This trip was planned as part of our annual ATV camping trip. This year, we had the opportunity to ride a side-by-side vehicle, in this case a Can Am Maverick X3. It’s a machine that can cover long distances quickly, but in terms of loading capacity for our luggage, it’s very limited. We had to play a game of Tetris to get our gear into it.
Once these problems were solved, we were excited to set off on our adventure with this vehicle!
Day 1: heading for Parc Massif du Sud
Once I’ve chosen our destination, I plan a route from Rivière-du-Loup to Parc du Massif du Sud, via Lac de l’Est, totalling over 300 km. This route generally takes place on ZEC forest roads and rural roads. Once past the Chapais ZEC, we found ourselves on very straight stretches of road, following the boundaries of the land. The pace was good, allowing us to arrive at Lac de l’Est for dinner. The scenery was magnificent, but there were still many kilometers to go before we reached our destination. After a short walk on the beach, we hit the road again. In the evening, once we arrived at the Camp Forestier campsite, we settled in and headed for the village convenience store. They prepare a nice pizza for us, which we take back to the campsite to enjoy. Then it’s time to relax by the fire.
Day 2 : discover the surrounding area
Nothing was on the agenda. We started by analyzing the surrounding trails. The decision was made: we headed for Saint-Georges de Beauce for dinner at a local restaurant. We then returned to the Massif du Sud trails. The quality of the trails is excellent, and the views… simply wow! Then it’s back to the campsite to enjoy the evening. On the program: Spa and campfire.
Day 3: back in the rain
It’s homecoming day. This time, I take the trails through Saint-Jean-Port-Joli. The weather is not so kind. In the morning, rain forces us to break camp quickly. So we set off in heavy torrential rain. The first few hours were difficult, with poor visibility. My wife quickly realized that her raincoat was no longer waterproof. As the day progressed, the rain diminished. We end up taking off our raincoats as the temperature becomes pleasant, allowing us to dry off.
As far as trails go, it’s a great discovery. The trail between Le Massif and Saint-Jean-Port-Joli, with sections sometimes covered in trees, other times winding and dotted with numerous maple groves along the way, doesn’t leave us indifferent. From Saint-Jean-Port-Joli to Rivière-du-Loup, it’s not all unknown to me. I head inland to join the old railroad line known as the Monk Trail. I don’t really like this section; it’s a veritable ATV highway through the forest, full of huge holes. But it’s the only way through.
The ride home ends in sunshine, with a total of around 900 km in three days.
Quick trip that makes you want to go back
We were surprised by the quality of the trails in Bellechasse and around Le Massif du Sud. We were able to ride on very old roads through maple forests, with the trees forming a canopy over our heads. It was magical.
We never thought we’d be seduced by this region in such a way, and we’ll definitely be back.
