If you’re looking for a winter hike that truly stands out, the Vallée des Fantômes is the one that impressed us the most and that we recommend without hesitation. From the very first steps in the snow, you are immediately drawn in by the brightness of the landscape and especially by the tall snow-covered spruces that form shapes that feel almost unreal.

Located in Monts-Valin National Park, the Vallée des Fantômes hike takes you into a setting unlike anything else. The name makes complete sense once you are there. The trees, buried under thick layers of snow, look like giant frozen ghosts standing silent in the cold. Seeing it in person is genuinely breathtaking and it is the kind of moment that stays with you.

It becomes clear very quickly why this is one of the most popular winter hikes in the Saguenay region. Even though it is rated as intermediate, it remains accessible, especially if you take your time. We even met a few families along the way, which shows that the experience is absolutely worth it for many types of hikers.

Keep in mind that you need a reservation to access the Vallée des Fantômes, as the departure point is only reachable by shuttle at specific times. The number of seats is limited and spots fill up fast, especially on weekends, so planning ahead is key.

In this article, we share our experience as well as all the tips you need to prepare for your adventure. You will find information on how to reserve, what to pack, what to expect on the trail and our suggestions to make your day even more enjoyable. If you are ready to experience winter in Quebec in a different and memorable way, the Vallée des Fantômes hike is waiting for you.

Vallée des Fantômes Reservation and Pricing

If this hike excites you as much as it amazed us, there’s one important thing to keep in mind. Getting to the Vallée des Fantômes takes a little planning. Planning ahead is key, but the reward is well worth it.

How to access the Vallée des Fantômes in winter

During the cold season, the Vallée des Fantômes hike is not accessible by car. To reach the trailhead, you have to go to the Discovery and Service Center of Monts-Valin National Park and hop on the Fantôme-Express. This is a snowcat-style shuttle that travels through the snowy landscape of Monts-Valin. The ride itself already feels like part of the adventure.

Limited capacity, early reservation highly recommended

The shuttle carries about 25 people per trip and spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends. If you already have a date in mind, we strongly recommend booking as soon as possible. For busy times like the holiday season or the heart of winter, it is best to reserve several weeks in advance or even a few months if you can.

Vallée des Fantômes shuttle pricing

• Adults: $68.50
• Children: $51.50
• Children aged 17 and under accompanied by an adult: free

This makes it a great family activity without blowing your budget.

How to book your Vallée des Fantômes reservation

Reservations are made by phone only. Just call 1 -800 -665‑6527, pick your date, and confirm the number of people. The call only takes a few minutes, but it guarantees access to one of the most stunning winter landscapes in Quebec.

Take our word for it, every second spent there is absolutely worth it.

Vallée des Fantômes Itinerary

On the day of your adventure, the experience unfolds in several steps. From the shuttle ride to the summit, every moment counts. Here’s what a typical day looks like so you know what to expect and can get ready properly.

Shuttle Departure

Two departure times are available for the Vallée des Fantômes hike. You can choose the first shuttle at 8:30 AM, which returns around 2 PM, or go with the 10:30 AM departure, with a return around 4 PM.

The meeting point is at the Monts-Valin National Park welcome area, more specifically at the Discovery and Service Center. It is recommended to arrive about 45 minutes early. This gives you time to organize your gear and ask questions to the staff if needed.

When the Fantôme-Express arrives, make sure you are ready and in line if you want to sit with your group for the 45-minute ride up the mountain. Snowshoes and hiking poles can be stored in an exterior compartment. The ride itself is part of the experience. As you climb higher, the landscape becomes more and more spectacular and the excitement grows with the altitude. The shuttle drops you off right at the trailhead.

The Vallée des Fantômes Trail

• Distance: 6.5 km round trip (approx. 4 miles)
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Elevation gain: 330 meters (approx. 1,080 feet)

The trail covers a round-trip distance of 6.5 kilometers, which is about 4 miles, and takes you to the summit of Pic Dubuc, the highest peak in the Monts-Valin range, which stands at 984 meters (around 3,228 feet) above sea level. The elevation gain is gradual, making the hike accessible even though it does require some effort.

In the first part of the trail, you will find signs with informative questions about the valley. It’s a fun and educational way to enjoy the hike, especially if you’re hiking with children or if you are curious to learn more about the surroundings.

About 2 kilometers in (a little over 1 mile), you will reach the relais des Fantômes, the perfect spot to take a break, enjoy lunch, and warm up by the wood-burning stove. There are also dry toilets available, which definitely makes the experience more comfortable. It can get a little crowded on weekends, but the atmosphere is always welcoming.

After this well-deserved pause, the climb continues. This is where the magic really starts. The further you go, the more the famous “ghost” trees appear. The snow-covered spruces form a frozen, almost surreal scene. Reaching the summit feels like stepping into a world suspended in time. The view is spectacular and unforgettable.

The Passage des Fantômes trail (optional but highly recommended)

From the summit, you now have the option to take a new section of trail called the Passage of des Fantômes. This 1.2 kilometer trail brings you back to the relais des Fantômes without retracing your steps.

This semi-groomed trail, best done with snowshoes, offers a nice variety of viewpoints. The first part follows the western side of Pic Dubuc and offers breathtaking views. The second part takes you through a dense forest where the ghost trees are even more impressive. At the very end, you will reach a final viewpoint overlooking Lac aux Canots and the northern side of the Monts-Valin range. If you have the energy, we highly recommend adding this to your itinerary.

If you want to experience this portion with a guide, guided tours are offered on Saturdays and Sundays as well as on select dates. You just need to take the 10:30 AM shuttle so you can meet the guide at the summit around 11:15 AM. Be sure to check availability with the SÉPAQ ahead of time.

Return Shuttle

Once your hike is done, you will head back to where you started. There is a short 500-meter walk, about five minutes, to reach the Antoine-Dubuc Pavilion, where the shuttle will be waiting to take you back to the park’s main entrance.

It’s a great place for one last break. You will find indoor toilets, tables, and a fireplace to warm up before heading out. Be sure to be there on time so you do not delay departure. The shuttle leaves at either 2 PM or 4 PM, depending on your chosen schedule, and the return ride takes about 45 minutes.

What to Bring for a Hike in the Vallée des Fantômes

If you are just as excited as we were to dive into this magical winter landscape, there are a few essentials you absolutely should not forget. The Vallée des Fantômes is beautiful and unique, but this is true winter. So to make the most of your day, here is what we strongly recommend you bring with you, either in your backpack or on you.

Tips for a Stress-Free Hike in the Vallée des Fantômes

Here are a few things we wish we had known before our first visit to the Vallée des Fantômes. If you keep these in mind, you will enjoy your day to the fullest, without stress or surprises.

About the snowshoes

Yes, snowshoes are mandatory to board the shuttle, and we recommend following that rule. That being said, once we were on the main trail, we noticed it was well packed and that hiking crampons would probably have been enough for that portion.

Make sure to check the latest trail conditions with the Sépaq and confirm whether snowshoes are still required when you go. However, if you plan to hike the Passage des Fantômes, snowshoes are definitely necessary. It is a semi-groomed trail, more rugged and wild, so having the right gear really makes a difference.

A dry shirt, our favorite comfort tip

We never go on a hike without a dry base layer in our backpack, and we highly recommend you do the same. Bring a clean, dry shirt and change as soon as you feel damp, whether it’s at the summit or when you return to the pavilion. There is nothing better than slipping into dry clothes before hopping back on the shuttle. Trust us, this small comfort goes a long way after the effort.

Take your time… but keep track of it

The schedule is built so that you have enough time to enjoy the trail, take breaks at the relais, and admire the summit. But if, like us, you enjoy taking lots of photos, be mindful of the time. Make sure you get back to the meeting point with time to spare before the shuttle leaves. Better to be early than to find yourself rushing at the end.

Book as early as you can

The Vallée des Fantômes hike is getting more popular every year, and we totally get why. To avoid missing out, make sure you reserve your shuttle seat as early as possible. December and January are usually the busiest months. We went in February and had perfect conditions with fresh snow and ghost trees that truly lived up to their name.

The Vallée des Fantômes – An Unforgettable Winter Adventure

If you are looking for a winter hike that is memorable, authentic and truly breathtaking, the Vallée des Fantômes checks all the boxes. We hope this guide helps you plan your day so you can enjoy every moment without stress or surprises.

For us, this experience left incredible memories. With its stunning snowy landscape and unique atmosphere, it is something we think everyone should experience at least once in their life.

And if this kind of outing speaks to you, you will be happy to know that the Saguenay region has many more treasures to explore. From scenic hikes and panoramic viewpoints to winter activities and cozy local discoveries, there is something for every type of adventurer.

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