Laurentides Wildlife Reserve Travel Guide

Discover all the natural wonders, top attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, and cultural customs of the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve in Quebec, Canada.


Introduction to Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

Located in Central Quebec, the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve is a stunning 7,861 square kilometer natural area filled with diverse flora and fauna. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, avid photographer, or wilderness explorer, Laurentides Wildlife Reserve will offer you an unforgettable experience.

List of Places to Visit in Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Maison Louis-Cyr: This museum exhibits the life of the famous strongman Louis Cyr and showcases his performances.
  • Les Jardins de Quatre-Vents: The gardens are jaw-dropping with several elements like ponds, a fountain, and a walled garden.
  • Manoir Bleury-Bouthillier: This French-style house is from the 19th century and a must-visit for architecture enthusiasts.

Natural Attractions of Laurentides Wildlife Reserve: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mount Tremblant: This is the highest peak in the Laurentians and attracts adventure enthusiasts for skiing, hiking, and mountain biking.
  • Montagne du Diable: This mountain offers a scenic beauty worth capturing through photography and is also a popular hiking/cycling spot.
  • Lac des Neiges: This lake is known for stunning scenic beauty and a favorite spot for fishing enthusiasts.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

Some of the popular hiking/biking routes in Laurentides Wildlife Reserve are:

  • The P’tit Train du Nord: The 200-kilometer rail trail stretches from Bois-des-Filion in the south to Mont-Laurier in the north and can be covered by feet or cycling.
  • Mont Tremblant National Park: The park has 82 km of hiking trails with varying difficulty levels and gives the visitors a beautiful view of Vauquer Peak.

Best Things to Do in Laurentides Wildlife Reserve: Activities and Tours

  • Wildlife Viewing: This is the main attraction of Laurentides Wildlife Reserve with dense forests providing shelter to large animals like moose, bears, and wolves.
  • Fishing: Laurentides Wildlife Reserve has 17 rivers and 60 lakes, which makes it a prime fishing location.
  • Kayaking and Canoeing: The park has a significant water source, which is good for kayaking and canoeing. Several rental services are available.

Week-Long Itinerary for Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

Here is an ideal itinerary for a week-long visit to Laurentides Wildlife Reserve.

Day 1: Start with exploring the popular attractions, including Maison Louis-Cyr, Les Jardins de Quatre-Vents and Manoir Bleury-Bouthillier.

Day 2: Spend the day discovering the stunning scenery of the park, hiking/biking to Mount Tremblant, and enjoying watersports.

Day 3: Take a scenic drive to Montagne du Diable and take a refreshing hike up the mountain.

Day 4: Head to Lac des Neiges for an exquisite photo opportunity and indulge in fishing.

Day 5: Take a break from the park and go on a scenic drive to nearby cities like Quebec or Montreal for local shopping and food.

Day 6: Embark on a wildlife viewing tour and try to spot groups of moose, black bear, or wolves.

Day 7: End things on a high by going on a final hike and capturing beautiful photos to cherish the memories.

Food and Drink Scene of Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

Must-Try Dishes

  • Poutine: A Quebec specialty dish with crispy fries topped with fresh cheese curds and gravy.
  • Tarte au Sucre: This is a traditional Quebec dessert made with butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup.
  • Tourtiere: A meat pie with cubed meat, onion, and spices baked in a pastry.

Local Beverages

  • Ice Wine: A sweet dessert wine made from grapes that are frozen on the vineyards.
  • Unibroue: A Quebec brewery known for its popular beer such as La Fin du Monde and Maudite.
  • Cidre: Quebec’s cider is a locally produced alcoholic beverage made from a range of apples.

Where to Stay in Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

Some of the best accommodation options in Laurentides Wildlife Reserve are:

  • Mont Tremblant Ski Resort: A luxurious resort that has a spa, ski slopes, and a golf course.
  • Fairmont Tremblant: A 5-star hotel with an outdoor pool and whirlpool, health club, and a casual restaurant.
  • Camping Parc National Du Mont-Tremblant: Campers can set up base in the beautiful wilderness of Laurentides Wildlife Reserve.

What to Buy in Laurentides Wildlife Reserve: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Maple Syrup: Quebec is the largest producer of maple syrup in the world, and you can buy pure maple syrup.
  • Local Cheese: Quebec is also famous for its cheese making, and you can buy local cheese at a reasonable price.
  • Artisanal Handicrafts: You can buy handmade crafts like pottery, textiles, and glassware from the Laurentides Wildlife Reserve.

Local Culture and Customs of Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

  • Language: French is the preferred language as it is located in Quebec region.
  • Tipping: The standard tipping rate is 15-20%.
  • Friendly People: Quebecions are known for their friendly nature, and locals always welcome visitors with warmth.

Best Time to Visit Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

The best time to visit Laurentides Wildlife Reserve is between May to October when the weather is mild and offers a perfect condition for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and fishing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

Do:

  • Take advantage of the outdoor activities like hiking, biking, fishing, and kayaking/canoeing.
  • Discover the stunning scenery of Laurentides Wildlife Reserve and indulge in wildlife viewing and photography.
  • Learn about the local culture and customs and try the local cuisine and beverages.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to pack essentials like hiking shoes/boots, water, and sunscreen.
  • Do not disturb the forest, take only memories, and leave nothing but footprints.
  • Don’t be rude to the locals and be appreciative of their culture.

Safety and Health

Safety in Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

  • Always follow guidelines while exploring the national park, and do not go off-trail.
  • Beware of animals like Moose, Black Bears, and Wolves which are commonly found in the park.
  • In case of emergency, contact park rangers for immediate assistance.

Health in Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

  • Always carry essential medications with you, and don’t forget to keep insect repellent with you to protect against mosquito bites.
  • Carry enough water with you and consume regularly to avoid dehydration.

Getting to Laurentides Wildlife Reserve: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

  • Montreal-Trudeau International Airport
  • Quebec City Jean Lesage International Airport

Bus Stations Near Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

  • Intercar
  • Groupe la Quebecoise

Other Options

  • Car: You can drive to Laurentides Wildlife Reserve, and there are plenty of parking options available.
  • Train: You can reach as far as Mont-Laurier or Saint-Jerome via train, and from there, you will need to drive or take a bus to the park.

How to Get Around in Laurentides Wildlife Reserve

The best way to get around in Laurentides Wildlife Reserve is by car to reach remote areas or by foot to explore the major attractions. Guided tours and shuttle bus services are also available.

Where to Go Next from Laurentides Wildlife Reserve: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Quebec City: Known for its rich culture and landmarks like Fairmont Le Château Frontenac and Citadelle de Quebec.
  • Montreal: A major city, which is known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse food scene, and historic landmarks.

Conclusion

Laurentides Wildlife Reserve is the ultimate destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking outdoor adventure. With clean air, stunning scenery, delicious food, warm people, and cultural attractions, it is impossible not to fall in love with this part of Canada. Plan your trip today and immerse yourself in the wilderness of Laurentides Wildlife Reserve.