Looking for things to do in the Laurentians this season? Great news—you’ve landed on the right page! This four-season destination overflows with scenery, flavors and experiences that delight athletes, families, foodies and night owls alike. 🎉 As a local expert—and a passionate real-estate broker—I’ve built this in-depth guide to help you plan the perfect getaway or jazz up your daily routine. Grab your favorite drink, get comfy and let’s dive in!
Index
- Outdoor Activities & Adventures 🚴♂️
- Best Restaurants 🍽️
- Nightlife & Going Out 🍻
- Where to Stay 🏡
- Ready-Made 3-Day Itinerary 📅
- Practical Tips & Budget 💡
- Seasonal Events 🎪
- FAQ ➡️ Quick Answers
Outdoor Activities & Adventures 🚴♂️
We can’t talk about the Laurentians without highlighting its endless outdoor activities. From the P’tit Train du Nord bike trail to the summit of Mont-Tremblant, every valley is a giant playground.
– Scenic hiking in Parc régional de la Rivière-du-Nord: kid-friendly trails and footbridges over Wilson Falls. 🏞️
– Via ferrata & zip-lines in Saint-Sauveur for an adrenaline rush with epic views.
– Rent e-bikes on the P’tit Train du Nord, a 234-km path running along a historic railway bed!
– Treat yourself to a Nordic spa session (Ofuro, Polar Bear’s Club, etc.): hot tubs + cold plunge + forest view = perfection. 🧖♀️
– Rainy day or evening? Try an immersive escape game at SOS Aventures—Hollywood-level sets, mind-bending puzzles and plenty of laughs!
Family Focus 👨👩👧👦
Little ones will love educational farms (Alpagas du Domaine Poissant, Ferme Duquette), while teens go crazy for the Mont Saint-Sauveur water park. Book popular activities early in high season.
Why We Love It
– Easy drive from Montréal (under an hour to Saint-Jérôme)
– Huge variety: downhill skiing, snowshoeing, golf, kayaking, fishing 🐟
– Lodging for every budget—from rustic huts to luxury chalets
– Instagram-worthy vistas around every bend 📸
Best Restaurants 🍽️
After exercise comes indulgence! Laurentians restaurants fuse local produce with gourmet flair.
– La Belle & La Bœuf – Saint-Jérôme: XXL gourmet burgers, decadent poutines and signature cocktails in a retro-rock vibe. 🍔
– Steakhouse St-Charles (Sainte-Thérèse): dry-aged beef, superb wine list, flawless service.
– Microbrewery Dieu du Ciel! (Saint-Jérôme): legendary craft beers and a chalkboard menu.
– La Cabane à Tuque (Mont-Tremblant): eco-friendly sugar shack, vegan menu and live music in spring. 🍁
– Le Rustique (Val-David): boreal cuisine, house sourdough and a shaded terrace.
Nightlife & Going Out 🍻
Night owls, rejoice: Saint-Jérôme nightlife rivals the big city. Cocktail bars, busy patios, comedy shows—choose your vibe.
– Purple Showbar: stand-up comedy and live music
– La P’tite Grenouille: raucous karaoke, wallet-friendly beers
– L’Uni-Verre wine bar: natural wines and intimate concerts
Need more ideas? Check TripAdvisor’s top night-out spots for curated bar-hopping routes.
Where to Stay 🏡
Whether you’re dreaming of a treetop cabin, a spa hotel or backcountry camping, Laurentians lodging has you covered:
– Rental chalets (Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard to Mont-Tremblant): ideal for groups, often with private hot tub and fireplace.
– Spa hotels: Hôtel Quintessence (Tremblant) for luxury, AX Hotel (Mont-Tremblant) for affordable design.
– Inns & B&Bs: cozy vibe and home-cooked breakfasts.
– Glamping: transparent domes in Saint-Sauveur or Safari tents in Labelle—sleep under the stars without roughing it.
– Campsites: Parc national du Mont-Tremblant (La Diable sector) or Camping Lac des Plages for loon wake-up calls.
Ready-Made 3-Day Itinerary 📅
Day 1: Saint-Jérôme & Area
– Coffee & breakfast at Vieux-Shack, riverside stroll along Rivière du Nord.
– Afternoon cycling on the P’tit Train du Nord, pit stop at a microbrewery.
– Evening escape game at SOS Aventures, then burger blowout at La Belle & La Bœuf.
Day 2: Tremblant Nature & Thrills
– Gondola ride up Mont-Tremblant for a panoramic view.
– Summer luge ride or hike to Chute-du-Diable.
– Snack break in the pedestrian village (crêpes, anyone?).
– Sunset relaxation at Scandinave Spa: riverside hot-cold cycle bliss.
Day 3: Backcountry & Culture
– Morning yoga-with-alpacas at Domaine Poissant.
– Artsy detour in Val-David: pottery studios and organic cafés.
– Terroir dinner at Le Rustique, then drive home with a camera full of memories.
Practical Tips & Budget 💡
Transport: A car gives you the freedom to roam scenic backroads. Otherwise, Galland bus links Montréal-Tremblant, and local shuttles serve ski hills.
Average Budget (per person, low season):
– Lodging: CA$120 – 250/night
– Meals: CA$20 breakfast café, CA$35 bistro lunch, CA$60 gourmet dinner
– Paid activity: spa CA$75, via ferrata CA$55, museum CA$12
Eco-Tip: Bring a reusable bottle and buy snacks from local producers—tastier and greener!
Seasonal Events 🎪
The Laurentians buzz year-round with diverse events:
| Season | Highlight Events |
|---|---|
| Spring | BLOOMAFEST Tremblant (music festival, 9-10 May), wildflower hikes, sugar-shack outings |
| Summer | Festi-Grill (31 Jul-2 Aug), water sports, Lac des Sables beaches, outdoor movie nights |
| Autumn | Mont Blanc Fall Colours Fest, photo hikes, gourmet routes |
| Winter | Downhill skiing, torchlit snowshoeing, Christmas markets (Mirabel, St-Eustache) |
Insider tip: book tickets online as soon as dates drop (usually 3-4 months ahead) to dodge lines and snag early-bird rates. 🎫
FAQ ➡️ Quick Answers
When is the best time to visit the Laurentians?
Every season shines: blossoms in spring, lakes in summer, blazing foliage in fall, snow sports in winter. Pick your passion!
Is the Laurentians region kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Family trails, water slides, educational farms and interactive museums keep boredom at bay.
Do I need a car?
It’s recommended for flexibility. If not, combine Galland bus with local shuttles.
Where can I sleep on a tight budget?
SEPAQ campsites, hostels in Sainte-Agathe, or shared chalets during shoulder season.
Ready for Adventure? 🏡
The Laurentians let you embrace nature without sacrificing convenience. If you fall in love with the area (highly likely!) and dream of a pied-à-terre or rental investment, check my real-estate selling tips or browse our real-estate blog for more insights. And of course, don’t hesitate to contact me directly; I’ll gladly guide you through your project. See you soon in the Laurentians! 😊
