Must-sees and hidden gems: what to see and do in the Laurentians?
1. Take a deep breath in Mont-Tremblant National Park
This is the great classic of the Laurentians, a landscape of deep blue lakes, birch forests, and rounded ridgelines. In summer, paddling across Lac Monroe in the early morning, as the mist quietly lifts, feels deeply peaceful. On foot, the La Roche and La Corniche trails reveal beautiful viewpoints without being too challenging, perfect for families.
When fall arrives, the maples blaze with color and everything feels sharper, the air, the scent of moss, the crunch of leaves underfoot. In winter, it’s time for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, with that crisp light that makes frost-covered branches sparkle.
2. Stroll through Tremblant’s pedestrian village
For a lively break between outdoor adventures, Tremblant’s pedestrian village offers a charming setting, with colorful facades and bustling terraces. Come for the atmosphere, a hot coffee in hand, and the simple pleasure of walking car-free, with the mountain as your backdrop. In the evening, lights reflect on the snow, and the air smells faintly of wood smoke.
It’s best to visit outside peak times, early in the morning or on weekdays, when the pace feels softer. Your local experts can also point you toward quieter spots just a couple of blocks from the busy center. Take time, too, to explore the Old Village of Mont-Tremblant on the shores of Lac Mercier, for a more poetic glimpse of the area.
3. Head to the top of Mont Saint-Sauveur in any season
Just under an hour from Montreal, Saint-Sauveur makes the outdoors easy to reach, in every season. In winter, the illuminated slopes let you ski late in the day, as the sky turns deep blue. In summer, hike up or take the gondola to breathe in the scent of evergreens and watch the valleys roll into the distance.
It’s also an excellent gateway for a first trip to the Laurentians, especially with family. The idea is to balance effort and pleasure, then end with something sweet in the village.
4. Paddle along the bends of the Diable River
To experience the Laurentians from water level, renting a canoe or kayak on the Diable River is a simple joy. The current carries you gently, the riverbanks drift by, and the world narrows to the steady rhythm of your paddle. In some places, the river widens into a mirror, perfect for spotting a great blue heron standing still as a statue.
In spring and early summer, nature feels lush, green, almost fragrant. Your local specialists can guide you toward the quietest stretches, away from the busiest launch points.
5. Hike the ridges of Val-David Val-Morin Regional Park
This under-the-radar hiking playground has trails that wind between rocks, pines, and small cliffs. Here, the effort is rewarded with unexpected overlooks and the sense of a forest that feels lived-in, intimate, and close. On rainy days, the granite turns dark and glossy, and the walk becomes almost meditative.
In winter, the park is also excellent for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. The atmosphere feels more local than elsewhere, ideal if you’re looking for the Laurentians in their natural state, without the tourist gloss.
6. Treat yourself to a Nordic moment at Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant
The hot-cold contrast is the signature of this place, and you quickly understand why you leave feeling lighter. Move from a wood-scented sauna to a steaming hot bath, then plunge into icy water, breath catching, skin tingling. Around you, the forest wraps everything in calm, and everyone seems to honor the quiet without being told to.
The best time to go is late afternoon, when the light begins to fade and steam rises above the pools. It’s an experience to savor slowly, especially after a day of hiking or skiing.
7. Discover the lakeside way of life in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
This is Laurentian resort life at its most classic, with Lac des Sables as its anchor point. In summer, you can swim, picnic on warm grass, rent a paddleboard, and glide gently near the docks. In the evening, the town quiets down, and the water reflects the last colors of the sky, pink, copper, then slate.
In every season, it’s a pleasant stop for slowing down, enjoying simple, generous food, and observing this very Québécois connection to the lake, a bond that feels everyday, peaceful, and essential.
8. Explore local heritage along the Route des Belles-Histoires
To understand the Laurentians through history, food, and local encounters, this route brings together meaningful stops, from cheese shops and bakeries to museums and boutiques. You’ll taste honest local products, chat with artisans, and discover a rich, little-known heritage.
The trick is not to rush through it all. Choose a few stops, take your time, and let your local experts build a smooth itinerary for you, with the right distances and authentic places to visit. You can also follow this route by bike via the “P’tit Train du Nord” linear park bike path.
Add the Laurentians to a tailor-made Canada trip
With Evaneos, you’ll be connected with a local, English-speaking expert based in Canada who knows the area inside and out. From insider tips to the best seasons to visit, everything is planned with someone who lives there and responds quickly and clearly.
Together, you'll create a tailor-made trip at your own pace, starting with a stop in the Laurentians. From there, add whatever you're looking for, wide-open landscapes, cities, meaningful encounters, family activities, or a trip for two.
