Not far from Montréal, Mont-Tremblant and the Laurentian mountains offer a whole range of things to do for all the family all year round or they make the perfect day trip from the city.
The Canadian countryside is renowned as being some of the most beautiful in the world. Close to Montréal, you’ll find the stunning city of Mont-Tremblant nestled in the Laurentian Mountains. This is one of the best places to ski year-round in eastern Canada, and the area is full of amazing hiking trails to tackle during the summer.
There’s a huge range of winter and summer activities to do at the resort, whether that’s downhill skiing, fat biking or relaxing in a hot spa. If you don’t have too much time, take a day tour from Montréal to see the sights of Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Adèle, Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard and wander through pedestrianized Mont-Tremblant with Gray Line.
Hit the Slopes for Some Skiing and Snowboarding
Mont-Tremblant is most famous for its skiing and snowboarding. The village has been converted into a European-style resort and it’s possibly the best location in eastern Canada to hit the slopes. A lot of snow falls on the Laurentians, and there are plenty of snow cannons to get the piste back into shape if the weather isn’t great. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, Mont-Tremblant has more than 100 trials to enjoy across 755 acres.
Stroll Through Mont-Tremblant Village
The old village of Mont-Tremblant is built on the shores of Lac Mercier and is now a resort for skiers and snowboarders in the winter and hikers and mountain bikers in the summer. It’s the perfect location for après-ski or for a day trip to the mountains from Montréal. The village is fully pedestrianized and is full of excellent restaurants, cafés and local shops. Mont-Tremblant is home to many artists, there will always be concerts to choose from, and many of the buildings have been preserved so you can admire their historic beauty.
Hike the Mountain Trails
When the snow melts, the activities around Mont-Tremblant don’t stop. The region is full of family-friendly hiking trails through the park for a gentle stroll or a more difficult walk through the fir trees. These will take you along the shore of Lac Mercier, the banks of streams and rivers, and up to observation decks from which you can see waterfalls that are almost 60 feet high.
Explore the Village of Sainte-Adèle
The village of Sainte-Adèle was founded in 1855 and began developing into a tourist resort in the early twentieth century. It’s a beautiful and unique location that is also full of winter and summer activities. During autumn the forest that surrounds it turns into a vibrant mix of oranges, reds and yellows. Sainte-Adèle’s restaurants are excellent and it is known for its fantastic spas. Join a day trip with Gray Line to see Sainte-Adèle in all its glory.
Treat Yourself and Relax with a Spa
The towns and villages of the Laurentian mountains are full of spas and wellness centers where you can relax while surrounded by tranquil views. There is a range of techniques to choose from on your retreat, including thermal baths, massages and nutritional coaching. Whatever you choose, you’ll step out into the fresh mountain air feeling rejuvenated.
Tour Beautiful Saint-Sauveur
Another town that can be reached easily on a day trip from Montréal is Saint-Sauveur. It’s well-known for its excellent shopping, fine dining and beautiful buildings. It’s also a fantastic destination for golfing enthusiasts. The whole region is full of golf courses set in the most beautiful locations. Many will offer panoramic views of the Saint Sauveur Valley. And if you’re with the kids, there’ll always be some minigolf. Saint-Sauveur also offers a full range of winter and summer sports.
Experience the Magic of Dogsledding
Mushing huskies through the snow is a magical experience. You’ll glide through the forest and over the snow with an experienced handler, see how the dogs are handled, treated, and you might get a chance to cuddle the puppies. There is a long history of dogsledding in Québécois culture and you’ll also get to hear tales of adventures and races as you relax.
Visit Picture-Perfect Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard
Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard is a picture-perfect village on the shores of Lac Saint-Joseph. The area that surrounds it holds 85 separate lakes to explore and admire and is full of beautiful forests. Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard has won awards for being the most beautiful town in Quebec, so it’s the perfect day trip from Montréal.
Have Fun on Fat Bikes
A fat bike trip is one of the most exciting ways to see the countryside in the winter. Fat bikes are fitted with oversized tires that make riding over snow easy and comfortable. There are endless trails through the Laurentians, many of which are closed to other activities. Many operators also offer electric fat biking to boost you along the trials. In the summer, the trails will be full of mountain bike and eMTB expeditions to keep you entertained.