Laurentian Region

Région des Laurentides

A vast recreation area north of Montreal featuring lakes, forests, and small villages perfect for cottage country getaways and outdoor adventures. The region offers cottage rentals, water sports, hiking, and a tranquil escape from city life.

Things to do

• Ski at Tremblant — North America's largest ski resort by skiable terrain, offering world-class downhill and cross-country skiing in winter and mountain biking in summer.
• Kayak on Lac-Labelle — A pristine lake perfect for paddling, swimming, and spotting wildlife among the quiet forest waters.
• Hike Mont-Tremblant National Park — Explore over 80 km of trails through boreal forest with views of lakes and mountains, especially stunning during fall foliage season.
• Visit Saint-Sauveur Village — Charming pedestrian-friendly village with local shops, galleries, restaurants, and a relaxed cottage-country atmosphere.
• Fish for Lake Trout — The Laurentian lakes are renowned for excellent trout and pike fishing, with many outfitters offering guided trips and equipment rental.
• Explore Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts — Historic lakeside town with beaches, antique shops, local breweries, and waterfront dining on Lac-des-Sables.

Food to try

• Tourtière — A traditional Québécois meat pie typically filled with pork, beef, and spices, served warm at local bakeries and restaurants throughout the region.
• Poutine — Crispy fries topped with gravy and squeaky cheese curds, a beloved Québécois comfort food found at nearly every casual eatery.
• Fresh lake trout — Local restaurants serve pan-seared or grilled trout caught from the region's pristine lakes, often prepared simply to highlight the delicate flavor.
• Maple taffy on snow — A traditional Québécois treat where hot maple syrup is poured onto clean snow, rolled on a stick, and eaten as it cools—a seasonal specialty in winter.
• Bagels from local bakeries — Sainte-Agathe and surrounding villages have excellent artisanal bakeries producing chewy, freshly baked bagels in various flavors.

Local customs & good to know

• French is the primary language — While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning basic French phrases shows respect and enhances your experience in this francophone region.
• Cottage culture runs deep — The Laurentians are the traditional weekend and summer retreat destination for Montrealers; expect busy periods on weekends and in July-August.
• Respect quiet hours and lake etiquette — Cottage communities value tranquility, so minimize noise after evening hours and follow local water safety guidelines when boating or swimming.