Long hair should be tied back, and avoid pompom hats.

• Can children participate?
  Yes, children over 5 years old and weighing at least 50 lbs are allowed.

• Are helmets provided?
  Yes, helmets are included and are mandatory for safety.

• What if I have mobility issues?
  The activity isn’t suitable for those with mobility impairments.

• What is the maximum waist size?
  The maximum waist size for participants is 52 inches (132 cm).

• Is it suitable in winter?
  Absolutely, it’s designed for winter, with gear and warming stations to ensure comfort.

• Can I cancel if my plans change?
  Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

• What languages are guides available in?
  Guides speak English and French.

This zipline and hike experience offers a combination of scenic views, gentle physical activity, and a dash of adventure. Whether you’re traveling with family or seeking a memorable outdoor activity on your trip to Quebec, it’s worth considering. Just keep your expectations in check regarding the tour’s duration, and you’ll likely come away with some great memories.

You can check availability for your dates here: