ATV Side by Side Guided 4×4 Tour

Exploring Quebec’s Wilderness on a Guided ATV Side-by-Side Tour

If you’re craving a taste of off-road adventure in Quebec, the ATV Side by Side Guided 4×4 Tour offers an engaging way to connect with nature while enjoying some adrenaline. For just over $100 per person, you get approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes of fun, exploring trails through mountains and lush boreal forests. The tour operates from a base in Labelle, and whether you’re traveling solo or with family, it’s designed to be accessible and memorable.

Two aspects of this experience really stand out. First, the safety features—such as 3-point seatbelts and roll cages—allow everyone to feel secure, even if you’re new to off-road vehicles. Second, the guided nature of the tour ensures you’ll learn about the area from knowledgeable guides, making it more than just a joyride.

A potential consideration is the shorter duration than some travelers might expect, especially given the price. Some reviews highlight that the ride lasts about 60 minutes, even though promotional materials suggest longer excursions. It’s worth planning your expectations accordingly.

This tour suits families, groups of friends, or anyone eager to experience Quebec’s wilderness in a fun, active way. If you love outdoor activities and want a safe, guided introduction to off-road driving, this tour might be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Family-friendly adventure with safety features like seatbelts and roll cages
• Guided experience enhances learning about local forests and terrain
• Shorter duration may be a drawback for some, with about 1 hour of actual riding
• All equipment provided including helmets and rain ponchos (in summer rain)
• Pre-booking needed with an average wait of 20 days
• Suitable for ages 5+ as passengers, with drivers needing a valid license

A Deep Dive into the ATV Side-by-Side Guided Tour

The Experience and Location

Based at 178 Rue du Dépôt in Labelle, this guided ATV tour is set in a region renowned for its forests, mountains, and off-road trails. The activity is promoted as a four-season adventure, meaning you can enjoy it in mud-soaked summers or snowy winters. The primary vehicle, a Kawasaki Teryx 800cc, seats up to four guests, which makes it ideal for families or small groups.

The price of $102.48 per person includes everything you need: helmets, gas, rain ponchos (if needed), and a knowledgeable guide. It’s a well-rounded package that emphasizes safety and comfort, even for those without prior ATV experience.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

We love the guidance provided by the staff. Authentic, friendly guides typically lead the group, sharing insights about the local terrain and forest ecology. This turns what could be a mere thrill ride into an educational experience, making it more meaningful and engaging.

Another feature that appeals to us is the safety equipment. With 3-point seatbelts and a roll cage, even nervous first-timers can feel confident tackling the trails. Plus, helmets are certified, which is a must for safety, though you can’t bring your own.

A Possible Shortcoming

The main concern, echoed by some reviews, is the ride duration. Although the booking notes 1.5 hours, actual ride time can be closer to 60 minutes, with a brief training session beforehand. Some travelers expected a longer ride given the price. We recommend setting your expectations accordingly and viewing this as a guided trail experience rather than an extended adventure.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for families with children aged 5+, groups of friends looking for a unique outdoor activity, or even solo travelers wanting to try something new in Quebec. If you’re comfortable with physically holding onto handles and enjoy nature, you’ll find this both fun and accessible.

The Itinerary: What to Expect

The Meeting Point and Preparation

Your adventure begins at the designated meeting spot—178 Rue du Dêpot in Labelle. Arrive about 30 minutes early to check in, gear up, and listen to the safety briefing. The guides are attentive and will explain how to operate the vehicle, emphasizing safety with seatbelts and handling instructions.

Trail Exploration

Once on the trail, you’ll navigate through dirt, mud, and rocks, typical of forest trails. The route winds through scenic mountains and boreal forests, where you might spot local wildlife or just enjoy the serenity of Quebec’s wilderness. The trails are suitable for both beginners and experienced drivers, thanks to guided instructions and manageable vehicle controls.

Highlights & Trail Conditions

While the specific trail routes are not detailed, the terrain involves dirt, mud, and snow in winter, giving you a taste of Quebec’s climate and landscape. Participants have praised the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, often mentioning how they shared interesting tidbits about local flora and fauna.

The Return and Debrief

After about 60 minutes of riding, you return to the starting point. You’ll then have time to remove your gear, share your impressions, and perhaps plan your next outdoor adventure in the area.

Reviewing the Feedback

One reviewer, Gerry_B, mentioned that the activity was fun, but was disappointed that the ride was shorter than expected—only about 60 minutes instead of 90 minutes. The review notes that the value for money depends on expectations; if you’re seeking a longer ride, this could be a consideration.

Others highlighted the knowledgeable guides, which added a lot to the experience. They made the ride safer and more interesting, giving travelers a sense of confidence and local context.

What Travelers Should Know

• Participants must be physically able to hold onto the handles.
• Only up to 2 participants can share the driving, making it suitable for varying comfort levels.
• Drivers need a valid driver’s license and must be 18 or older.
• Passengers must be at least 5 years old.
• The activity is non-refundable and can be canceled in poor weather, but a full refund or rescheduling is offered.

Practical Tips for Your Adventure

• Arrive early to get properly fitted with gear and listen to the safety briefing.
• Dress appropriately—wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty, especially if it’s muddy or snowy.
• Manage expectations regarding the ride length, especially if you’re used to longer excursions.
• Book in advance, as the tours tend to be booked about 20 days ahead on average.
• If you’re a nervous driver, remember only two participants can share the driving, so consider whether you want to take the wheel or be a passenger.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience works well for families with kids aged 5 and above, groups seeking a lively outdoor activity, or solo travelers curious about Quebec’s forests. It’s ideal for those who appreciate guided tours with safety as a priority and are comfortable with a moderate physical challenge.

If you’re looking for an adventure to explore the wilderness in a relaxed, controlled environment, this tour provides a great introduction. It’s not a long, adrenaline-pumping race, but rather a scenic journey with an emphasis on safety, guidance, and fun.

The Sum Up

The ATV Side by Side Guided 4×4 Tour in Quebec offers a solid way to experience the region’s natural beauty without requiring previous off-road experience. The guides’ knowledge and safety measures are significant advantages, making the activity accessible and enjoyable for most. While the ride duration might be shorter than some expect, the adventure still provides a memorable taste of Quebec’s forests and trails.

This tour is best suited for families, first-timers, or small groups who want a guided, safe, and scenic off-road experience. For those seeking a longer, more intense ride, it’s worth considering how this shorter option fits into your overall itinerary. Nonetheless, for an active day out immersed in nature, this adventure delivers both fun and safety in a beautiful setting.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children aged 5 and above can participate as passengers. Drivers must be 18 with a valid driver’s license.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing. Expect dirt and mud, especially in summer or winter conditions, and dress accordingly.

Can I drive the ATV if I don’t have a license?
No, drivers need a valid driver’s license and must be at least 18 years old. Passengers can be younger, starting at age 5.

How long does the tour last?
The activity includes a 15-minute briefing and approximately 1 hour of riding. Some reviews mention the actual ride being around 60 minutes.

What safety equipment is provided?
Certified helmets, rain ponchos (if needed), and safety features like 3-point seatbelts and roll cages are included.

What happens in bad weather?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

This guided ATV experience in Quebec gives you a safe, scenic, and engaging way to explore the forests and mountains, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike.