irREVerent

X 3. I'm also sorry to hear about these incidents, but more than likely operator error involved, perhaps due to inexperience with the machine, and likely compounded by the use of muffs (perhaps incorrectly installed?). Similar to Mrs. IQ Turbo, I ride a 900 Blizzard, almost always in "Sport" mode (most responsive throttle) and have never had an issue with or without muffs on. Mrs. irREVerent also has same machine... again, she's had no issues. The only time I ever use the "Eco" mode is when loading onto (or unloading off) trailer.

X 2

I'll second that, revrnd...I appreciated your time and effort spent documenting our trip via your daily pics & blog. Despite a few "challenges" along the way (especially today's blinding snow storm), I had a great time.

Thanks, revrnd...see you tomorrow. Forecast looks good!

I look forward to riding with you again, Canuck... should be a great trip.

X 2... have been across it by sled, and by ATV in the summer. The view is well worth it.

X 2 on the place across the road.

When did you become a moderator?

I haven't calculated mine, but suspect it was pretty close to your numbers, revrnd. The trip computer on the sled showed an overall running average consumption rate of 10 L/100 kms, so it appears to be a bit optimistic compared to actual consumption. Regardless, 11-12 L/100 kms (which equates to 24-26 mpg) is pretty damn good, especially considering that we weren't dallying much of the time, over our 4 days of riding...lots of "lake running" speeds in the 110-130 kph range, whenever conditions allowed.

Have been to Gaspe twice...it's definitely a bucket-list sledding destination. Between the trails, the spectacular scenery, and the people, I would characterize it as a "life experience". Great pic above, Yamatario...I know exactly where that was taken and have a similar pic...a beautiful stretch of trail.

Have been sledding in Quebec numerous times over the last 15-20 years, usually for a week of saddle-bagging. Can't beat the experience...trails are typically awesome, with (usually) good to excellent directional signage, excellent relais (often a clubhouse) for food and sometimes fuel, and pretty regular grooming (with the odd exception after a busy weekend.). Aside from all of that, the whole cultural experience is a real treat, the cuisine is often first-rate (even in relatively isolated or small places), and as others have said, language is never an issue, especially if you make even just a little effort to use your basic (and in my case, very rusty) high-school French. Particularly in the more remote areas like Gaspe, the locals really appreciate your tourism dollars, and always seem to be happy to see you, even if you can only parle un peu de francais.

Just to clarify...what SJ said in bold above, about refunds of insurance portion (for out-of province sleds) is true, but only if you buy a full-season permit. X 2 on SJ's comments above about way better caution/warning signage on Quebec trails...but to be fair, Quebec trails are operated in quite a different legal/liability context.

Nope, sorry...no Drake...LOL. RAP can be done in 3 to 5 days, although you miss a lot if you only allow 3...4 is typical, and 5 is even better because it allows you time to explore some interesting side loops along the way. Distance varies depending on exact route, but as I recall, it is typically in the 900 km range. And yes, it is a great trip...I've done it 3 times over the years.

Really??? You've honestly never heard of the RAP (sledding) tour??? RAP = 'Round Algonquin Park.

X 2 on all 3 of those, especially Spectacle Lake Lodge.