traveldk.com

Only an hour from the congestion of Montréal, the stunning Laurentian mountains north of the city provide an astounding list of activities. In summer there are endless opportunities to swim, fish, hunt, raft, horse-ride, play golf, mountain climb, or just relax in the sunny rural setting. Winter brings the chance to ski (downhill or cross-country), go tobogganing or snowboarding, or ice climb (see Les Laurentides).

This historic area of the province, west of Montréal, was not settled by white men until the early 19th century, and it remains a largely undeveloped region of lakes and forests. Don’t miss Oméga Safari Park, just outside Montebello with its 1,500 acres inhabited by roaming bison, wapitis, black bear, boar and wolves, then continue on to the Parc National de Plaisance along the Ottawa River, to see flocks of Canada geese. In Montebello itself Manoir Louis-Joseph-Papineau is a 19th-century home filled with a collection of antiques and local artifacts.

A favorite jaunt west from Montréal has traditionally included the communities of Hudson and Rigaud, hugging the mountains along the pastoral Ottawa River. Hudson, with its history of British settlement and fur trading, has a prevalence of historic mansions set on magnificent estates and an abundance of antiques shops, art galleries, and cafés. Its landscape is a popular destination for equestrians, while its riverside setting draws a keen sailing crowd. In contrast, the village of Rigaud is more of a French area, maintaining its Gallic legacy in elegant churches, convents, guesthouses and family-run farms.

These islands are one of Montréal’s greatest escapes and one of Canada’s premier tourist areas, accessible either by car or train to Brockville. About two hours west of the border of Ontario and Québec, 1000 Islands actually covers 1,865 islands running the 80-km (50-mile) span from Brockville to Kingston, formed by meta-morphic rock at the end of the last Ice Age. St Lawrence Islands National Park is the jewel in the crown. Camp sites are available on 11 of the islands.

This community, 30 minutes’ drive from Montréal, was first settled by the Sulpician Order during the French Regime, and the fresh produce of this region, including the famous Oka cheese, is a carry-over from the agricultural traditions begun by the priests. Parc National d’Oka offers camping, kayaking, hiking and a sandy beach.

From the St Lawrence River Valley rising to the Laurentian lowland plateau, there’s a multitude of forests, lakes, rivers and farmland to explore, all within a few hours of Montréal. The Festival de Lanaudière, Canada’s most renowned classical music festival, takes place from the end of June to early August, with concerts staged at outdoor venues and in heritage churches in Joliette.

To reach this huge region of plains, forests and history, drive across the Pont Champlain following the signs for highway 10 eastward. Then take highway 133 (also called Chemin des Patriotes after the soldiers who fought the British here in 1837) toward Sorel, the fourth oldest city in Canada. Boat trips are possible around the town’s many islands. Of major note in the region, which is noted for its apple orchards and cider-making, is Fort Chambly in Saint-Denis. This well-preserved 18th-century fortress was built to defend the French from both Dutch and British attack. It is one of many similar historic forts found in the area.

One of Canada’s most spectacular areas of rivers, lakes, mountains and wildlife, La Mauricie National Park is only a two-hour drive from downtown Montréal or Québec City. It is accessible all year round, and is a perennial favorite with campers and outdoor enthusiasts. It is particularly popular with anglers, with trout and pike found in abundance in Lac Wapizagonke.

Sieur de Laviolette founded this community in 1634, but the beautiful French Regime architecture that once graced the streets was ravaged by a monstrous fire that swept through the entire town in 1908. Only remnants of the original wall survive. Today the town is known as one of the main providers of pulp and paper in the world. Dominating the landscape is the Monastère des Ursulines, a lovely church built by Ursuline nuns, surrounded by a public park. Cafés, bistros and restaurants abound on rue des Forges.

This natural wonderland is bounded by the Richelieu and St Lawrence rivers and the US states of Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. The personality of the region owes its profile to the Appalachian Mountains, with top-notch hiking trails at Owl’s Head, Mont Sutton, Mont Bromont and Mont Orford. The peaceful villages throughout this vast district, such as Knowlton, are a historic remnant of 19th-century British settlement, their Victorian buildings now home to antiques shops and cafés (see Attractions in Cantons de l'Est, Restaurants in Cantons de l’Est).