Laurentides — Québec's Mountain Paradise★★
The Laurentides (Laurentians) are Québec's Alps — just an hour's drive north of Montréal begins a mid-mountain range with dense forests, over 10,000 lakes, and a charming mix of French-Canadian culture and outdoor adventure. In winter: skiing in Mont-Tremblant (the best ski resort in eastern North America). In autumn: Canada's most spectacular Indian Summer.
Mont-Tremblant
The resort village Mont-Tremblant Village at the foot of the mountain of the same name (875 m) is a colorful alpine village in the Québec style — colorful houses, bistros, chocolateries, and in winter a ski area with 102 slopes, 4 terrain parks, and 14 lifts. In summer: hiking, mountain biking, zip-lining, and the Casino de Mont-Tremblant.
Indian Summer in the Laurentides
From mid-September to mid-October, the Laurentides transform into a sea of red, orange, and gold — the Indian Summer here is as intense as almost nowhere else in the world. The best spots: The Route des Sommets (scenic road with panoramic views), the Parc national du Mont-Tremblant (hikes with views), and the P'tit Train du Nord — a 232 km bike path on a disused railway line through the most beautiful autumn landscapes.
💡 Tipp
The P'tit Train du Nord is a dream in autumn: 232 km of bike path from Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier on the old railway line. You ride through colorful forests, over bridges, and past small villages. Bicycles can be rented in Saint-Jérôme, and there are B&Bs along the route.
