Things To Do
in Laurentides
Laurentides is a beautiful region in Quebec, Canada, known for its stunning natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. With picturesque lakes, lush forests, and charming villages, Laurentides offers a peaceful retreat for visitors seeking relaxation and adventure. The region is popular for activities such as hiking, skiing, and boating, making it a sought-after destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Laurentides also boasts a rich cultural heritage, evident in its historic sites, art galleries, and local artisans.
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $100 - $250
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $15 - $40
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $2 - $5
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $50 - $100
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $70
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hike in the Mont-Tremblant National Park, enjoying the stunning landscapes and wildlife. Bring a picnic to savor while surrounded by nature.
Visit the charming village of Mont-Tremblant for lunch at a local café. Spend the afternoon exploring unique shops and enjoying the alpine atmosphere.
Dine at a cozy restaurant with a view of the mountains. Watch the sunset and relax with a warm drink to end your day.
Rent a bike and explore the Petit Train du Nord trail, a beautiful route along the river. Stop at scenic points to take photos and experience the local flora.
Grab a bite at a charming bistro along the trail. Continue your ride to discover quaint towns and hidden gems.
Head back to your accommodation for a refreshing shower. Enjoy dinner at a local pizzeria, tasting some of the best pizzas in the region.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural scenery with mountains, lakes, and forests, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Year-round recreational opportunities, including skiing in winter and hiking in summer.
- Rich cultural heritage and a variety of festivals and events celebrating local traditions.
- Accessibility from major cities like Montreal, making it a convenient getaway.
- Vibrant communities with a range of dining, shopping, and entertainment options.
- Cold winters can be harsh, with heavy snowfall and ice, which may deter some visitors.
- Limited public transportation options, making it necessary to have a vehicle for easy movement.
- Rural areas may have fewer amenities compared to urban regions, leading to less convenience.
- Higher cost of living in popular tourist spots, particularly during peak season.
- Possible overcrowding in tourist areas during peak times, affecting the tranquility of nature.
Best Activities in Laurentides
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful trails in the Laurentides, such as the Mont-Tremblant National Park, offering varying levels of difficulty and stunning views.
Enjoy the numerous mountain biking trails in the area, with options for all skill levels, including the well-known trail networks in Mont-Saint-Anne.
Visit the popular ski resorts, such as Mont Tremblant and Avila, for excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities during the winter months.
Take advantage of the lakes and rivers in the region for kayaking and canoeing, particularly in places like Lac des Sables and Rivière du Nord.
Experience camping in the great outdoors at designated campgrounds such as Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, offering both rustic and more developed sites.
Discover the rich wildlife of the Laurentides, with opportunities to see deer, moose, and various bird species across its diverse ecosystems.
Enjoy fishing in the many pristine lakes and rivers available, with options for both fly fishing and catch-and-release fishing.
Get an adrenaline rush by zip-lining through the trees at various adventure parks like Arbre en Arbre in Mont-Tremblant.
Tours
Uncover the best of Laurentides with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Laurentides
Visit one of these nice places.
This popular ski resort offers stunning views of the Laurentians, including the mountain and surrounding lakes and forests.
Explore the beautiful national park with its scenic hiking trails, pristine lakes, and breathtaking panoramic views of the Laurentian mountains.
Enjoy a picturesque lookout point with panoramic views of the Mont Tremblant village and its surrounding natural beauty.
Food in Laurentides
Laurentides Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A quintessential Canadian dish, poutine features crispy fries smothered in gravy and cheese curds. Sample this indulgent comfort food at Le Saint-Mathieu in Sainte-Adèle.
Must-Try!
This savory meat pie, typically filled with minced pork, veal, or game such as deer or duck, is a beloved Quebecois specialty. Try the authentic tourtière at La Maison de la Tourtière in Val-David.
As a major maple syrup producing region, Laurentides boasts a variety of sweets infused with this natural delight. Indulge in maple taffy on snow at local sugar shacks like Cabane à Sucre Au Pied de Cochon.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Laurentides better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This vibrant market offers a feast for the senses with an array of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and ready-to-eat snacks. Don't miss the opportunity to try maple-infused treats and local pastries.
Experience a diverse showcase of street food vendors serving up everything from classic poutine to international flavors. The festival is a great place to sample a wide variety of local and global delicacies.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
The Laurentides region is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. It is important to show respect for the environment by following local guidelines for outdoor activities, such as hiking and camping, and leaving no trace to preserve the beauty of the area.
Locals in the Laurentides appreciate friendly interactions. When meeting someone, a simple 'Bonjour' (hello) or 'Salut' (hi) is customary. A warm smile and a polite demeanor go a long way in establishing positive connections.
The Laurentides is home to diverse communities, including Indigenous peoples. It is essential to be respectful and open-minded about different cultures, traditions, and perspectives. When participating in local events or activities, take the time to learn about the cultural significance behind them.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Laurentides with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Laurentides
Ensure a smooth experience
In Laurentides, Canada, tipping is generally expected in the service industry, similar to the rest of Canada. A standard tip is around 15-20% of the total bill in restaurants. In bars, rounding up the bill or leaving a dollar or two per drink is common. Tipping taxi drivers and hotel staff is also customary, with amounts varying based on the service provided.
Payment practices in Laurentides typically involve a mix of cash and electronic transactions. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most establishments. Mobile payment options are also gaining popularity. The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the official currency, and while cash is still used, many locals prefer the convenience of card payments for dining and shopping.
Top Things To Do
Engage in these activities to dive deeper into Laurentides.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
The best time to visit Laurentides is in spring, when the weather is warming up and the snow is melting, making it a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching. You can expect to see beautiful wildflowers blooming and the landscape coming back to life.
Summer is also a popular time to visit Laurentides, with warm weather perfect for outdoor activities like swimming, kayaking, and exploring the region's national parks. The area comes alive with festivals and events, offering a lively atmosphere for visitors.
In the fall, the Laurentides region is known for its stunning display of autumn foliage, making it a picturesque time to visit. The cooler weather is perfect for activities like hiking, cycling, and exploring the area's charming villages and towns.
During winter, Laurentides becomes a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. The region also hosts winter festivals and events, making it a magical time to visit for winter enthusiasts.
Laurentides at Night
Hiking in Laurentides
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A vast park featuring a variety of hiking trails, stunning lakes, and beautiful views of the mountains, suitable for all skill levels.
Offers picturesque trails through forests and alongside lakes, ideal for nature lovers and hikers seeking diversity in the landscape.
Features scenic trails along the river, perfect for a peaceful hike while enjoying nature and wildlife.
A family-friendly hiking area with various trails and stunning lookout points, ideal for a day trip.
A beautiful urban park with several trails, offering panoramic views of Montreal and opportunities for year-round activities.
A network of hiking trails in the Eastern Townships, featuring beautiful scenery and diverse terrain.
Unforgettable Journeys
Delve deeper into Laurentides through these rare and unique activities.
Aiports
How to reach Laurentides by plane.
Major international airport located in Montreal, approximately 75 kilometers south of Laurentides, serving numerous international and domestic flights.
Located in Quebec City, about 250 kilometers from Laurentides, this airport offers international and domestic flights, serving as a key hub for the region.
An international airport located in Plattsburgh, New York, approximately 120 kilometers south of Laurentides, primarily serving flights to and from the United States.
Located in Ottawa, Ontario, about 150 kilometers west of Laurentides, this airport handles both domestic and international flights.
Located in Bangor, Maine, approximately 300 kilometers from Laurentides, this airport offers a variety of domestic and limited international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of the population speaks French as their first language and identifies as French-Canadian.
A significant minority who speak English and have cultural ties to English-speaking regions.
Individuals who speak neither French nor English as their first language, including those from various immigrant backgrounds.
Various Indigenous groups reside in the region, including members of the Algonquin and Mohawk nations.
A growing demographic, comprising a significant portion of the population, focusing on retirement and healthcare needs.
Comprising a sizable segment of the population, including students and young professionals.
The Soul of Laurentides
Discover the essence of Laurentides through these truly unique experiences.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The Laurentides region is renowned for its beautiful ski resorts, making skiing a popular winter sport among both locals and tourists.
Alongside skiing, snowboarding is a favored winter activity in the Laurentides, with many dedicated slopes and parks.
During the warmer months, hiking is a popular activity with numerous trails available throughout the national parks in the region.
The rugged terrain of the Laurentides provides excellent opportunities for mountain biking, attracting enthusiasts from various regions.
In the summer, golf gains popularity, with several beautiful courses located in the scenic areas of the Laurentides.
The region's lakes and rivers offer great opportunities for canoeing and kayaking, especially in the warmer months.
With its abundant waterways, fishing is a common leisure sport that draws many visitors to the Laurentides.
As a quintessential Canadian sport, ice hockey enjoys immense popularity in the Laurentides, with many local teams and youth leagues.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Laurentides.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many eateries in Laurentides offer creative vegetarian and vegan dishes. Look out for options like vegan poutine, plant-based burgers, and fresh salads at restaurants and cafes across the region.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy gluten-free versions of traditional dishes such as tourtière, as well as gluten-free baked goods and snacks available at various local bakeries and markets.
Cultural Immersions
Experience the heart and soul of Laurentides with these cultural adventures.
