Day 1: Beating the Storm to Quebec City
It’s Wednesday evening, and we’re settling into our hotel room in Quebec City. But why are we here? Simple—tomorrow, we’re supposed to be in Monts-Valin National Park for a long-planned Valentine’s adventure.
Of course, nature has its own plans. A major snowstorm is rolling in, with forecasts predicting up to 30 cm of snow and intense winds. Our drive from home to Monts-Valin would typically take six hours, but with the storm, who knows? The real challenge: we must reach the Visitors Centre by 3 PM to catch the snow shuttle to our cabin. There’s no option to arrive whenever we like.
To avoid driving the entire distance in the worst of the storm, we decided to split the trip, booking a night in Quebec City. Our choice, Le Dauphin, was an easy decision—it’s close to the highway, had a great last-minute discount, and even a pool (which we didn’t get to use, arriving right at closing time).
After a hectic day of last-minute work and packing, we picked up Maxim from judo around 6 PM, made a quick stop for gas, and finally arrived at the hotel at 9 PM. With breakfast included from 6 AM, the plan was set: eat, fuel up, and brace ourselves for the toughest part of the trip.
Day 2: Battling the Blizzard to Monts-Valin
The first thing I do at 5:30 AM is check the weather. The storm is closing in fast, growing stronger by the hour. Should we rush out immediately or wait? Theoretically, the drive should take about three hours, but in these conditions, who knows?
We decide to grab breakfast first. It’s included and, thankfully, quite good. I skip my usual coffee—too anxious about the road ahead. By 8 AM, we’re packed and rolling out. The snow is heavy, the wind relentless. We stop for gas—better to be safe.
The drive is slow but manageable. Fewer cars are on the road, which helps. The biggest challenge? Passing snowplows. They move too slowly, but overtaking them feels risky. Road conditions constantly shift—sometimes fully snow-covered, sometimes clear but with blinding blowing snow. Visibility is often near zero, forcing me to guess where the cars ahead are. They should have their lights on—but many don’t.
We take a break at a rest area about halfway. The coffee is terrible, but the pause is needed. Back on the road, the storm seems even worse. Another stop in Saguenay to top off the gas. Just 30 more minutes to the park.
The final stretch is brutal. Snow from the river blows so hard that I can’t see the road, let alone other cars. As we turn toward the park, I notice Hydro-Québec trucks—never a good sign. I push the thought aside.
The Plan Falls Apart
We arrive at the Visitors Centre and immediately get bad news: the power is out. No electricity means no shuttle to the cabin. Crews are working on it, and they hope to have it back by 4 PM. I’m not optimistic.
At 3:45 PM, the update comes—now they expect power by 8 PM. We keep waiting, holding onto hope. Finally, the lights flicker back on, and we scramble to load our gear. We climb into the snow shuttle—a snowmobile pulling a sleigh—and after a quick safety briefing, we’re off.
But not for long.
The snow is too deep. Our driver struggles, stopping to radio for help. Another staff member on a small snowmobile arrives to guide us. We push forward, cautiously making plans for our night in the cabin.
Then, the final blow: the driver stops and tells us he can’t continue. It’s too dangerous. He has to turn back.
We’re given two choices: a full refund or a ride up tomorrow. But with another storm forecasted on our way home, we had already cut our trip short by one night. This means we’d have only one night in the cabin, with no chance to explore the Vallée des Fantômes.
With heavy hearts, we take the refund.
Our ride back is unconventional—park staff drive us on their snowmobiles. As a last attempt, I ask if we can just ride up to the cabin this way. The manager shakes his head. “Too risky.”
They did their best. Someone, somewhere, decided that our Monts-Valin Valentine’s adventure wasn’t meant to happen—at least not this time.
Regrouping in Saguenay
We pack up, hop back in the car, and head toward Saguenay. The storm is still raging. The roads are dark and difficult.
Eventually, we find a hotel and check-in for the night. Exhausted but safe, we now face a new question: what’s next?
To be continued…
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