DK Travel : Montréal and Québec City : Les Laurentides

Les Laurentides

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Les Laurentides (the Laurentians) are part of a shield of forested peaks enclosed by the Ottawa, St Lawrence and Saguenay rivers, and are best known for their magnificent ski slopes, which roll into sight one hour north of Montréal. First Nations relics indicate Amerindian settlements here over 4,000 years ago, and since the 19th century the region has been a rich agricultural zone and famous for hunting, trapping and fishing in its 6,000 lakes and ponds. Visitors can enjoy the historic Francophone villages, cycle and hike on numerous trails in summer, or sample the luxury of modern ski resorts in winter.

Top 10 Sights

1. St-Sauveurdes-Monts

Downhill skiing is the draw here in winter, but in summer the artisans’ shops, restaurants and galleries tempt visitors to town.
2. Mont-Rolland

The historic homes in this laid-back village were built to house workers of the Rolland Mill, once the main employer of this forested domain.
3. Ste-Adèle

Spectacular outdoor recreation within easy reach of Montréal attracted the first tourist train to Ste-Adèle in 1891, and the town continues to welcome ski enthusiasts today.
4. Ville d’Estérel

This lush, rolling area includes Ste-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson, the village where renowned artist Jean-Paul Riopelle painted for many years. The area was originally developed by a Belgian aristocrat in the 1930s.
5. Val-Morin

Along the P’tit Train du Nord cycle path, this tiny Francophone village beguiles visitors as the trail meanders around Lac Raymond. Skiers can enjoy slopes at Belle Neige.
6. Val-David

An enthralling town peppered with art galleries, music and poetry festivals, and mountain-biking contests.
7. Ste-Agathedes-Monts

With its fishing, swimming and skiing, this became the first resort in les Laurentides over 100 years ago.
8. St-Jovite

The gateway to the Mont-Tremblant commercial district, the village of St-Jovite offers visitors boutiques and traditional Québecois restaurants. Visit the palatial Monastère des Apôtres de l’Amour Infini just east of town.
9. Mont Tremblant

This is the highest peak in les Laurentides at over 900 m (2,950 ft) and one of the most popular ski resorts in North America. Spas, shops, excellent dining and live entertainment all add to the appeal.
10. Parc National du Mont-Tremblant

The largest of an awe-inspiring inventory of provincial parks, it provides a safe haven for black bears, white-tailed deer, moose, wolves, and raccoons, and over 200 species of birds. Outdoor activities include hiking, canoeing, fishing, and cross-country skiing.

Practical Information

L’Eureye is a Belgian restaurant in Ste-Adèle, one minute east off the Laurentian Autoroute No. 15 and worth the side-trip (see Restaurant L’Euyère). Reasonably priced and comfortable log cabins are available on a first-come-first-served basis inside the Parc national de Mont-Tremblant (1-877 688 2289). Maison de Tourisme de Laurentides:14142, rue de la Chapelle, Mirabel (450) 436 8532 www.laurentides.com