Date of the activity

From January 29 to February 7, 2027

Description

A three-day adventure on the Lac St-Jean ices, supported by a skilled and professional team of the highest standards. Taking part in the mythical Double défi des deux Mario means helping to change the lives of young cancer patients.

Each participant registered for a crossing will cover the 32 km separating the 2 shores of Lac St-Jean. You'll leave from the Pointe-Taillon park reception area and head for Roberval's Village sur glaces. During your crossing, you'll be accommodated in expedition tents, treated to delicious meals and loaned some of the specialized equipment you'll need to enjoy your winter camping experience. Each day, prepare to cover a distance of approximately 10 to 12 kilometers on skis or snowshoes. Along the way, you'll be dragging your personal gear behind you on a sled. While you'll experience a physical challenge over the course of 3 days, it's a second, more introspective challenge that will leave its mark on you. The aim of the Double Défi des Deux Mario is to provide participants with a unique and transformative outdoor experience. Reserved for those ready to surpass themselves and compete with themselves during a 3-day expedition in true Arctic territory.

The draw for the 2027 edition is now closed.
We will share the link for the 2028 draw soon.

Registration

Registration Fee: $375, payable upon online registration

Fundraising Goal: $1,500 in donations
*The fundraising must be 100% completed by the expedition departure day. The full amount goes directly to the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation to help fulfill its mission.
Starting Point: Pointe-Taillon
End Point: Roberval (location to be confirmed)
Notes:

  • Each participant must complete their own registration form.
  • Policy for changes or cancellations can be found here.
  • Team Registration: The first person must register by creating a team. The second and subsequent participants must register by selecting the existing team to join it. The individual fundraising goals of $1,500/person are combined to create a team goal (e.g., $4,500 for a team of 3 people). Donors can contribute either to an individual or to a team; both personal and collective goals will be updated accordingly.IMPORTANT: If you select the option Create a team, make sure to check I want to join the team with my own personal campaign so that you will have both an individual and a team campaign.

Steps After Completing Online Registration

  1. You will receive two emails: 1st: Email with receipt for registration fee | 2nd: Email confirming your registration
  2. Activate your account from the second email
  3. Carefully read the confirmation message
  4. Download the preparation documents: participant guide, support letter, and equipment list
  5. Attend the two mandatory prep meetings in mid-December and mid-January. The meeting dates will be shared via email at a later time.

Who are the two Marios?

Mario Bilodeau (left) is a co-founder of the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation, the outdoor intervention program at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi, and the Double Défi des deux Mario. A pioneer of adventure therapy in Canada and an expert in outdoor leadership training, he is regularly invited to speak internationally thanks to his globally recognized expertise. Passionate about nature and expeditions, he has guided and taken part in numerous expeditions across North America, South America, Alaska, Greenland, and the Himalayas. In 2009, he received the prestigious Lifelong Contribution to Adventure Therapy in Canada award at the very first Canadian Adventure Therapy Symposium (CATS). Mario has been guiding, facilitating, and supporting the Foundation’s therapeutic adventure expeditions since its very first expedition in the Groulx Mountains in 1996. What he brings to the participants and each expedition is unique and magical. He is part of the heart and soul of the Foundation and a guardian of its mission.

Mario Cantin (right) spent more than 30 years in banking, including several years as Executive Vice-President at National Bank. Today, he devotes his time to coaching, public speaking, and meaningful projects. Passionate about leadership, resilience, and pushing his limits, he has undertaken several expeditions around the world, including Mount Everest, reaching its summit on May 22, 2018. A co-founder of the Double Défi des deux Mario and a supporter of the On the Tip of the Toes Foundation for nearly 20 years, Mario has helped make this event a uniquely meaningful adventure in support of young people living with cancer. His contribution to the Foundation’s mission is invaluable.

The two Marios warmly invite you to register or to support the fundraising of the participants of the Double Challenge!

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Thousands of participants have asked themselves the same questions as you before your winter crossing of Lac St-Jean. Our FAQ will answer most of your questions.

Frequently asked questions

Discover in:

How is the personal campaign going?

Register now! Then, ask colleagues, relatives and friends, inviting them to contribute to your fundraising campaign by taking advantage of the tips included in the participant’s workbook. All your donations will be going directly to the Foundation and will be used to fund the hours of intervention with young cancer patients.

Please note that throughout your campaign, the Foundation will support you in your efforts by providing you with various tools to ensure the credibility of your efforts and support you in your fundraising.

More infos, tricks and suggestions here!

Documentation and useful links

Change the life of a young person affected by cancer!

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It was an amazing experience. A moment to met amazing people each with a story as unique as the previous person. A moment to reflect back and see how far we have come. It’s not about the destination but theRead More […]

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