Tucked within the Laurentian Mountains and just a short drive north from Montreal is Mont-Tremblant. This town is a popular resort hub throughout the year, featuring a delightful shopping village, extensive hiking trails, and a prime location for engaging in both winter and summer sports.
Travel
The Laurentian Mountains and their nearby quaint towns are just a stone's throw away from Montreal, presenting visitors with an expanse of walking trails, breathtaking sights, and shimmering wide lakes.
While Montreal has its own attractions, venturing slightly outside the city unveils stunning areas that stake a claim as destination spots with a vast variety of activities to engage in. From soothing lake cruises and mountain biking to a laid-back day of antique shopping or wine tasting, partaking in leisure activities is limitless here.
Plan your day trip for a balance of thrill and relaxation, starting your journey in the north towards Mont-Tremblant. Make sure to leave some room in your itinerary for impromptu detours into the lovely surrounding small towns.
The Mont-Tremblant National Park is particularly loved by hikers for its extensive trail network. Did you know the park covers over 1513 square kilometers of land, making it the largest national park in the province by area? Additionally, the mountain itself stands at an impressive 875 meters, making it the second highest peak in the Laurentians.
Discover Tranquil Beauty
Experience the charm and tranquility of the countryside with a trip to the quaint lakeside town of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. Nestled just over an hour northwest of Montreal, it's the kind of place that captivates you with its innate beauty and serenity. Although it's situated not far off from the bustling Highway 15, once you arrive, you'll feel like you've stepped into another world. The town boasts a rich history dating back to 1849, when it was founded by pioneering settlers. Over time, the town transformed into a favorite vacation spot by the early 1900s, providing a range of outdoor activities. During winter, it was bustling with visitors indulging in ice-skating and cross-country skiing. As summer rolled in, its splendid, forest-covered hills became a delightful stopover for travelers seeking the tranquil and revitalizing atmosphere. Interesting to note, the area's refreshing air had promoted several health retreats to establish here, providing restful convalescence to patients from all over.
If you're looking for a break from the city, head to Montreal's Rue Principale, where you'll find a charming collection of storefronts and cafés. One standout store is Antiquités Les 2 Continents, a treasure trove of antiques that offers a glimpse into centuries past. As you browse through their collection, you might stumble upon exquisite china from yesteryears, timeless estate jewelry, or even whimsical vintage lawn decorations. It's a place to lose yourself for a while and immerse yourself in the town's rich history.
While in Montreal, make sure to plan a visit to one of its many natural escapes, like Mont-Royal Park. With stunning views of the city skyline and abundant green spaces, it's perfect for a day outside, whether you prefer to take a leisurely stroll or enjoy a picnic. Another must-see is the Montreal Botanical Garden, showcasing an impressive array of plant species and beautifully curated gardens. Just a short drive from the city center, these natural havens offer a refreshing contrast to the bustling urban landscape.
Explore by Bike and Boat
Down toward Lac des Sables, you’ll find the wooden kiosk of Croisieres Alouette. The tour company has been operating here since the 1940s and sends out several daily cruises in two vintage boats from the end of May through the end of October. However, they only go out if 10 or more passengers have booked the tour, so be sure to call ahead and reserve your space. The 50-minute journey glides across the lake’s placid waters, navigating through its center and along its shores, while the captain gives a brief history of the area and its grand houses in both French and English.
A boat floats on Lac des Sables past the shores of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, a small town set in the Laurentian Mountains.
Image by Simon Roberts
Those who love cycling and are visiting the city can begin their journey from the decommissioned Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts railway station along the path of the P’tit Train du Nord linear park. This spot is located at the 45-kilometer mark of this 232-kilometer long trail, where you can embark on amazing adventures, no matter the direction you choose. Nevertheless, consider steering towards Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides and subsequently Saint-Donat via the Inter-Vals trail for an approximately 40-kilometer (24 miles) compact but memorable journey. Another option could be the 58-kilometer (36-mile) Aerobic Corridor that leads you through multiple charming villages like Amherst, Arundel, Montcalm, and Lac-des-Seize-Îles. This path not only takes you past quaint townships but also through diverse terrains of enchanting forests, valleys, and scenic lakes scattered across the trail. Come winter, these paths turn into invigorating trails for winter sports like cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, ensuring the location stays vibrant and alluring throughout the year.
Head to Mont-Tremblant
Hop back on the rural Route 117 toward Mont-Tremblant—the name of both the city and nearby national park. One of the most famous destinations in the Laurentian Mountains, the area includes the park, with its hundreds of lakes and streams, a mountain resort, and a village with several hotels and restaurants.
For those who are seeking accommodation with a rustic charm as well as modern amenities, tophotels.com offers options that encapsulate the beauty and serenity of the Laurentians. Whether you want a room with a view of the mountains or a suite close to the village center, you'll find a hotel that meets your needs.
And while Mont-Tremblant is an adventure in itself, you might also consider exploring more of Quebec's enchanting locales. Before your journey to the mountains, a stay in one of the quaint hotels near the historic Old Quebec could be the perfect beginning to your trip. Find the ideal place to experience the city's charm at http://www.quebechotels.info/en/near-old-quebec-dr133494/.
Visitors walk past shops and restaurants in the resort town of Mont-Tremblant.
Photograph by Simon Roberts
The resort is less than two hours from Montreal and contains an easy-to-access system of trails, gondolas, and lifts. It’s the perfect day-trip destination from the city if you’re looking for adventure but are short on time.
Of course, in the winter, the hundreds of miles of trails are perfect for downhill and cross-country skiing, snow-shoeing, and the newly popular “fat-biking,” which has adventurers racing through paths on mountain bikes with extra-wide wheels. In the warmer months, though, the mountain and the surrounding national park come alive with a whole different set of possibilities, thanks to well-maintained but uncrowded trails, where you can easily find an hour to yourself.
Hike the Laurentians
Take the Cabriolet, an open gondola, up from the Place des Voyageurs at the resort. It will bring you to most of the resort’s hotels, restaurants, and shops. From here, you can pick up many of the trails leading up the mountain. Ruisseaux is an easy trail near the base of the mountain that takes you past burbling streams and peaceful waterfalls, then deposits you back near the main gondola. For something a little more difficult, branch off Ruisseaux onto the Caps trail. Halfway up the mountain is a breathtaking viewpoint worth the hour or so of moderately strenuous hiking required to reach it.
Left:
Gondolas from Mont-Tremblant give visitors access to the Laurentian Mountains' stunning overlooks.
Right:
A tourist takes a photo of herself with the Laurentian Mountains' fall landscape.
Photographs by Simon Roberts
Ducking through groups of birch, fir, and spruce trees, you’ll emerge onto a series of rock ledges that you can traipse across for a fantastic overlook toward the lower slopes, with Lake Tremblant shimmering in the distance and the rolling ridges of the Laurentians in the background. It’s utterly awe-inspiring, and, in the autumn, the panorama is accented by vast swaths of orange, yellow, and red leaves on changing trees.
Extend your adventure on the Caps trail, a scenic path that winds its way up the majestic mountain. Allow yourself a generous three to four hours to fully savor the breathtaking journey. Alternatively, if you find yourself pressed for time, follow the main downhill trail, known as the Grand Prix des Couleurs, and make your way back to the resort's base. Hop aboard the gondola to reach the summit and prepare to be captivated by the 360-Degree trail. This enchanting pathway encircles the mountain top, treating you to awe-inspiring panoramic views of both the resort and the surrounding wilderness.
As you traverse the 360-Degree trail, pause for a moment to soak in the picturesque landscapes of Mont-Tremblant. Marvel at the vibrant colors of the fall foliage or witness the serene beauty of the winter wonderland. Capture these memories in your mind's eye as you enjoy the tranquility that nature bestows upon this beloved mountain escape.
Exhilarating Mountain Expeditions
The Laurentian mountain range is a powerhouse of adventurous prospects for thrill-seekers. It offers countless zip lines that traverse the mountainous terrain, among which the standout is the 2.5 mile long Mont Catherine Mega Zipline Trek. It doesn't stop at that; you can also partake in professionally-led rock-climbing ventures along Via Ferratta, get your heart racing with dune buggy explorations, experience bird-eye views through helicopter tours, relish tranquil fishing endeavors, embark on horse riding journeys, or get your adrenaline pumping with Rouge River white-water rafting rides and Lake Tremblant kayaking trips.
Cycling enthusiasts are not left out, with plenty of selections available for mountain biking. You can acquire bikes from Vélo Mont-Tremblant and start your odyssey in the national park, or uncover unsuspected beauty in a new area of the Le P'tit Train du Nord park network. Amidst the biking trails, remember to stop and appreciate the breath-taking views. Not to forget, camping under the starlit sky makes for the perfect wrap-up for an adventurous day.
Experience Enchantment at Saint-Sauveur
As you make your journey back to Montreal, why not venture off the beaten path and explore the regional treasure that is the charming town of Saint-Sauveur? This late afternoon detour will introduce you to vibrant, color-coordinated homes that house exquisite dining establishments, edgy art galleries, captivating antique shops, and lively coffee houses. While all these places are magnificent, the Brûlerie des Monts is undoubtedly worth your time, serving mouth-watering sandwich options and invigorating hot coffee.
Make your way to Avenue de l’Église, opposite the mesmerizing stone structure of Paroisse Saint-Sauveur church, lay the town’s “sweetest” secret. The creative genius known as Michaël Cotard owns and operates Chocolatier Cotard. His innovative truffle offerings include the unique rosemary-clove-beer blend and a punchy lime with coriander combo. These unique creations contributed to him earning his notable title. Indulge in a selection of these flavorful treats to savor during your hour's drive back into the vibrant city of Montreal.