Laurentians Travel Guide

This guide provides everything you need to know about the Laurentians including top tourist attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transport and logistics, and nearby destinations.


Introduction to Laurentians

The Laurentians are a picturesque mountain range located in southwestern Quebec, Canada. The area offers stunning natural beauty, a rich cultural history, and a wide range of outdoor recreational activities. The Laurentians boast over 9,000 lakes and rivers, making it a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. This guide offers a comprehensive breakdown of the top tourist attractions, hiking/biking routes, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transport and logistics, and nearby destinations.

List of Places to Visit in Laurentians

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

The Laurentians are home to a wealth of cultural attractions for history buffs, museum-goers, and art enthusiasts alike. Here are some must-visit cultural attractions:

  • Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts History and Museum: This museum showcases the history of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and includes exhibits on local industry, development, and popular traditions.
  • Musee d’Art Contemporain des Laurentides: This contemporary art museum features works from internationally renowned artists, as well as emerging talent from Quebec and Ontario.
  • Mont-Tremblant Historical Society: This museum focuses on the region’s logging and railway history, including displays of antique tools, photos, and artifacts.
  • La Chapelle Sainte-Agathe: This restored chapel dates back to the early 1900s and now serves as an art gallery showcasing the work of local artists.

Natural Attractions of Laurentians: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

The Laurentians offer endless opportunities for outdoor adventure, from hiking and biking to skiing and snowboarding. Here are some top natural attractions:

  • Mont-Tremblant National Park: This park offers over 400 lakes and rivers, as well as 40km of hiking trails, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Omega Park: A wildlife sanctuary with over 30 species of wild animals including bison, wolves, and bears.
  • Mont Tremblant Ski Resort: One of the most popular ski resorts in North America, Mont Tremblant offers over 102 trails across four distinct slopes.
  • Le P’tit Train du Nord: This former railway line has been converted into a multi-use trail that runs 200km through the Laurentians, making it a popular route for biking and hiking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Laurentians

The Laurentians are abundant in hiking and biking routes that can take you through exquisite forests and mountain ranges. Here are some of the most popular hiking and biking routes:

  • La Montée du lac Ouimet: A 7km trail that leads to a mountain vista with panoramic views of the Laurentians.
  • The Linear Park: A 58km bike path that travels along the P’tit Train du Nord trail which takes you past lakes, rivers, and villages, and even a waterfall.
  • Mountain Climbing and Hiking Trails: Mont Tremblant offers over 11 climbing routes, ranging from beginner to advanced level. Hiking trails include the famous Mont Tremblant summit trek with rewarding views.

Best Things to Do in Laurentians: Activities and Tours

With so many things to do in the Laurentians, it can be hard to decide where to start. These are some of the highest recommended activities and tours:

  • The Laurentian Wine Route: A charming rustic map that takes visitors to scenic French style countryside wineries and cider apple orchards.
  • Aquaclub La Source: A stunning indoor water park with a variety of slides, wave pools, and relaxing hydromassage baths.
  • Treehouse Adventures: A family-friendly attraction that provides visitors with an opportunity to explore the forest by a different perspective.
  • Nuit Blanche 2021: A winter night event that offers a variety of indoor and outdoor activities from dancing to skiing, snowshoeing and eating throughout the Laurentian night.

Week-Long Itinerary for Laurentians

Here’s our itinerary for a week’s visit to the Laurentians:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore the Mont-Tremblant National Park and Omega Park
Day 2 Experience the rich history of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and its museums
Day 3 Go skiing or snowboarding at Mont Tremblant Ski Resort
Day 4 Hike the Mont Tremblant Summit trail and enjoy the breathtaking views
Day 5 Indulge in the Laurentians’ excellent cuisine and local shopping scene
Day 6 Take a relaxing spa day at one of the Laurentians’ many spas.
Day 7 End the trip with a magical Nuit Blanche event that showcases music, arts, and culinary delights.

Food and Drink Scene of Laurentians

Must-Try Dishes

The Laurentians boast a unique and diverse cuisine scene thanks to the many excellent local farms, orchards, vineyards, and breweries. Here are some of the top dishes to try:

  • Poutine: A classic Quebec dish, consisting of French fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
  • Tourtière: A savory meat pie tradition consisting of mixed meats and spices.
  • Sugar pie: A sweet dessert, made from maple syrup and a rich custard.
  • Local cheese: Laurentians is famous for Quebec cheese specialists, so make sure to try the plentiful cheese options.

Local Beverages

Local cideries, vineyards, and distilleries are on the rise in the Laurentians. Here are some of the region’s most popular drinks to sample:

  • Cider: The Laurentians region has a tradition of apple orchards and cider making.
  • Ice Wine: Widely produced in Quebec, where the climate favors making ice wine.
  • Microbreweries: With several of the region, you will certainly find a favorite ale or stout to suit your tastes.

Where to Stay in Laurentians: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

The Laurentians offer plenty of accommodation options, from affordable hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some highly recommended options:

  • Fairmont Tremblant: Five-star luxury hotel offers guests stunning mountain views, spas, and ski-in/ski-out access.
  • Auberge de la Tour du Lac: This charming, eco-friendly hotel is located in Sainte-Agathe municipal park and offers a tranquil atmosphere.
  • HI Mont-Tremblant: Hostel International offers a comfortable hostel stay in a historic 1889 home.
  • Plumes et Glisse: This bed and breakfast is a cozy retreat perfect for couples who want to enjoy the mountains’ breathtaking view.

What to Buy in Laurentians: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

The Laurentians also provide an array of locally grown and made products to take home as souvenirs, including:

  • Maple Syrup: Quebec maple syrup is world-famous and the Laurentians region is no exception.
  • Local Cider: There are several local cideries in the Laurentians region, where you can find local cider apples and apple spirits.
  • Artisanal Goods: Stunning crafted items such as functional pottery, textiles, and folk art make for excellent souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Laurentians

The Laurentians’ culture and customs are unique, and visitors are encouraged to learn more about them during their stay. Some important customs to keep in mind include:

  • Quebec French language: You may find more French-speaking communities in rural areas of the province.
  • Winter sports: The Laurentians winter lasts from December to March where ice skating, snowmobiling, skiing, and other winter sports take place.
  • Respect the nature: The Laurentians are known for their natural beauty and visitors must follow the “Leave no Trace” ethos.

Best Time to Visit Laurentians

The Laurentians is a year-round destination, offering endless opportunities to explore nature, history, culture, and local cuisine. The best time to visit depends on your interests.

  • Winter season: December to March is the best time for ski enthusiasts to visit the Laurentians and explore their picturesque winter wonderland.
  • Summer season: The summer season from June to August is the best time for outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and biking and to relax beside the water.
  • Fall season: From September to November, you can take full advantage of the region’s stunning fall foliage.

Do’s and Don’ts of Laurentians

Do:

  • Respect the natural environment and follow the “Leave no Trace” policy.
  • Get off the beaten path and explore the region’s charming localities.
  • Learn a few French phrases and immerse yourself in local culture.

Don’t:

  • Littering is highly discouraged in the parks.
  • Don’t forget to leave and plan for a return to this beautiful community.

Safety and Health

The Laurentians are a relatively safe area for visitors, but it is always good to be aware of the local safety and health risks.

Safety in Laurentians

-The Laurentians natural life is a wild habitat and includes animals such as bears and coyotes, so always keep your distance and follow hiking trail rules. -When cycling, be mindful of traffic and wear a helmet. -Enjoy the Nuit Blanche event but make sure to keep extra awareness at late-night events.

Health in Laurentians

  • Visitors must take an adequate amount of water for any activities as the temperature can be high during the summer months.
  • SUNSCREEN! Dehydration and sunburn can be a risk in the region, especially during summer activities such as hikes and picnic events.

Getting to Laurentians: Transportation Options and Logistics

There are several transportation options for getting to the Laurentians from Montreal and Ottawa.

Airports Near Laurentians

  • Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL)
  • Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW)

Bus Stations Near Laurentians

  • The Intercar bus stops at Mont Tremblant, Sainte-Agathe-des-Mont, Mont-Laurier, and more.

Other Options

  • Car rentals are a popular choice for tourists visiting the area.
  • The P’tit Train du Nord, which runs 200km across the Laurentians, is ideal for those who want to explore the region by bike or foot.

How to Get Around in Laurentians

The best way to get around the Laurentians is to rent a car if you don’t have one already. However, shuttle buses operate between the main tourist areas and transportation to the area main airports is also available. The P’tit Train du Nord multi-use trail is a great option for tourists who want to explore the region by bike or foot.

Where to Go Next from Laurentians: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

The Laurentians offer many nearby destinations worth checking out after visiting this beautiful region:

  • Ottawa, Ontario: This capital city is an easy 2-hour drive from the Laurentians offering the Parliament Hill, ByWard Market Square, and the Canadian War Museum.
  • Montreal, Quebec: Within an hour drive from the Laurentians, Montreal is a must-visit city for those who enjoy architecture, skyscrapers, shopping, and local cuisine.
  • Quebec City: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Quebec City is a 2.5-hour drive from the Laurentians and offers historic sites, an authentic local culture, religious landmarks and much more.

Conclusion

The Laurentians are an incredible destination that offers visitors a range of activities and sights to see all year round. From skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer and picturesque fall foliage in the autumn season, there is something for everyone. With its rich history and culture, an abundance of outdoor activities, and diverse culinary scene, the Laurentians should be on everyone’s bucket list.

The Jacques-Cartier River valley The Jacques-Cartier River valley Mont Gabriel ski resort Mont Gabriel ski resort


    Deux-Montagnes
    Oka
    Saint-Joseph-du-Lac
    Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
    Sainte-Anne-des-Lacs