Laurentides, Canada Travel Guide

Discover Laurentides, Canada's natural wonderland with year-round outdoor adventures, charming villages, and rich cultural experiences, just a short drive from Montreal.

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Nestled in the heart of Quebec, Laurentides is a stunning region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, charming villages, and outdoor adventures. This picturesque area, just a short drive from Montreal, offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences. From tranquil lakes and dense forests to rolling hills and majestic mountains, Laurentides is a haven for nature lovers and thrill-seekers alike. Visitors can immerse themselves in a plethora of activities throughout the year. In the winter, the region transforms into a snowy wonderland ideal for skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing. Mont-Tremblant, one of the most famous ski resorts in Canada, offers world-class slopes and a vibrant village atmosphere. During the warmer months, the Laurentides come alive with opportunities for hiking, cycling, kayaking, and fishing. The region's extensive network of trails and waterways promises endless exploration and adventure. Beyond its natural allure, Laurentides boasts a rich cultural scene. Quaint towns like Saint-Sauveur and Sainte-Adèle are filled with charming boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and cozy cafes. These towns regularly host festivals and events that celebrate local arts, crafts, and cuisine. Whether you're seeking relaxation in a serene environment, a taste of local culture, or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Laurentides has something to offer every traveler.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Laurentides.

Visit Mont-Tremblant early in the morning to avoid the crowds and get the best skiing conditions.
Pack layers, as the weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains.
Explore local markets for fresh produce and artisan goods to experience the region's culinary delights.
Book accommodation in advance during peak seasons to secure the best spots.
Take advantage of the region's extensive trail system for hiking and biking – maps are available at local tourism centers.
Don't miss the fall foliage in Laurentides, which offers some of the most stunning autumn colors in Canada.

Top City Travel Guides in Laurentides

The cities of Laurentides, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Ottawa

Explore Laurentides: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Laurentides

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Mont-Tremblant Resort

Experience the year-round beauty of Mont-Tremblant Resort, the ultimate destination for skiing, hiking, and outdoor adventure in Quebec's stunning Laurentians.

4.6

Atlantide Water Park

Discover the thrills of Atlantide Water Park in Quebec, a family-friendly water park with exhilarating slides, relaxing pools, and a fun atmosphere for all ages.

4.0

Tonga Lumina

Experience the enchanting journey of Tonga Lumina, where art, nature, and storytelling intertwine in a magical forest adventure in Mont-Tremblant.

4.2

Ouareau Forest Regional Park

Discover the beauty of Ouareau Forest Regional Park in Quebec, a perfect destination for hiking, wildlife watching, and family outings in nature.

4.6

Best landmarks in Laurentides

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Vieux-Port de Montréal

Experience the rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning river views at Vieux-Port de Montréal, a must-visit destination for every traveler.

4.6

Parliament Hill

Discover the heart of Canada at Parliament Hill, where history, politics, and stunning architecture converge in Ottawa's iconic landmark.

4.7

Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal

Discover the enchanting Notre-Dame Basilica, a Gothic masterpiece in Montreal that combines spiritual reverence with artistic brilliance, captivating every visitor.

4.7

Mount Royal Park

Explore the natural beauty and breathtaking views of Mount Royal Park, a serene oasis in the heart of Montreal's urban landscape.

4.8

Best restaurants in Laurentides

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RESTAURANT AU PETIT POUCET

Experience authentic Québécois flavors at Restaurant Au Petit Poucet in Val-David – a cozy haven for breakfast lovers.

4.7

La Diable - Microbrasserie

Discover La Diable - Microbrasserie in Mont-Tremblant: A delightful fusion of craft beer and bistro dining in Quebec's scenic landscape.

4.3

Restaurant Antipasto

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant Antipasto in Mont-Tremblant, where every dish tells a story of flavor and tradition.

4.5

Restaurant le vieux four

Experience authentic Italian cuisine at Restaurant le Vieux Four in Mont-Tremblant—where delicious flavors meet breathtaking views.

4.3

Best bars in Laurentides

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Dieu du Ciel! - Brasserie / Pub St-Jérome

Experience the essence of Quebec craft beer at Dieu du Ciel!, a lively brewpub in Saint-Jérôme with unique brews and delicious pub fare.

4.6

La Diable - Microbrasserie

Experience the best of craft brewing at La Diable - Microbrasserie in Mont-Tremblant, where exquisite beers meet exceptional bistro cuisine.

4.3

Restaurant Le Saint Sau Pub Gourmand

Experience the flavors of Quebec at Restaurant Le Saint Sau Pub Gourmand, a cozy dining spot in Saint-Sauveur renowned for its local cuisine and vibrant atmosphere.

4.3

Le Baril Roulant - Microbrasserie / Inn & Restaurant

Discover the flavors of Quebec at Le Baril Roulant, a microbrewery and inn serving delicious dishes and handcrafted beers in a cozy atmosphere.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Laurentides

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Stereo

Immerse yourself in the electrifying nightlife of Stereo, Montreal's premier nightclub with exceptional sound and a vibrant atmosphere.

4.1

Rockette Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife at Rockette Bar in Montreal's Plateau-Mont-Royal, where great drinks and an eclectic crowd await.

4.2

Bar Datcha

Immerse yourself in Montreal's nightlife at Bar Datcha, where lively music and signature cocktails create an unforgettable experience.

4.2

Central Tapas & Nightclub Mont-Tremblant

Discover the energetic nightlife of Mont-Tremblant at Central Tapas & Nightclub, where delicious tapas and vibrant music create lasting memories.

3.8

Best shops in Laurentides

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Premium Outlets Montréal

Shop designer brands at unbeatable prices in a beautiful outdoor setting at Premium Outlets Montréal, your ultimate shopping destination in Quebec.

4.3

Galeries Laurentides

Discover Galeries Laurentides: Shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of Saint-Jérôme, Quebec.

3.5

Sentier des cimes Laurentides

Discover the breathtaking treetop walks of Sentier des Cimes Laurentides, where nature, adventure, and stunning views await you in the heart of Quebec.

4.6

Outlets at St. Sauveur

Shop in style at Outlets at St. Sauveur, where unbeatable prices meet a fantastic selection of brand-name stores in a beautiful Quebec setting.

4.0

Explore Laurentides on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Laurentides, mapped for you.

Laurentides Essentials

Laurentides, located in Quebec, Canada, is easily accessible from major cities. The nearest major airport is Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (YUL), approximately 45 minutes to 2 hours away by car, depending on your destination within Laurentides. From the airport, you can rent a car, take a shuttle service, or use a rideshare app to reach Laurentides. Additionally, there are bus services from Montreal to various parts of Laurentides.
Within Laurentides, renting a car is the most convenient way to explore the region due to its vast and spread-out attractions. Public transportation options include buses operated by the CITL (Conseil Intermunicipal de Transport des Laurentides) which connect major towns and villages. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are available, but may be limited in rural areas. Cycling is also popular, especially during the summer months, with many dedicated bike paths.
The official currency in Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit cards are widely accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, and American Express. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller towns or rural areas. ATMs are readily available throughout Laurentides, and many establishments also accept debit cards. Tipping is customary in Canada, typically 15-20% in restaurants.
Laurentides is generally a safe region for tourists. However, standard precautions should be taken, such as avoiding isolated areas at night and securing valuables. Petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in crowded places, so stay vigilant. Specific high-crime areas targeting tourists are not prevalent, but it's always wise to stay informed through local news and advisories.
In case of emergency, dial 911 for immediate police, fire, or medical assistance. Hospitals and clinics are available in major towns like Saint-Jérôme and Mont-Tremblant. Pharmacies are also widespread for minor health issues. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Keep a list of local emergency contacts and the address of your accommodation handy.
Fashion: Do dress in layers due to variable weather conditions. In winter, wear warm clothing and proper winter boots. Avoid overly casual attire when dining in upscale restaurants. Religion: Do respect local customs when visiting religious sites. Remove your hat and lower your voice. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don't speak loudly or play loud music. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Bonjour' or 'Hello'. A firm handshake is common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local specialties like poutine and maple syrup products. Don't forget to tip your server.
To experience Laurentides like a local, visit local farmers' markets for fresh, regional produce. Participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, skiing, and kayaking, which are popular among locals. Engage with residents, who are generally friendly and willing to share insights about their community. Don't miss seasonal festivals and events, such as the Tremblant International Blues Festival and autumn foliage tours, to fully immerse yourself in the local culture.

When is the best time to visit Laurentides?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Laurentides

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Laurentides. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bawn-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [oh ruh-vwahr]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [noh]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît
  [seel voo pleh]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi
  [eck-skew-zay mwah]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mohn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et vous?
  [byehn. eh voo]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh meh-nu, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vyahnd]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-ay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!Au secours!
  [oh suh-koor]
- Go away!Allez-vous-en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-peh-lay lah poh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un docteur!
  [ah-peh-lay uhn dok-teur]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-sheh-tay]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhoost]
- How much is it?C'est combien?
  [say kohm-byen]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vay voo beh-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kel uhr eh-teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel eh oon uhr]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [dees uhr eh duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [ee-air]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uhn]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [trwah]
- 4Quatre
  [katr]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [set]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nuhf]
- 10Dix
  [dees]
- Where's a/the...?Où est un/une...?
  [oo eh uhn/oon]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kel eh la-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vay voo muh mohn-tray (sur lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (autobus)?
  [kahn eh luh pro-shen (oh-toh-boos)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor....)]

History of Laurentides

The Laurentides region has a rich history that dates back thousands of years, long before European settlers arrived. The area was originally home to the Algonquin and Abenaki tribes, who lived off the land through hunting, fishing, and gathering. Their deep connection to nature is still evident today, with many place names and cultural practices reflecting their influence.
In the 17th century, French explorers began to venture into the Laurentides region. Samuel de Champlain, a key figure in the exploration of Canada, is known to have traversed the area. The arrival of European settlers brought significant changes, including the establishment of fur trading posts and small agricultural communities.
The 19th century saw the Laurentides become a hub for the logging industry. The region's dense forests provided an abundant supply of timber, which was in high demand. Logging camps and sawmills sprang up, and the industry became a crucial part of the local economy, shaping the landscape and the way of life for many residents.
The late 19th and early 20th centuries marked the beginning of tourism in the Laurentides. The completion of the railway made the region more accessible, and the area's natural beauty attracted visitors from urban centers like Montreal. Resorts and vacation homes began to appear, laying the foundation for the Laurentides' reputation as a premier getaway destination.
In 1895, Mont-Tremblant National Park was established, becoming Quebec's first provincial park. This marked a significant effort to preserve the region's natural environment while promoting outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and canoeing. The park remains a cornerstone of the Laurentides' outdoor recreational offerings.
The Laurentides played a pivotal role in the development of winter sports in Canada. In the 1930s, the Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort opened, becoming one of the first ski resorts in North America. This sparked a winter sports revolution, attracting enthusiasts and solidifying the Laurentides' status as a top destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities.
The Laurentides region is known for its vibrant cultural scene, hosting numerous festivals and events throughout the year. Celebrations such as the Festival des Couleurs in the fall, the Tremblant International Blues Festival, and various local food and craft fairs highlight the rich cultural tapestry of the area, drawing both locals and tourists alike.