The Sentier Le Littoral trail in winter, Rimouski, Quebec Province

The day began sunny, clear, and crisp with a temperature of 2 F. Lisa checked the forecast - a predicted high of 20 F, with clouds and light snow in the afternoon. The blue ski and low temperatures of morning won out over afternoon clouds and warmer temperatures. So, after a quick breakfast off we went. Our destination - the river front community of Sacre-Coeur in Rimouski and the trailhead for the Sentier Le Littoral trail. It's a trail we've enjoyed hiking in summer, but had yet to visit in winter. With lots of new snow this past week, we were looking forward to some good cross-country skiing and scenic views along the trail.

Checking the map at the trailhead for the Sentier Le Littoral Trail

Just up from the trailhead looking back at houses in Sacre-Couer with the Saint Lawrence River
and Parc National du Bic in the distance

Skiing through the forest

We saw a number of homemade bird feeders like this one along the trail.
We observed chickadees actively foraging for seeds in one of the feeders.

One of several vistas along the trail looking out at the Saint Lawrence River

The River was frozen over in the foreground but with ice free areas further out.

A spur trail ended at the River's edge.

Skiing through a forest of stunted spruce and fir along the ridge top

Lots of snow clinging to the branches of the spruce and firs

Heading back to the trailhead

Houses along the beach in the community of Sacre-Couer
with the frozen river and Parc National du Bic in the background