about
NPO presentation
Empire 47 is a non-profit organization (NPO) founded in 2014 to manage an outdoor recreotourism center whose main activities offered are mountain biking, hiking and trail running in the summer, as well as oversized tire biking or fatbike, and snowshoeing in the winter.
MISSION
Empire 47’s mission is to encourage healthy lifestyles through sports and outdoor activities, and to create wealth through sustainable and responsible tourism that has economic, social and environmental benefits.
VISION
To be the ideal mountain bike center for families in summer for local and regional residents as well as tourists, and the ultimate fatbike destination in winter.
THE TEAM
The NPO is made up of a Board of Directors whose elected members are volunteers, a General Manager supported by a team of coordinators, a dedicated reception and ticketing team, and a hard-working team in the field. It can also count on a team of trained and competent patrollers who criss-cross the trails to properly direct network users and assist or evacuate them in the event of injury. To find out more about the patrol and/or to get involved as a volunteer, click here.
VOLUNTEERING
An outdoor activity center cannot succeed without the involvement of motivated volunteers. At Empire 47, volunteer work is at the heart of our activities. Firstly, with the involvement of the members of its Board of Directors who, with their multidisciplinary profiles and shared vision, are able to adequately guide the general management. Then there’s trail work, an arduous but oh-so-essential and gratifying task, because one of the greatest difficulties in operating an outdoor resort is constantly being dependent on the vagaries of nature! Whether it’s after heavy snowfalls or torrential rains, the combined forces of employees and generous volunteers make it possible to weather storms more quickly!
EMPIRE 47, A SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT PROJECT
Sustainable development is “a type of development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. To achieve this, sustainable development is based on three fundamental and interconnected pillars: the environment, social needs and economic needs.
Environment: By humanizing its territory, Empire 47 protects a vast forested area of over sixty million square feet. Today, thanks to the construction of narrow (singletrack) trails, the organization uses around 7% of this territory. Since the development of the mountain bike and hiking trail network, there is no recreational all-terrain vehicle activity, no illegal tree-cutting, and no one comes to bury construction materials.
Social: Science has shown that outdoor activities help promote healthy lifestyles. They enable people to reconnect with the environment and socialize with others around a shared passion. The 2020 pandemic has made us all aware of the importance of this vital aspect of our physical and mental health.
Economic: To ensure the longevity of its activities and provide a legacy for future generations, it is essential for Empire 47 to generate surpluses that enable reinvestment in trail maintenance, building upkeep and job creation. In addition, by attracting tourists to the region, the resort generates economic spin-offs that contribute to the growth of local businesses.
LEXICON:
Ecotourism is a form of tourism that aims to help people discover a natural environment while preserving its integrity. It includes activities that interpret the natural or cultural components of the environment, foster an attitude of respect towards the environment, are based on notions of sustainable development, and generate socio-economic benefits for local and regional communities.
Sustainable tourism is tourism that is mindful of its environmental, economic and social impact.
Responsible tourism is a way of traveling that is opposed to mass tourism, which has a negative impact on the environment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do we have to buy our tickets online?
No, it’s not compulsory, but it’s highly recommended to ensure a spot on busy days and to reduce waiting times at the box office.
When do you open and close the trails?
Empire 47’s philosophy is to get you riding as soon and as long as possible. Ultimately, it’s up to Mother Nature! Generally speaking, the winter season begins around December 1 and ends around April 30. The summer season can start around May 15 and end around October 30. Follow us on Facebook for up-to-date conditions.
Where can we see the trail conditions and if they are opened or closed?
At any time, you can visit our web page to find out about trail conditions. In between seasons, religiously follow our Facebook page for the latest relevant information. Trail conditions are visible in real time at the top of our home page and are represented by green (open) and red (closed) dots. We usually update our conditions in the morning around 8:00, after a general tour.
Are electric-assist bies allowed at Empire 47?
Yes, Class 1 ebikes (without throttle and with pedal motor – wheel motor forbidden) are allowed at Empire 47, however, there is a 25% surcharge on the access fees required.
What is the annual pass
This pass is only available in the fall and covers the winter season and the following summer season. It includes fat biking, snowshoeing, mountain biking and hiking/trail running.
Do you offer rentals and how does it work?
Can I ride after opening hours?
Unfortunately not! It’s an insurance issue since we can’t guarantee your safety. That’s why Empire 47 offers extended opening hours Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 21:00, and Saturday and Sunday, 8:00 to 18:00. These hours are subject to change at any time, depending on weather conditions.
Do you have lessons or guide service?
Yes, it is possible to have advanced or introductory courses and a guide service. Visit our bike school page at Évolution 47. If you have any questions, send an e-mail to reservations@empire47.com.
Will there be any restrictions due to COVID?
The center may decide at any time to impose restrictions if it considers that its maximum capacity has been reached. It will comply with all public health requirements.
Can we sleep in your parking lots?
YES! We have a site reserved for vanlife enthusiasts just 1.5 km from Empire 47. You’ll find all the information you need on our VANLIFE page.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs are prohibited on fatbike and mountain bike trails. They are allowed on a leash or harness on snowshoeing and hiking/trail running trails.
However, on Monday and Wednesday evenings in winter, Fatbikejoring outings are exceptionally and exclusively authorized for members of Sports Canins Attelés Québec (SCAQ).
Details HERE.
Is the helmet compulsory?
Yes, at any time.
I don't have any cycling shoes, is that a big deal?
No, our rental bikes have flat pedals, so sport shoes will do. Avoid ready-to-wear shoes.
Why do I have to sign a Risk Acknowledgment document?
It is the user’s responsibility to recognize that mountain biking involves risks. This document is also required by our insurers and our partner, Aventure Écotourisme Québec.
How do I make a rental?
Online rental is mandatory at all times. Here’s the link: https://www.empire47.com/les-services/#location
To make the most of your rental, please arrive at least 15 minutes before the start of your activity. Please note that the time required to make your adjustments and answer your questions is included in the duration of your rental.
Do you have an equipment rental service?
Yes, we rent a full range of mountain bikes, from small push bikes to high-end dual-suspension and dirt-jump style bikes. Go to Pricing for full details.
Do you have food on site?
We only have a few beverages and snacks. Please refer to the following link to find out where to eat in the area.
Do you have a repair shop on site?
We offer a breakdown service in case of breakage or minor adjustments.
What are your opening and closing hours?
Monday to Friday 8:00 to 21:00, Saturday and Sunday 8:00 to 19:00.
Is Empire 47 a private company?
Empire 47 is a non-profit organization that manages and develops a network of 4-season trails while protecting an important forest in the drainage basin of Quebec City’s drinking water source. So, by encouraging the organization, you encourage healthy eating habits.e life through outdoor activities and events.
Why is your resort called Empire 47?
According to the Larousse, an empire is “a very vast territory in which animals and plants belonging to the same families are found in nature”. The “47” represents the fact that the 47th parallel runs a little higher up the forest massif.
WINTER
Which helmet can I use on a fatbike? Is it compulsory?
We require helmets for all two-wheeled activities. You may, however, use your own bicycle helmet. We strongly suggest that you put a sports toque or Buff underneath to cut out the wind. If you have a ski or snowboard helmet, that’s perfect. If necessary, we can rent you one.
Can I walk on your snowshoe trails?
Unfortunately not. Whatever the ground conditions, we require snowshoes on our network for your safety and to maintain trail quality.
Can we snowshoe the fatbike trails?
With the popularity of fatbikes at Empire 47 and to ensure everyone’s safety, snowshoeing is not permitted on fatbike trails. The trail map indicates dedicated snowshoeing trails.
Do you sell your rental fatbikes at the end of the year?
Every other year, Empire 47 sells its rental fleet. Reservations can be made directly via our online store . Bikes are usually delivered 30 days after the end of the season.
SUMMER
How do I dress for mountain biking?
We suggest that you wear light, flexible clothing that allows you to move well. Avoid baggy pants and denim.
Is your P2 parking lot far from the main entrance?
It’s 1.8 kilometers away on a flat road.
Policies
SEASON PASS
- Your season pass sticker must be visible on your bike at all times;
- If you sell your bike, please remove and destroy your season pass sticker. To get a new sticker, come to the reception desk with your proof of destruction and we’ll give you another sticker;
- If you don’t have your sticker, come to the welcome center to confirm your membership, and we’ll give you daily access.
ACCESS FEES
- Access rights purchased online must be bought and paid for on the day of use.
- No refunds will be given unless the center closes due to adverse weather conditions.
RENTAL
Online booking and payment are recommended for all rentals.
RULES
These rules are in effect for the summer season.
Subject to change without notice.
- Be respectful and courteous at all times
- Helmets must be worn by all cyclists (rental available on site)
- Children aged 10 and under must be supervised by an adult.
- Admission is compulsory. It can be paid online or on site.
- Priority to cyclists on multipurpose trails
- Dogs are permitted on hiking trails and must be on a leash at all times.
- Dogs are prohibited on mountain bike trails.
- Respect trail signs for your own safety.
- Respect your skill level: don’t use a trail without studying it first.
- Respect trail closure notices according to weather conditions.
- Snow chain for fatbikes prohibited
- Only Class 1 e-bikes (e-bikes without throttle) are permitted on the site
COVID-19
- Respect current standards of social distancing
- Disinfect your hands when entering the reception center
- Wear a mask when entering indoor areas
patrol

Empire 47 Station has had a professional and efficient patrol service since 2018! Now with over 40 dedicated and trained members, the team offers valuable advice while out on the trails and responds to emergencies. All our members are trained in first-aid CPR, and the majority are also trained in mountain evacuation techniques. Rest assured, you’ll be in good hands!
If you want to be part of a dynamic team, there’s room for you! You need an intermediate level of mountain biking and fat biking. You also need to be in good physical shape. You’ll have the chance to ride Empire 47’s wonderful trails with a focus on assisting customers who may have mechanical difficulties, need help finding their way around the trail network, and act as a first responder in the event of an emergency. You must have current CPR first aid training. Our team can assist you in obtaining future training updates, and can also offer you simulated mountain evacuation exercises.
For more information, or to become part of this superb team, contact Jean-Louis Provencher jl.provencher@empire47.com or Cathy Beaumier cbeaumier@empire47.com.
career
Empire 47 is a fast-growing organization just waiting for you to explore new horizons!
Be part of a dynamic team committed to customer service and safety. Our employees’ smiles are seen every day, because there’s nothing more exhilarating than working in the great outdoors!
Send your C.V. to info@empire47.com and tell us why you’d be a great addition to our team!
We look forward to hearing from you.
The Empire 47 team
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