Adventures, challenges and discoveries

SNOWRIDE in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James

SNOWRIDE is more than a TV show, it's a big family of snowmobile enthusiasts and adventure lovers!

And today, we'd like to tell you all about our incredible expedition through the snowy trails of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region. We were lucky enough to discover it in the company of our host, Émilie St-Laurent, and her childhood friend, Julie Boilard Girard, who introduced us to her adopted region - an unforgettable experience for the SNOWRIDE film crew! Trail conditions were exceptional and the weather was also on our side, an ideal scenario for enjoying a snowmobile outing.

discovery of the region

The adventure was divided into two parts. We began by exploring the magnificent Eeyou Istchee region of James Bay, a true paradise for snowmobilers. We'd been wanting to discover this region for a long time. When the invitation arrived, it was a no-brainer. With over 1,000 km of trails to explore, this region offers breathtaking panoramas and exciting challenges for all levels of snowmobiler.

Julie, a snowmobiling enthusiast since childhood, was an exceptional guide. However, you should know that everything is very well marked. So, even without a guide, if you're well prepared, you can still enjoy the experience of navigating the trails.

As with all our outings, we like to use the “iMotoneige” app to prepare our route. Julie led us through the winding, snow-covered trails, sharing with us her knowledge and love of this region. Émilie followed her on her Renegade 900 Ace turbo snowmobile, perfectly suited to the trails, which were exceptional thanks to the favorable conditions on this first part of the trip.

GIRL TRIP

For Émilie, snowmobiling is a sport that lets you get to remote, unique and sometimes unusual places, places you couldn't reach any other way. Her passion allows her to discover extraordinary corners of Quebec and get some fresh air. Already convinced by the sport, her trip to Eeyou Istchee Baie-James didn't disappoint. In fact, Émilie and Julie jumped right into the “girl trip”. Women can sometimes be apprehensive about going solo, but all it takes is organization, a plan and, above all, boldness.

Émilie fell in love with the Cree community of Oujé-Bougoumou, where she visited the Cree Aanischaaukamikw Cultural Institute. The concept of this center is based on preserving, sharing, commemorating and practicing Cree culture, to prevent it from disappearing forever. The institute is at once a museum, an archive, a library, a place of learning and a cultural center. Enough to keep our two discovery-seeking snowmobilers entertained for hours.

défi polaire baie-james

Another highlight of our adventure is undoubtedly the Défi Polaire Baie-James, an annual celebration that has been bringing snowmobile enthusiasts together for 25 years. The 2024 edition attracted 245 participants, all ready to take on the challenges and enjoy the friendly atmosphere.

Défi Polaire Baie-James is a competition where old snowmobiles take center stage, and our team was no exception. Émilie had the chance to drive a Bombardier 69, an antique machine belonging to Paul Boulanger, which our friends Steve and Julie had managed to find for her. It was a little more physical than our modern snowmobile rides, but it left a positive impression on Émilie. It's on her list of things to do again very soon. The riding position offered her 2-3 new sensations. Let's say that the ergonomics of the vehicles of the time were not easy on the body.

rally challenges

The Défi Polaire rally takes place in Chapais and showcases the skills of snowmobilers on sinuous forest trails. At the time of our visit, participants had to navigate a particularly technical course, which represented a major challenge. The excitement was palpable among the participants, all enthusiastic and smiling, ready to make the most of this memorable day. Émilie had a great experience.
''I must say it was much more physical than a snowmobile ride in the 2025s. I had a light set of retro snow suit, and I still got hot because I worked so hard with my machine. But I'd do it again any day. It's unique to gather such a gang, with all kinds of vintage snowmobiles. It's a truly exceptional day that I'll remember for the rest of my life. I really hope to do it again one day.'' Émilie St-Laurent, SNOWRIDE host.

However, when you think of an old machine, you think of technical particularities and potential repairs. Émilie managed very well, being supported by a mechanic friend who assisted her a few times when her machine was acting up. While her skills in driving a machine are unquestionable, she admits to being a little limited when it comes to repairing them. Without her contact to restart her snowmobile, the challenge would have been different. Another particularity: the physical position of the snowmobiler is so different on the old machines compared to today's, that by the end of the run, aches and pains were the inevitable result. You had to work harder, but in the end, the challenge was LARGELY worth it.

Celebrations and rewards

At the end of the rally, participants had the chance to win over $20,000 in prizes, a fine reward for their efforts. To top it all off, a performance by Sarah Dufour was organized to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the event. Her superb performance added a festive touch to an already extraordinary day.

accommodation and activities

Our team was accommodated in a cabin on the shores of the magnificent Lac Opémisca, an impressive body of water that added a touch of magic to our adventure. Location Opémisca's owner, Michael Delisle, ensured that our stay was both comfortable and enjoyable.
In addition to the snowmobile rides, we had the opportunity to discover the Sentier du Bonheur, a place that promotes family and fraternal values. Here, in the company of Dany Larouche, we enjoyed a snowshoeing trail and tasted their emblematic green drink: Le Shrek.

Not to mention the discovery of the region's first microbrewery: Maître Renard! We were able to explore the facilities and taste some great beers made from products of the boreal forest.

unforgettable experience

Throughout this adventure, Émilie expressed her joy and satisfaction at being able to share these moments with her friend Julie. Together, they enjoyed the beauty of the surrounding rivers and landscapes, making this experience even more special. The weather promised to be pleasant, with temperatures hovering around zero degrees, a nice surprise compared to the -30 degrees sometimes felt in the region.

SNOWRIDE's stay in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James with Émilie St-Laurent was a wonderful and unforgettable experience. We highly recommend visiting this region, which is not only welcoming, but also rich in traditions. It's a place to discover not only for its landscapes, but also for its cultural exchanges. We discovered breathtaking sceneries, met exciting challenges and shared precious moments with both old and new friends. We hope we've inspired you to discover this sublime region, and to embark on your own snowmobiling adventure in Eeyou Istchee Baie-James.

See you soon for new SNOWRIDE adventures !

Lydia Dufour