Free Laurentides Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Laurentides with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Laurentides
Laurentides photo 2
Laurentides photo 3
All photos

Explore Québec's Laurentides for mountain trails, lake resorts, winter sports, maple traditions and forested escapes within reach of Montréal.

Stretching north-west from Montréal towards the Laurentian highlands, the Laurentides combine forested mountains, clear lakes, agricultural lowlands and resort communities within Québec. The region is geographically varied: the southern corridor around Saint-Jérôme and Mirabel is comparatively urban and agricultural, while the central and northern districts become increasingly wooded, rugged and sparsely settled. The Laurentides are part of Québec, where French is the principal language, but the region's landscapes and recreational culture attract visitors from across Canada and abroad.
Read more about Laurentides
The best-known destination is Mont-Tremblant, whose pedestrian village, ski slopes and extensive network of summer and winter activities sit beside Mont-Tremblant National Park. Farther south, Saint-Sauveur is associated with skiing, summer water-based recreation and a long-established resort tradition, while Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and Val-David offer a slower-paced mixture of lake scenery, independent galleries, outdoor pursuits and village life. Saint-Jérôme, the region's main urban centre, has museums, cultural venues and transport links that make it a useful base for exploring the southern Laurentides.
The region's natural appeal changes with the seasons. Winter brings downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing, although conditions vary with elevation and weather. In warmer months, visitors hike through mixed forest, paddle on lakes, cycle along quiet roads and rail trails, and seek out beaches at places such as Oka National Park. Autumn is especially notable for the changing foliage, with broad views across hills and valleys, while spring is associated with maple production and the opening of sugar shacks, or cabanes à sucre.
Laurentides culture reflects Indigenous presence, French-Canadian settlement, forestry, farming, railway development and tourism. The Kanehsatà:ke Mohawk community is in the south-western part of the region, while northern areas are connected to the traditional territory and contemporary presence of Algonquin communities. Historic churches, village main streets, logging landscapes and former railway routes remain visible alongside ski centres, lakeside resorts and contemporary arts venues. Regional food ranges from maple products and orchard produce to Québec specialities served in cafés, inns and rural restaurants, making the Laurentides a destination best explored through several bases rather than a single hurried circuit.

When is the best time to visit Laurentides?

Best: June–August · 23–26°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January-870
February-660
March160
April970
May1880
June (best)2390
July (best)26100
August (best)2490
September1980
October1380
November380
December-380

Getting to and around Laurentides

How to get there

Most international visitors arrive through Montréal–Trudeau International Airport, which is outside the Laurentides but is the principal gateway for the region. Montréal–Mirabel International Airport is geographically within the Laurentides, although it is not generally the main scheduled passenger gateway. From Montréal, road routes lead north through Laval and Saint-Jérôme towards the resort areas; Montréal's exo commuter rail network also reaches Saint-Jérôme. Visitors approaching from western Québec or Ontario may use Ottawa International Airport, which is outside the region, then continue by road. Check current road conditions in winter, particularly on routes leading towards Mont-Tremblant and more remote lakes.

Transportation

A car gives the greatest flexibility for linking villages, ski centres, parks, lakes and rural accommodation, especially outside the Saint-Jérôme corridor. Public transport is more useful between Montréal, Laval and Saint-Jérôme than in the mountain districts, where services are less frequent and dispersed attractions may not be connected. Le P'tit Train du Nord provides a long recreational corridor for cycling, walking and, in suitable seasons, other non-motorised activities. Taxis and local shuttles may be available in resort communities, but should not be assumed for remote trailheads. Winter tyres are important and may be legally required in Québec during the prescribed winter period.

Top city travel guides in Laurentides

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

Best attractions in Laurentides

The Laurentides offer outdoor recreation on a scale that ranges from accessible village parks to remote forest and mountain landscapes. Mont-Tremblant National Park is the region's major protected area, with lakes, rivers, hiking routes, canoeing, wildlife observation and winter activities across a large wooded territory. Oka National Park provides a contrasting setting of sandy shoreline, wetlands, mature woodland and historical landscapes near the Ottawa River. Around Mont-Tremblant, Saint-Sauveur and Sainte-Adèle, ski centres operate in winter and often provide summer access to hiking, cycling or family activities. Val-David is known for its outdoor setting and arts community, while Saint-Jérôme offers museums, cultural programming and urban services. The former railway corridor of Le P'tit Train du Nord links many Laurentian communities and is especially useful for multi-day cycling or shorter recreational outings. Visitors can also explore orchards, maple farms, lakeside beaches, galleries and small local heritage sites. Because attractions are spread across a large area, a satisfying itinerary usually combines one mountain base with a southern village or park rather than attempting to visit every district from Montréal in a single day.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Laurentides

Mont-Tremblant is the Laurentides' most recognisable natural landmark, rising above the surrounding lakes and forest and giving its name to both the national park and the major resort community. The mountain's visual importance lies in its prominence within the Laurentian range, while the national park preserves a much broader landscape of summits, waterways and boreal-mixed forest. In the south, the Abbey of Oka is a notable historic complex associated with the Trappist community that established agricultural and religious institutions in the area; its wider landscape is closely linked with Oka National Park and the Ottawa River shore. The rebuilt church and village heritage of Oka also reflect the area's layered colonial and Indigenous history, although the events of the 1990 Oka Crisis require respectful interpretation. Le P'tit Train du Nord is a landmark of another kind: its bridges, former railway alignments and station communities record the transport infrastructure that opened the northern Laurentides to settlement and tourism. Older parish churches and village streets in places such as Saint-Eustache, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and Saint-Jérôme provide further evidence of the region's agricultural, religious and resort development.

Show more landmarks

Explore Laurentides on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Laurentides

Laurentides dining reflects Québec's agricultural south, forested interior and long-established resort culture. Maple products are central in spring, when cabanes à sucre serve traditional meals and syrups, taffy and other seasonal specialities. Farm shops and markets offer apples, berries, vegetables, cheeses, baked goods and prepared products, particularly around the lower Laurentides and village communities. In resort areas such as Mont-Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur, visitors will find cafés, casual restaurants, pubs and more formal dining rooms catering to visitors throughout the year, while smaller towns tend to centre on bakeries, family restaurants and local inns. Québec classics such as tourtière, pea soup, pâté and pouding chômeur may appear alongside contemporary menus using regional produce. Lake and forest settings do not mean that all food is locally sourced, so menus and farm shops are the best guide. French is predominant in hospitality, although English is common in major resorts.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Laurentides

Evening life in the Laurentides is concentrated in resort towns and larger communities rather than spread across a continuous nightlife district. Mont-Tremblant has the broadest visitor-oriented choice, with hotel bars, casual pubs, restaurants, après-ski venues and occasional live entertainment, particularly during busy winter and summer periods. Saint-Sauveur and Sainte-Adèle offer a smaller selection of pubs, bars, restaurants and cultural venues, while Saint-Jérôme provides a more urban evening scene with bars, performances and places to eat. In Val-David and other village communities, the emphasis is often on independent cafés, breweries, live music and arts programming rather than nightclubs. Rural areas generally become quiet after dinner, and opening arrangements can be seasonal. Visitors should treat après-ski as one option rather than the defining feature of the region, with evening walks, concerts, cinema and fireside dining also forming part of the Laurentian night-time experience.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Laurentides

Evening life in the Laurentides is concentrated in resort towns and larger communities rather than spread across a continuous nightlife district. Mont-Tremblant has the broadest visitor-oriented choice, with hotel bars, casual pubs, restaurants, après-ski venues and occasional live entertainment, particularly during busy winter and summer periods. Saint-Sauveur and Sainte-Adèle offer a smaller selection of pubs, bars, restaurants and cultural venues, while Saint-Jérôme provides a more urban evening scene with bars, performances and places to eat. In Val-David and other village communities, the emphasis is often on independent cafés, breweries, live music and arts programming rather than nightclubs. Rural areas generally become quiet after dinner, and opening arrangements can be seasonal. Visitors should treat après-ski as one option rather than the defining feature of the region, with evening walks, concerts, cinema and fireside dining also forming part of the Laurentian night-time experience.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Laurentides

Shopping in the Laurentides is strongest in market towns, resort villages and farm-producing districts rather than in a single large retail centre. Saint-Sauveur has a concentrated selection of independent shops, galleries, cafés and visitor-oriented businesses, while Mont-Tremblant's pedestrian resort area combines outdoor clothing, gifts, food products and practical equipment with restaurants and accommodation. Val-David is associated with artists, craftspeople, galleries and small independent retailers, making it a useful place to look for locally made ceramics, textiles, artwork and design goods. Farm shops and seasonal markets sell maple syrup, preserves, honey, apples, baked goods, cheeses and other regional provisions; availability varies through the year. Saint-Jérôme and the southern urban corridor provide more conventional high-street and commercial shopping, while smaller communities are better for antiques, books, crafts and locally produced food than for extensive fashion retail. Winter visitors should expect outdoor equipment and clothing to be prominent, but durable regional gifts are generally more distinctive than generic resort souvenirs.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Laurentides, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Laurentides essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Canadian dollar (CAD), as throughout Canada. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in towns, hotels, ski resorts, petrol stations and larger restaurants, but cash remains useful for small rural businesses, farm stands, roadside kiosks and some outdoor facilities. Foreign visitors should check whether their bank adds international transaction fees. Québec sales taxes are normally added at the till rather than included in displayed prices, and tipping is customary for table service, taxis and other services when appropriate.
Safety
The Laurentides are generally straightforward for visitors, but outdoor conditions require preparation. Mountain trails can be remote, mobile coverage may be inconsistent and weather can change rapidly, especially in winter. Carry suitable footwear, water, layers, navigation information and any equipment required for the activity. Observe warnings around lakes and rivers, use authorised swimming areas where provided, and take precautions against ticks and mosquitoes in warmer months. Drive carefully on winding rural roads, watch for wildlife and allow extra time in snow, freezing rain or reduced visibility.
Emergency Situations
Call 911 for police, fire or ambulance emergencies in the Laurentides, as elsewhere in Canada. Give the exact location, particularly when calling from a park, trail or rural road, and describe nearby access points or numbered routes. For non-urgent health advice in Québec, 811 can provide information, while 511 offers provincial road and travel-condition information. Outdoor visitors should tell someone their route and expected return time; park staff or local emergency services can advise on current arrangements for incidents in protected areas.
Do's and Don'ts
Use French greetings and basic phrases, especially in smaller communities, and ask before photographing people, private property or culturally significant places. Follow marked trails, close gates, carry out rubbish and respect fire restrictions and wildlife guidance. At lakes and parks, observe posted rules concerning swimming, boats, fishing and camping. In restaurants, wait to be seated where indicated and remember that service charges are not generally included in Québec prices. Do not enter closed trails or trespass on private land simply to reach a viewpoint or lakeshore.
Local Tips
Plan each day's driving around the actual distances between mountain communities rather than relying only on a map's straight-line scale. Mont-Tremblant National Park and Oka National Park have distinct landscapes and access arrangements, so check their current rules before travelling. For a less resort-focused visit, combine a section of Le P'tit Train du Nord with local cafés, galleries or farm stops around Val-David and Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. Spring sugar-shack visits are seasonal, while autumn foliage weekends can make accommodation and popular roads particularly busy.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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

Indigenous territories and long-standing settlement

The Laurentides are part of a landscape with a long Indigenous history, shaped by travel, hunting, fishing and trade along rivers and lakes. The south-west is closely associated with Kanehsatà:ke, a Mohawk community, while the forests farther north are connected to the traditional territory and contemporary presence of Algonquin peoples. Indigenous place names and continuing community life are part of the region's history, although many visitor accounts have traditionally underrepresented these perspectives. The waterways and forest routes that later facilitated colonial settlement had already been used and understood by Indigenous societies for generations.

Seigneurial settlement in the lower Laurentides

After the establishment of French colonial administration, seigneurial landholding encouraged farming and settlement along the Ottawa River and the Rivière des Mille Îles, as well as around routes leading north from Montréal. Communities in the modern Deux-Montagnes, Argenteuil and Mirabel areas developed through agriculture, parish institutions and river commerce. Catholic churches, rectories, older farmsteads and village street patterns preserve traces of this period. Settlement was more concentrated in the southern lowlands than in the forested uplands, where access remained difficult and economic activity was shaped increasingly by timber and seasonal resource use.

Timber, rivers and the opening of the northern forests

From the nineteenth century, logging became a major force in the northern Laurentides. Rivers and lakes served as transport corridors for timber, while sawmills, supply settlements and temporary camps followed the expansion of the industry. The forests supported employment and regional trade but also transformed Indigenous lands and ecological systems. Many communities grew as service centres for lumberjacks, farmers and merchants. The legacy remains visible in the region's road network, place names, former industrial sites and continuing debates about forestry, conservation and access to public lands.

Railways and the birth of resort tourism

Railway construction in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries made the Laurentian lakes and mountains far more accessible from Montréal. The line commonly known as the P'tit Train du Nord helped connect northern communities and encouraged the growth of summer resorts, hotels and recreational clubs. Visitors came for cooler air, boating, fishing and hiking, while winter tourism developed more gradually as transport and equipment improved. Although the railway's passenger era has ended, sections of its former route now form the linear Le P'tit Train du Nord park, a major cycling, walking and cross-country skiing corridor.

Skiing and the modern recreational economy

Downhill skiing expanded significantly in the Laurentides during the twentieth century, especially around Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Adèle and Mont-Tremblant. Better roads, lifts, accommodation and equipment turned mountain recreation into a year-round economic pillar. Mont-Tremblant in particular became an internationally recognised resort, while smaller ski hills retained a more local and family-oriented character. Tourism diversified with hiking, golf, cycling, spas, festivals and lake activities, helping many communities move beyond a purely seasonal winter economy.

Kanehsatà:ke and the Oka Crisis, 1990

The Oka Crisis, which began in 1990 at Kanehsatà:ke and neighbouring Oka, was a major event in modern Canadian and Québec history. A proposed golf-course expansion and contested land claims led to a prolonged confrontation involving Mohawk land defenders, police and the Canadian Armed Forces. The crisis brought longstanding questions of land rights, sovereignty and recognition into national focus. Its effects remain part of the social and political history of the Laurentides, and visitors should approach sites and communities connected with the events respectfully rather than treating them as simple tourist spectacles.

Laurentides in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Laurentides

The closest regions to Laurentides, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Canada
More of the region

Explore more of Canada

Discover Canada's breathtaking landscapes, diverse cities, and rich cultural heritage. A must-visit destination for outdoor adventures and vibrant urban experiences.

Explore Canada
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Laurentides

Discover Laurentides with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide offering detailed information on attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.
  • Rich set of information including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details.
  • Easy booking of hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences.
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore the best of Laurentides, Canada with Evendo - your comprehensive, free travel guide app. Uncover attractions, book experiences, and navigate like a local.

  • History and travel essentials for Laurentides.
  • Local advice to maximize your visit.
  • User-friendly navigation through the app and the city.
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions.
  • Curated local tips to experience the city like a local.
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases.

Planning a trip to Laurentides, Canada? With Evendo, your adventure is just a tap away. This 100% free app-based travel guide ensures you make the most of your visit to Laurentides. Discover iconic landmarks such as Mont-Tremblant, the Laurentian Mountains, and the Mont-Tremblant National Park. Dive into local culture with curated recommendations for top-notch restaurants like La Quintessence and La Forge Bistro-Bar Grill.

Evendo provides rich details on attractions, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, and activities. Each location includes images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. Imagine having all the essential information you need at your fingertips, making it easy to plan and organize your trip effortlessly.

With Evendo, booking hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences in Laurentides is a breeze. No more endless searches or confusion about what to see and do. The app presents everything in one convenient place, allowing you to focus on enjoying your journey. Experience the history of Laurentides, get travel essentials, and benefit from tons of local advice to ensure you have an unforgettable visit. Use the 'Near me' feature to explore what's around you, no matter where you are.

Download Evendo now and start your Laurentides adventure today!

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.