Episode One: Alpine expedition to the Chic-Chocs Mountains
23 min
Les Chic-Chocs
The ski group Les Chèvres de Montagne venture into Gaspé for a mountaineering camp in the Chic-Chocs mountains.
Naturally skiable zones, a microclimate bringing tons of snow: The Chic-Chocs is a prized mountain range on the east coast. Located in the Gaspésie region, this Quebec treasure has something to satisfy those thirsty for challenges and adventures.
In this area nestled in the heart of the Chic-Chocs, Les Chèvres de montagne have established their base camp in order to push their limits in terrain that can be described as “not for the faint-hearted”.
Les Chèvres de montagne is the largest female outdoor community in Quebec. They organize events and offer coaching in a variety of adventure sports. It was their turn to learn more about safety in the alpine and to face the Gaspésie conditions in all their glory: Cold, ice, wind and well deserved pow fields.
Follow their journey in this first episode of Touche du bois series, featuring these Quebec winter enthusiasts
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Episode Two: Exploring the surf culture of the Magdalen Islands
Located in the center of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, this archipelago of a dozen islands is known for its vast sandy beaches, red cliffs, and ever-present wind.
Alexis Boudreau, a fisherman and surfing pioneer in the region, explains that there is indeed surfing on the islands, but "it all depends on the weather". He grew up with this mentality instilled by his father, also a fisherman. He started surfing on the west coast but realized that it was also possible to practice his sport just a stone's throw from his home.
17 min
Y a tu du surf aux îles?
Plongez dans le monde du surf avec des passionnés locaux qui chevauchent les vagues d’un archipel au Québec.
Here, you don't get a surf forecast on an app with two clicks. By learning to read detailed weather forecasts and knowing the area well, locals are able to get their own surf forecast. They can enjoy deserted beaches when the conditions line up.
The surfing community in the Magdalen Islands is not big, but it is very present. It gathers all those in search of pure landscapes. And, like any good surf spot, there is a beach bar and the possibility to rent boards.
Discover the Islands from another point of view and dive into the world of Magdalen Islanders passionate about surfing, kiting, and windsurfing in this episode of the Touche du bois series.
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Episode Three: The mecca on two wheels
Three people standing on a rock by a small waterfall with their bikes
Mountain biking is a growing sport in Quebec. The number of new enthusiasts continues to grow each season. At the same time, the number of trails has increased to accommodate the growing number of cyclists of all levels.
The Capitale-Nationale stands out for its proximity to several popular cycling centers. There is something for everyone. Less than 30 minutes from Quebec City, there is the Sentiers du Moulin. General Manager Nicolas Sauvé explains how the center has adapted to the evolution of the sport over the years. He even established his chalet directly on the mountain: "Bike in, bike out". From granite to dirt berms, he demonstrates that the diversity of the terrain satisfies both seasoned locals and weekend visitors.
14 min
La Mècque sur deux roues
Des experts vous guident à travers les sentiers de vélo de montagne florissants au Québec.
In the Bras-du-Nord Valley, the Shannahan sector gives the effect of grandeur of the great networks of Western Canada. Trailbuilder Hugo Beaumier emphasizes the wild and remote nature of the area, which allows you to have "your piece of the day", one on one with nature. Hugo is not only involved in the trails but also in the community with a socio-professional reintegration program that takes place in the valley.
When you think of mountain biking in Quebec, you think of Mont-Saint-Anne. A mythical scene of downhill racing, the center continues to host world cups and events of all kinds. The mountain has long been an important pillar in the development of cyclists in Quebec.
The sport would not be where it is today without the evolution of bike geometry to facilitate the overall mountain biking experience. Julien Boulais of Devinci explains how the evolution of technology is making mountain biking more inclusive. The company was established in Saguenay in the 90's and is still one of the innovators in the industry today.
Find out more about these different players in the development of mountain biking in Quebec and how they contribute in their own way in the third episode of the Touche du bois series.
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Episode Four: Facing the wall
Overhead view of Émilie Pellerin climbing between two rock walls
The Cap Trinité is the most audacious cliff in Quebec. Overlooking the Fjord-Du-Saguenay, this wall is enough to frighten the climbers who want to conquer it.
Pioneer of Big Wall climbing in Quebec, Jacques Lamontagne shares with us his vision of climbing Cap Trinité as well as the contrast between the discipline of his time and now. In his time, when you didn't have equipment, you had to make it or invent it. Today, climbers have access to all sorts of tools and technology to push the limits of what is possible.
19 min
Face au mur
Émilie Pellerin explore la paroi emblématique du Québec, Cap trinité en escalade.
Émilie Pellerin, the first woman to free-climb Cap Trinité, and Jeff, the first climber to accomplish the same feat, take us on this historic route. After setting up their camp directly on the wall, they start to work. From an unusual wake-up call to the climb with the headlamp, Émilie and Jeff make us live the adventure from A to Z.
Once they reach the top, the ecstasy is felt. In 1987 or in 2022, climbers feel the same joy of accomplishment, rewarded by the view of the fjord. The equipment may have changed a lot, but the fascination and passion of the climbers is still the same.
