Laurentian Mountains

Chaîne des Laurentides

A stunning mountain range north of Montreal offering exceptional year-round outdoor recreation including skiing, hiking, and lake activities. Towns like Tremblant provide excellent infrastructure while preserving natural beauty and charming Quebec alpine village atmosphere.

Things to do

• Skiing at Mont-Tremblant — Eastern Canada's largest ski resort with over 600 acres of terrain across two mountains, offering runs for all skill levels.
• Hiking the Diable River Trail — A scenic riverside hiking route following the Rivière Diable with waterfalls and forest views, accessible from multiple trailheads near Tremblant.
• Kayaking Lac-Tremblant — Paddle across the pristine alpine lake surrounded by forested mountains, with rental services and guided tours available in the village.
• Mountain biking the P'tit Train du Nord — A converted 200-kilometre rail trail spanning the entire region, perfect for cycling through villages, forests, and over historic trestle bridges.
• Visiting Laurentian Wildlife Reserve — Explore 3,000 square kilometres of boreal forest with opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and backcountry camping.
• Snowshoeing through winter forests — Network of groomed and backcountry snowshoe trails wind through the mountains, offering peaceful winter exploration and occasional wildlife encounters.

Food to try

• Tourtière québécoise — A traditional meat pie with pork, veal, and spices encased in pastry, served warm at local restaurants and bakeries throughout the region.
• Poutine with local variations — Quebec's signature dish of fries, gravy, and cheese curds appears throughout Tremblant with regional twists like smoked meat poutine.
• Maple syrup taffy on snow — During spring, hot maple syrup is poured onto clean snow, rolled on a wooden stick, and eaten—a quintessential Quebec treat available at sugar shacks in the region.
• Smoked meat and bagels — Montreal-style smoked meat and hand-rolled bagels, reflecting Montreal's culinary influence just south of the mountains, available at local delis.
• Lake fish specialties — Fresh trout and pike caught from regional lakes are featured at fine dining establishments, often prepared with herbs and local ingredients.

Local customs & good to know

• French is the primary language — While many in Tremblant speak English, locals appreciate visitors making an effort with French, and menus often appear in French first.
• Embrace the village pedestrian culture — Mont-Tremblant village is designed for walking with car-free cobblestone streets; explore on foot to fully experience the alpine village atmosphere and local shops.
• Respect quiet hours and nature — The region values environmental preservation and peaceful co-existence; avoid excessive noise after 10 PM and stay on marked trails to protect wilderness areas.
• Seasonal rhythm shapes local life — The mountains experience distinct seasons with winter sports, spring sugar shack visits, summer hiking, and fall foliage; plan visits around these cycles for authentic experiences.