Riding the Tour de la Montagne du Diable
The Tour de la Montagne du Diable sounds like a straightforward way to explore the Laurentians, but route conditions, trail access and seasonal closures can change the ride considerably. This guide explains how to plan the trip, check which corridors are open to ATVs, prepare your machine and use local navigation information without treating a map as permission to ride.
Plan the Tour de la Montagne du Diable
Understand the area before choosing a route
The Tour de la Montagne du Diable is associated with the Laurentians and the area around Montagne du Diable, near Ferme-Neuve and Mont-Laurier. It’s a scenic part of the region, but the name alone does not tell you which trails are currently open, where the ride starts, or whether every route shown on a map is intended for ATV use.
That distinction matters because a marked ATV trail, a forest road, a recreational path and a route through a park are not automatically interchangeable. A trail may pass near a protected area without allowing motorized access through it. Likewise, a route that appears on a general map may cross private property or a corridor with its own access rules.
Before you set a meeting point, look for route information from the local trail organization and check the official trail status for the day you plan to ride. Regional route descriptions in [Quebec Laurentians Quad Trails] can help you understand the broader riding area, while [Quebec Trail Maps and the iQuad App] is a useful starting point for checking trail-network information.
Treat the route as a plan, not a promise
A named circuit is a helpful planning framework, but it shouldn’t be treated as a guarantee that every segment will be open or passable. A spring thaw, heavy rain, trail maintenance, hunting-season restrictions or a landowner’s decision can affect access. The route you saw described months ago may not match conditions on your ride date.
Before leaving, check the route’s current status, identify any detours and note where you can safely shorten the trip. If you are riding with friends who have different fuel ranges or experience levels, agree on a turnaround point in advance. It is easier to adjust a route while everyone has a signal and a full tank than to make that decision late in the day on a remote trail.
Keep the distinction between a planned line and an authorized trail clear. If you use onX Offroad as a secondary navigation tool, compare its map with local trail information rather than assuming that every visible line is open to ATVs. It can help you orient yourself, but official trail signs and current local closures should guide your decisions.
Check access, passes and seasonal conditions
Confirm the trail is open on your ride date
Conditions in the Laurentians can shift quickly. A route that is dry and firm in summer may be muddy after sustained rain, while spring thaw can bring temporary closures designed to protect vulnerable trail surfaces. Riding around a barrier or closure can damage the corridor and create problems for the club or landowner responsible for maintaining access.
Check local trail updates close to departure, not only when you first start planning. [Quebec Trail Conditions Before You Go] is a useful reminder to verify conditions before loading the machine, and [Quebec's Spring Thaw Closure] explains why seasonal restrictions can affect when riding is possible. If a club marks a segment closed, follow the closure even if a mapping app still shows a route line.
Weather also affects the quality and safety of the ride. A heavy downpour can make a clay section slick, hide washouts or leave standing water that conceals ruts. In dry conditions, dust can reduce visibility between machines. Leave enough time to ride cautiously, and be ready to change plans if the actual trail is less forgiving than expected.
Make sure your paperwork and trail pass are in order
In Quebec, registration and insurance are separate from a trail pass. Having a registered machine does not, by itself, give you access to a federated trail. Before riding, confirm that your ATV or side-by-side has the required documents and that each machine has the appropriate trail access for the trip. [Quebec Trail Passes Cover Every Club] offers a helpful overview of how the pass relates to the federated network.
Keep required documents accessible, rather than buried at the bottom of a packed cargo box. It’s also worth checking what your insurance policy covers and carrying proof in a format you can produce if asked. A phone photo can be convenient, but don’t assume it will be accepted as a substitute for every required document; check the relevant requirements and carry what you need.
Use the following checklist as a starting point:
| Before the ride | What to confirm | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Route access | The intended trail segments are open | A route line does not establish that a trail is currently authorized |
| Trail pass | Each machine has the required pass | Registration alone does not grant access to federated trails |
| Machine documents | Registration and insurance information are available | You may need to show proof during the ride |
| Weather and surface | Rain, thaw or other conditions could affect the route | Surface conditions can change traction, pace and travel time |
| Fuel and range | The planned distance fits your machine’s practical range | Stops and detours can increase fuel use |
| Return plan | Your group has a turnaround time and meeting point | A clear plan helps if someone gets delayed or separated |
Prepare your machine and navigation
Pack for a remote trail day
A scenic ride can become tiring when a route takes longer than expected. Bring water, food, weather-appropriate layers and a basic first-aid kit. A charged phone is useful, but don’t rely on uninterrupted cell service in rural or forested areas. Tell someone who isn’t riding with you where you plan to go and when you expect to return.
For the machine, check the tires, brakes, lights, battery and fluid levels before loading it. If you’ll be riding far from a repair shop, carry basic tools and the items that make sense for your specific ATV or side-by-side. A spare belt may be useful for some machines, while others may call for different essentials. Use your owner’s manual and your own experience to decide what belongs in your kit.
For longer rides or overnight plans, [Packing for a Multi-Day Ride] can help you think beyond the basics. Even if you are only out for the day, pack as though a delay is possible. A small amount of extra food, water and warm clothing can make an unplanned wait much more manageable.
Use digital maps as backup, not authority
Navigation can be confusing when several trails, access roads and local routes appear close together. Download or save the information you need before you leave, and learn how your chosen app behaves when you lose service. Keep a power bank or charging cable available, and make sure the phone is protected from rain, dust and vibration.
onX Offroad may help you view your position and orient yourself, but treat it as one layer of trip planning rather than the final word on access. Check that the route matches current local trail information, and follow the signs on the ground. If the map and a clearly posted closure disagree, do not ride past the closure simply because the digital route continues.
A practical approach is to review the route with your group before the ride, then use the app during the trip to stay oriented. onX Offroad can be especially useful as a backup reference when riders need to compare their location with a planned route, but it cannot tell you by itself whether a trail is open that day. Keep a second navigation option, and agree on what the group will do if devices stop working.
Ride responsibly and make the day enjoyable
Respect signs, land and other trail users
The Tour de la Montagne du Diable is best enjoyed at a pace that leaves room to respond to changing trail conditions. Slow down around blind corners, narrow sections and places where people may be walking or working. Leave space between machines so dust and sudden stops do not catch the next rider by surprise.
Stay on the authorized corridor. Cutting around a muddy spot can widen the trail, damage vegetation or send riders onto land where access was never granted. Gates should be left as you found them, and posted instructions should be followed even if they add time to the ride. [Staying on a Federated Corridor] explains why remaining on the marked route helps protect continued trail access.
Plan for quiet moments as well as the scenic ones. Nearby residents, cottages, farms and wildlife can all be affected by unnecessary noise or careless riding. Keep the machine in good condition, avoid revving when it is not needed and follow local signage. Responsible riding is not just courteous; it helps preserve the relationships that keep trails available.
Build in practical stops and a flexible finish
Before setting out, choose a realistic starting point and confirm that parking is suitable for your truck and trailer. Trailhead arrangements can vary, so don’t assume that a roadside pull-off is an appropriate place to leave a vehicle for the day. [Quebec Trailheads With Parking] can help you think through the logistics of staging a ride.
If your group is travelling from outside the area, consider how long it will take to reach the trailhead, unload, complete the ride and load again. Leave room in the schedule for slower riders, snack breaks and unexpected delays. If you plan to stay overnight, look for accommodation that explicitly welcomes ATV riders and ask about trail access and trailer parking; [Quebec Lodging That Welcomes Quads] is a useful place to continue your planning.
The most reliable ride plan is one that can change without turning into a stressful scramble. Check the trail status, carry what you need, agree on a turnaround point and be willing to skip a segment if conditions are poor. With those pieces in place, the Tour de la Montagne du Diable can be an enjoyable way to experience the Laurentians while respecting the trails and communities that make the ride possible.
Disclaimer
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.
