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QUÉBEC
Québec’s Laurentians
A vast boreal beauty of recreation and resorts
By Rochelle Lash
The Laurentian region, a 1-hour drive north of Montréal, is a near-boundless territory of boreal beauty and dramatic contrasts that is well-known as a ski destination with its international resort Tremblant.
More than nine million visitors a year are drawn to four seasons of captivating experiences: high-octane sports, low-key luxury, eco-environments and endless family recreation.
Nature is the backdrop for this amazing playground—9,000 crystalline lakes and 100 rivers that shimmer through dense forests of maples and evergreens, all part of an ancient mountain range.
Roots: Then / Now
La Route des Belles-Histoires chronicles the heritage of the pioneers of the late 1800s, travelling 284 kilometres from Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier. Fast-forward to the interactive app, BaladoDiscovery, which maps sites like the Laurentian Ski Museum, Théâtre Le Patriote, and vintage train stations.
The Linear Park of Le P’tit Train du Nord, a family-friendly cycling path, parallels La Route des Belles-Histoires, so you can plan inn-to-inn tours on two wheels, as well.
To Do: Easy / Exigent
The great outdoors inspires adrenaline-pumping rafting, kayaking and hiking, as well as Mont Tremblant’s downhill luge or the daunting Ziptrek Écotours Tremblant, plus summer skiing and tubing on the school slope.
On the tamer side, Tremblant’s Tonga Lumina is a magical 1.5-kilometre after-dark stroll through the forest—with music for mood and lights twinkling in the trees. Or you can opt for a daytime jaunt to the summit via the Panoramic Gondola.
Another breathtaking vantage point high over the treetops is the unusual Sentier des Cimes Laurentides in Mont-Blanc, where a walking path spirals up, up and around a 40-metre tower. Watch for Là-Haut Circus, an eye-popping acrobatic show, and a thrilling new 60-metre slide, sure to be a kids’ magnet.
Cultural events include the 30th Tremblant International Blues Festival, July 9-13; Festival des Arts de Saint-Sauveur, July 23-Aug. 3; and the 25th Fête de la Musique Tremblant, Sept. 5-7.
Sleep: Glamp / Glam
You’ll sleep like a bear at superb glamping locales tucked into near wilderness.
From south to north, check out the new Huttopia Les Deux Lacs – Laurentidesopening this summer; Les Refuges Perchés Mont Tremblant in Mont-Blanc, where you cuddle in treetop huts; and Hotel UNIQ, a domain of deluxe tents and communal cooking in Mont-Tremblant.
The region’s two outstanding parks, Parcs national du Mont Tremblant and Oka, have progressive chalets and activities in pristine conservation areas. In the Central Laurentians, Hôtel Manoir Saint-Sauveur and Hôtel Mont Gabriel in Sainte-Adèle are long-favourite mid-range resorts.
Luxury beckons at the landmark Fairmont Tremblant and the posh Hôtel Quintessence. Both have fine cuisine, sumptuous accommodations, unflagging service and sublime pool and spa life.
In the rugged Upper Laurentians, the rustic but comfortable lodge, Pourvoirie Mekoos, organizes fishing and adventures on lakes and land.
Food: Simple / Sophisticated
Chemin du Terroir is an enchanting agri-route through the Lower Laurentians with tasty stops like the cider house, Domaine Lafrance, and the honey haven, Bee Farm Intermiel. Oka Cheese is a renowned product of the Abbaye d’Oka, and orchards abound, so you can harvest your own apples and pears at Labonté de la Pomme.
Gastronomes won’t go hungry. Among top gourmet eateries are: Choux Gras Brasserie Culinaire at the Fairmont Tremblant; Restaurant La Quintessence; and Stonehaven Le Manoir, a genteel Relais & Chateaux in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts.
The ravishing Maison de Soma showcases farm-to-table art with dinner, plus seasonal picnics and sugar shack feasts.
Going casual, MicroBrasserie Shawbridge dishes up elevated pub fare, as well as cocktails, wine and its own heady brews (www.laurentians.com).
