Tours & Activities in the Laurentian Mountains
• A WorldWeb.com Travel Guide for Laurentian Mountains, Quebec.
Quebec's Laurentian Mountains, located only an hour's drive from Montreal, offer year-round tourism options that are sure to delight any traveller. With a vast landscape that encompasses mighty mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes, maple and pine forests, rolling valleys and colourful farmland, it's no wonder this region is a popular destination with travellers from Canada and the wider world.
ORIENTATION
The Laurentians encompass a 22,000-sq-km (8,494-sq-mi) region of
wilderness north of Montreal. The area is made up of a unique mix of quaint villages and modern resorts that can be easily accessed by car and bus. Perhaps the best-known destination in the Laurentians is Mont Tremblant, a village and ski resort that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Other locations like St-Jerome, Ste-Sauveur, Shawinigan and Trois-Rivieres also make popular bases for visitors exploring the region.
WHAT TO DO
In Winter
Stunning mountain peaks and plenty of fresh, white snow make the Laurentian Mountains irresistible to winter travellers, and the majority head to the famous Mont Tremblant Ski Resort. Downhill skiing is the sport of choice here—the mountain offers 95 runs and 13 ski lifts—but there's more to this winter hot spot than the slopes. Dog sledding, ice climbing, snowshoeing and ice skating are also available, and those who can't stand the cold can enjoy a day perusing shops in the pedestrian village or relaxing at a day spa.
But Mont Tremblant is certainly not the only place to visit during winter. Val-David and Ste-Sauveur both offer major ski resorts, and other smaller ski areas are scattered throughout the region. The mountains and valleys immediately surrounding Mont Tremblant shouldn't be ignored either, particularly in Mont Tremblant National Park. Surrounding areas are snaked with backcountry ski trails, including cross-country trails that extend for over 100 km (60 mi) and weave in and out of neighbouring towns. In fact, cross-country skiers will find no shortage of areas to explore; trails and tours also depart from areas like St-Jerome and Ste-Agathe-des-Monts.
Snowmobiling is another popular way to enjoy the fresh air in this region and towns like Yamachiche, St-Michel-des-Saints and La Tuque offer guided snowmobiling tours. But for those who prefer to enjoy the snow-covered landscapes without the roar of a motor, there are plenty of snowshoeing, dog-sledding and ice-climbing tours in areas throughout the Laurentians. Tobogganing is another beloved activity in the region; ski hills in Mont Tremblant and Ste-Sauveur have dedicated tobogganing hills complete with lifts.
In Summer
Although the Laurentians are known for their world-class skiing opportunities, there's perhaps even more to enjoy during summer in this diverse natural area. The Laurentians are scattered with stunning lakes that are ideal for kayaking, canoeing, rafting and other water sports. Kayaking is especially popular in La Tuque and Mattawin, near Trois Rivieres, and canoeing is available at many of the top tourist spots, including Mont Tremblant, Ste-Sauveur and Val-David. Thrill seekers will enjoy white-water rafting or kayaking on the Rouge River near Mont Tremblant.
But there's no doubt as to what the main summer sport of the Laurentians region is: golf. The area has nearly 50 courses, with nine in Mont Tremblant alone. With everything from championship courses to small municipals layouts, there's something for every style of golfer here, and no matter where one plays, there's always amazing scenery to take in. The kids can get in the game, too—a number of mini-golf courses are available in every major town, and there are even go-karting courses scattered here and there. Children will also enjoy the water park in Ste-Sauveur.
Once the snow melts, alpine and cross-country skiing trails that were so popular among adventurers in winter beckon hikers and bikers in summer. Hundreds of hiking trails are scattered throughout the region, from short, easy strolls to challenging mountain treks and rock-climbing adventures. Hiking tours are a great way to experience the scenery for those who don't know where they're going. Guided rock-climbing tours are also a good idea for novices, and they're available in Mont Tremblant. Don't fancy doing all the leg work? Horseback riding is a perfect compromise; trail-riding trips depart from areas like Mont Tremblant, St-Jerome, Carignan and St-Michel-des-Saints.
Barreling downhill on two wheels is a favourite summer activity at the Mont Tremblant ski resort, while leisurely cycling tours are enjoyed in La Tuque and Val-David. However, those who'd fancy a bird's-eye view of the landscape might consider a more exhilarating endeavour; ziplining through the treetops is an activity that's available at Mont Tremblant and Mont-Laurier, and a sightseeing lift is also located at Mont Tremblant. Want to go even higher? Airplane and helicopter tours take off from La Tuque, Lac-à-la-Tortue and again, Mont Tremblant.
In Spring & Fall
There may be less excitement in the Laurentians during spring and autumn, but that's no reason to ignore this region during the off-season. Fall, in particular, is a rewarding time to pay a visit as the turning of the maple leaves makes for the kind of colourful scenery that can take any traveller's breath away. During this downtime, a farm tour, orchard tour or guided walk provides the perfect way to enjoy the red and orange backdrop. The many quaint towns in the region are prime places to browse antiques and grab a cozy bite to eat.
In spring, as the snow melts and the green grass and flowers attempt to make a dramatic re-appearance, a popular activity in the Laurentians is visiting a sugar shack. Spring is well-known among Canadians as harvest time for their iconic maple sugar, so why not learn about the complicated process of making this delicious treat? Visitors who do will be in for a sweet surprise.
ORIENTATION
The Laurentians encompass a 22,000-sq-km (8,494-sq-mi) region of
wilderness north of Montreal. The area is made up of a unique mix of quaint villages and modern resorts that can be easily accessed by car and bus. Perhaps the best-known destination in the Laurentians is Mont Tremblant, a village and ski resort that attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Other locations like St-Jerome, Ste-Sauveur, Shawinigan and Trois-Rivieres also make popular bases for visitors exploring the region.
WHAT TO DO
In Winter
Stunning mountain peaks and plenty of fresh, white snow make the Laurentian Mountains irresistible to winter travellers, and the majority head to the famous Mont Tremblant Ski Resort. Downhill skiing is the sport of choice here—the mountain offers 95 runs and 13 ski lifts—but there's more to this winter hot spot than the slopes. Dog sledding, ice climbing, snowshoeing and ice skating are also available, and those who can't stand the cold can enjoy a day perusing shops in the pedestrian village or relaxing at a day spa.
But Mont Tremblant is certainly not the only place to visit during winter. Val-David and Ste-Sauveur both offer major ski resorts, and other smaller ski areas are scattered throughout the region. The mountains and valleys immediately surrounding Mont Tremblant shouldn't be ignored either, particularly in Mont Tremblant National Park. Surrounding areas are snaked with backcountry ski trails, including cross-country trails that extend for over 100 km (60 mi) and weave in and out of neighbouring towns. In fact, cross-country skiers will find no shortage of areas to explore; trails and tours also depart from areas like St-Jerome and Ste-Agathe-des-Monts.
Snowmobiling is another popular way to enjoy the fresh air in this region and towns like Yamachiche, St-Michel-des-Saints and La Tuque offer guided snowmobiling tours. But for those who prefer to enjoy the snow-covered landscapes without the roar of a motor, there are plenty of snowshoeing, dog-sledding and ice-climbing tours in areas throughout the Laurentians. Tobogganing is another beloved activity in the region; ski hills in Mont Tremblant and Ste-Sauveur have dedicated tobogganing hills complete with lifts.
In Summer
Although the Laurentians are known for their world-class skiing opportunities, there's perhaps even more to enjoy during summer in this diverse natural area. The Laurentians are scattered with stunning lakes that are ideal for kayaking, canoeing, rafting and other water sports. Kayaking is especially popular in La Tuque and Mattawin, near Trois Rivieres, and canoeing is available at many of the top tourist spots, including Mont Tremblant, Ste-Sauveur and Val-David. Thrill seekers will enjoy white-water rafting or kayaking on the Rouge River near Mont Tremblant.
But there's no doubt as to what the main summer sport of the Laurentians region is: golf. The area has nearly 50 courses, with nine in Mont Tremblant alone. With everything from championship courses to small municipals layouts, there's something for every style of golfer here, and no matter where one plays, there's always amazing scenery to take in. The kids can get in the game, too—a number of mini-golf courses are available in every major town, and there are even go-karting courses scattered here and there. Children will also enjoy the water park in Ste-Sauveur.
Once the snow melts, alpine and cross-country skiing trails that were so popular among adventurers in winter beckon hikers and bikers in summer. Hundreds of hiking trails are scattered throughout the region, from short, easy strolls to challenging mountain treks and rock-climbing adventures. Hiking tours are a great way to experience the scenery for those who don't know where they're going. Guided rock-climbing tours are also a good idea for novices, and they're available in Mont Tremblant. Don't fancy doing all the leg work? Horseback riding is a perfect compromise; trail-riding trips depart from areas like Mont Tremblant, St-Jerome, Carignan and St-Michel-des-Saints.
Barreling downhill on two wheels is a favourite summer activity at the Mont Tremblant ski resort, while leisurely cycling tours are enjoyed in La Tuque and Val-David. However, those who'd fancy a bird's-eye view of the landscape might consider a more exhilarating endeavour; ziplining through the treetops is an activity that's available at Mont Tremblant and Mont-Laurier, and a sightseeing lift is also located at Mont Tremblant. Want to go even higher? Airplane and helicopter tours take off from La Tuque, Lac-à-la-Tortue and again, Mont Tremblant.
In Spring & Fall
There may be less excitement in the Laurentians during spring and autumn, but that's no reason to ignore this region during the off-season. Fall, in particular, is a rewarding time to pay a visit as the turning of the maple leaves makes for the kind of colourful scenery that can take any traveller's breath away. During this downtime, a farm tour, orchard tour or guided walk provides the perfect way to enjoy the red and orange backdrop. The many quaint towns in the region are prime places to browse antiques and grab a cozy bite to eat.
In spring, as the snow melts and the green grass and flowers attempt to make a dramatic re-appearance, a popular activity in the Laurentians is visiting a sugar shack. Spring is well-known among Canadians as harvest time for their iconic maple sugar, so why not learn about the complicated process of making this delicious treat? Visitors who do will be in for a sweet surprise.
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