Things to do around Mont-Tremblant

Hello and welcome to this new article which aims to help you discover a little more about Quebec, my adopted home. I’ve been living in Montreal for five and a half years now, and I’ve had the opportunity to do a lot of traveling around Quebec, so if this is your first visit to this blog, you’re in for a treat. In fact, if this is your first visit to the blog, I suggest you read our Montreal guide. It will give you a good overview of the places to visit and things to do in this magnificent city.

Today, I’d like to introduce you to a real playground that is less than 2 hours away from Montreal by car: the region of Mont-Tremblant. It offers the perfect combination of natural splendor, adventure and picturesque charm in the heart of Quebec’s Laurentians. I usually checkout DiscoversCars website to find the best car hire deals.

The Mont-Tremblant region is one of the most popular destinations for local and international tourists, whether you’re a winter sports fan, an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, winter or summer. From the majesty of the snow-capped peaks to the bustle of the lively village, this article will guide you through the must-do activities in Mont-Tremblant and invite you to discover a region where nature meets culture, creating a unique experience in the heart of Quebec’s Laurentians.

Even though the temperatures are “a bit cooler” than in Europe (to put it mildly), Quebecers get out and enjoy nature in the winter. As you can imagine, you’ll still need some good technical clothing to keep you warm outdoors. But what could be more stimulating than fresh snow under a (mostly) blue sky? In short, what could be better than this to enjoy a great ski holiday?

When winter arrives in the Mont-Tremblant region, it brings with it a magical atmosphere. There are many activities for snow lovers and thrill seekers. That’s why world-class skiing and snowboarding are the hallmarks of the Mont-Tremblant region. At the end of 2023, one of the Ski World Cup events was held here on its kilometers of slopes. Skiers and snowboarders will find a vast and varied ski area, suitable for beginners and experts alike. They can whiz down the snowy slopes while enjoying spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the pretty village of Mont-Tremblant.

Thanks to the surrounding natural park, you can also try your hand at other winter sports. Try sledding or snow tubing (one of my favorite winter activities), snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, Nordic skiing or fat biking.

As always, we are happy to share the winter tips from our partner Manawa with you. If you are visiting the Mont-Tremblant area, here are the best winter activities to book:

• Go snowmobiling! To learn more about this activity, I invite you to read the following article in which I describe my own snowmobile experience. It really is a crazy activity and one that will allow you to enjoy the region in a whole new way.

If you are looking for other snowmobiling spots in Quebec, don’t hesitate to read our detailed article!

BOOK MY SNOWMOBILE TRIP IN THE LAURENTIANS HERE

• Go dog sledding: it’s one of the most emblematic activities in Quebec. I also invite you to read our article dedicated to dog sledding.

DOG SLEDDING IN MONT-TREMBLANT

• And for the more frosty among you, here’s another activity that will give you a thrill: ice climbing. If you’re afraid of heights like me, you’ll need an extra dose of courage, but it’s worth it.

I’D LIKE TO TRY ICE CLIMBING

The Mont-Tremblant region is a paradise for nature lovers and thrill-seekers, whatever the season. The Mont-Tremblant National Park, under the management of SEPAQ, is a vast area of 1,510 km². It was the first national park to be created in Quebec. The park’s hiking trails take you through breathtaking scenery. In summer and autumn, you can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.

If you’re an avid mountain biker, there’s something for you too, with a variety of trails offering an exciting adventure for all levels. In fact, a vast network of biking trails, 700 km of which traverse the national parks, is available throughout the Mont-Tremblant region. You’ll be able to explore a vast playground with over 400 lakes and 2 major rivers, the Diable and the Assomption. The sector of the Diable is the one that you have to visit (a great favorite).

Not to be missed and less known to tourists is the Domaine Saint-Bernard if you’re a family with young children. Whatever the season, it’s a great place for a family walk. Even in the middle of summer, you can spend a relaxing day on the beach by the lake. Yes, for a sunny break in the heart of nature, there’s a fine sandy beach, picnic areas and water sports activities.

In the village of Mont-Tremblant, you can also try your hand at summer tobogganing, a great activity for friends and family. The 1.4-kilometre track with 24 turns is like playing Mario Kart (without the mushrooms and bananas), and you’ll quickly get the hang of it.

It’s hard to list all the other sporting activities available in the region. But if you’re a thrill-seeker, I’d urge you to get out of your comfort zone and try something:

• Take to the skies and ride the giant zip line above the park. The course of 5 zip lines offers an exhilarating descent with spectacular views of the mountain.

BOOK MY ZIPLINE TRIP

• Cool off and go rafting on the Rivière Rouge. There’s nothing better in summer than having fun on the river. Discover some of the most beautiful natural landscapes.

GET YOUR SWIMSUIT WET AND WATCH THE EXIT

Speed along the trails on a quad bike. For fans of off-road speed, here’s a new way to discover Quebec nature.

HIT THE ROAD NOW

The harmonious coexistence of two unique villages: the resort village and the historic village, characterizes the Mont-Tremblant region.

The ski village, at the foot of the snow-covered slopes, offers a lively atmosphere with elegant boutiques, fine restaurants and picturesque chalets. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped right into the atmosphere of a European ski resort. With direct access to the slopes and modern facilities, it’s the ideal base for winter sports enthusiasts. In the summer, the resort is transformed into an outdoor playground, offering a wide range of activities that we’ve already mentioned: hiking, summer tobogganing, zip-lining, via ferrata, and so on.

The historic village, on the other hand, is older. Its cobbled streets, period buildings and nostalgic atmosphere will enchant you. It’s a destination in itself. You can wander the narrow streets, discover local art galleries, quaint cafes and craft shops and enjoy authentic food in traditional pubs. It is perfect for a day of relaxation and discovery in the lively, festive atmosphere of the village.

This duo offers a complete experience where you can go from chic alpine ambiance to soaking up picturesque Quebec history, all in the same exceptional location.

For those looking for an adrenaline rush and an unforgettable view from the air, a helicopter flight over the Mont-Tremblant region is an activity not to be missed. Fly over the snow-capped peaks, the frozen lakes and the forests in the winter, or discover the region from a new perspective in the summer or autumn months. There’s no better way to have a flying experience than in the air.

Personally, I can’t recommend booking a helicopter flight over Mont-Tremblant any other time of year, as autumn is my favorite time of year here. It allows passengers to appreciate the region’s splendor in all its autumnal glory and is a unique and spectacular experience. You’ll fly over colorful mountains, valleys with shimmering lakes and forests as far as the eye can see. The landscape is bathed in the golden, red and orange hues of autumn, and this aerial perspective offers an unparalleled panoramic view. A real treat for the retina.

BOOK A HELICOPTER FLIGHT OVER THE LAURENTIANS

Although Mont-Tremblant is known for its outdoor sports activities, it’s also a region with a rich cultural scene, offering a variety of events throughout the year. There’s something for everyone, from outdoor music festivals to art exhibitions and theater productions.

Seasonal festivals showcase local music, food and traditions, while galleries and cultural centers showcase local and international artists. Mont-Tremblant’s cultural events promise an enriching and memorable experience, whether you’re a music fan, art lover or simply curious about local culture.

Here are just a few examples of the fun events you can attend:

• World Slalom Championships – watch legendary skiers battle for the title,
• Banff International Film Festival: see about a hundred films, selected from over 400 short and feature-length films in competition, made by intrepid adventurers in a wilderness setting,
• Caribou Cup: dress up in your best outfit (this is mandatory!) and try to cross a pool of water by running or skiing on floating mattresses, followed by a halftime musical performance,
• The famous Ironman Triathlon: an incredible long-distance triathlon competition in which three sports are combined: swimming, cycling and running,
• Foresta Lumina: a unique illuminated trail highlighting the charms of Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook while telling a beautiful story inspired by the region’s imaginary heritage and Quebec forest mythology,
  and much more.

For all tastes and budgets, the region offers a wide range of options. To make your life easier, I’ve come up with a few suggestions (not an exhaustive list, of course) for all budgets:

• The Fairmont Tremblant: Let’s start with the magnificent Fairmont Tremblant. This world-renowned property sits in the heart of Mont-Tremblant resort. You couldn’t be closer to the slopes. This iconic hotel is the destination of choice for travelers looking for an unforgettable mountain getaway on a budget, offering a harmonious blend of luxury, comfort and alpine charm.
• Hôtel Mont-Tremblant: Here’s a budget accommodation. It’s also located in the historic village of Mont-Tremblant. The Hotel Mont-Tremblant is conveniently located, less than ten minutes from the Mont-Tremblant ski area. For your convenience, a shuttle service is available from the hotel to the Mont-Tremblant ski area at an additional charge.
• Auberge Manitonga: Also located in the heart of the historic village, the Auberge Manitonga is ideal for those on a budget. This hostel has a rustic bar. It also has direct access to Lac Moore. For an additional fee, canoeing, paddle boarding and kayaking are available. Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort is less than ten minutes drive from the hostel.

In conclusion, as you have read in this article, the Mont-Tremblant region is a complete destination. It offers the perfect balance of adventure, relaxation and discovery. With a wide range of activities to suit all tastes, it’s a must-see destination in the heart of the Laurentians.

I urge you to take the time to explore the region and let yourself be surprised by the welcoming community, the magnificent scenery and all that it offers.

Don’t hesitate to read our other articles on Tadoussac and the Charlevoix region to help you plan your visit. They will help you to focus on the walks and activities that will make your trip an unforgettable one.

For my part, I hope I’ve inspired you to spend a few days in the region. See you soon for new adventures!