Hiking

At the Resort

The ecoZone is an area set aside for hiking and nature observation accesible from May to October. It may also be accessed from the park from the Toit-des-Laurentides Trail. The Eco-zone is on the mountain and provides twelve trails. You can either set out on your own or use the gondola to reach the summit then choose a route down. There is an observation tower at the top of the mountain.

 

Surrounding Regions

Mont Tremblant Park (Provincial)

Hikers are well served by Parc Tremblant with dozens of trails to choose from. There are a number of trails, such as La Roche and La Corniche which lead to spectacular viewpoints and others, such as the Chute-aux-Rats which end at the base of majestic waterfalls... more - Laurentians

Oka Park - 30km, Easy-Intermediate

The park is 23.7 square km in size, with about 30km of trail in all, providing great opportunities for bird watchers and hikers. There are 3 main trails in the park. The 5.5 km Le Calvaire d'Oka, a historic trail... more - Laurentians

Backpacking

Surrounding Regions

Le Canadianne/Fleur de Lys Trail - 13km, Intermediate+

This is a linear, 13km, trail that connects Saint Adolphe d'Howard to the Parc des Campeur in Sainte Agathe. The trail has a hut along the way for over nighting or you can do some wilderness camping. More Laurentians

Devils Mountain - Intermediate/Advanced

There are 30km of trails and two separate campsites on the mountain.The mountain is the second highest peak in the Laurentians at 783 m... More Laurentians

Mont Tremblant Park The park has an extended hike in the form of the Longue Randonee Pedestre. This 74km trail includes a loop in the Lac Monroe section, then a long linear section leading to the Saint Donat entrance... More 2-2.5hr north, Laurentians

National Trail While often confused with the Trans Canada Trail, this is an older initiative, dedicated to backpackers, hikers, cross country/backcountry skiers and the newly emerging snowshoe set... More Laurentians

P'tit Train du Nord/Aerobic Corridor 200km+, Easy

The two trails are being interconnected to provide a loop from the St. Sauveur/Morin Heights area to St. Jovite. These are certainly not traditional hiking trails (they're main use is for cycling in the summer and cross country skiing in the winter - the trail is a converted rail bed) but never-the-less, you do see backpackers on route... More Laurentians

---

 

Canoeing

Surrounding Regions

L'Assomption River canoe route is 15km within the Mont Tremblant Park and has rapids ranging from Class I to IV, with portages available around the tougher rapids. The river has four separate camping areas... More Mont Tremblant Park, Laurentians

Diable River canoe route is 45km in total with a 7km interruption at km 25. Parc Tremblant's busiest canoe river, it works it's way through several lakes, class I, II and II-III rapids, several portages... More Mont Tremblant Park, Laurentians

Mont Tremblant Park There are six rivers and over four hundred lakes in the park. Many more routes are planned for 2005 (we hear). Both the L'Assomption and the Diable are best run in the spring... More Laurentians

Papineau Labelle Wildlife Reserve (Réserve Faunique) The reserve has several canoe routes from 2 to 4 days in length, as well as wilderness sites which can be reached directly from a lake put-in. A section of the Sept Freres route can be done as a loop if you don't have a shuttle... More Laurentians/Outaouais

Parc du la Riviere des Mille Iles - Regional

The parks main access points are in Laval but it can be accessed from several areas on the Laurentian shore including the Centre de la Nature de Boisbriand. The park is made up of green space on both shores as well as on the dozens of islands in the channel. While very much an urban area, the marshes, islands and narrow channels provide excellent areas to explore. The park has rabaska canoe tours or you can rent your own kayak or canoe. The Parc de la Riviere-des-Mille-Iles is the site of the Descente de la Riviere des Mille Iles every August, which sees over a thousand people come out with their canoes (or they rent, if they don't own one) to paddle the river together. From Montreal take highway 15 (or the 13 to the 640 to the 15) and take the last exit in Laval. Head east on Ste. Rose and watch for the signs.

Riviere du Nord The namesake for the beautiful park outside of St Jerome, the river meanders through the Laurentians, changing it's course from north/south to east/west until it feeds into the Ottawa River at Saint Andre Est, just below Lachute... More Laurentians

Rouge-Matawin Wildlife Reserve (Réserve Faunique) The reserve has two routes, the Lac Cinq Droit and the Matawin, both of which are relatively easy and can be completed in 1 or 2 days. For those with the skills, the nerve and the equipment, there is also the renowned 21 Mile Rapids... More Laurentians/Lanaudiere

Rouge River 220km in total One of North America's premier whitewater rivers, it originates in the Reserve Faunique Rouge-Matawin north of Mont Tremblant Park and follows a winding course that eventually sees it empty into the Ottawa River, just north of Calumet/Hawkesbury... More Laurentians

---

Huts

• Calliergon- PQ: Papineau Labelle
• Ernest- PQ: Papineau Labelle
• Fascinant- PQ: Papineau Labelle
• Heron- PQ: Papineau Labelle
• La Cache- PQ: Tremblant Provincial Park
• La Hote- PQ: Papineau Labelle
• Lac des Sables- PQ: Tremblant Provincial Park
• Lac Ernie- PQ: Tremblant Provincial Park
• Le Liteau- PQ: Tremblant Provincial Park
• Sourd- PQ: Papineau Labelle
• Trille- PQ: Papineau Labelle
• Wisik- PQ: Papineau Labelle

Sea Kayaking

Surrounding Regions

Oka - Provincial Park, Lower Laurentians

Sea Kayaking & Canoeing: The park is located on the Lake of Two Mountains where you can kayak or canoe on the confluence of the Ottawa and the St. Laurence River. You can paddle along the park's shore for about 8 km. Perhaps the best kayaking or canoeing is to be found at the Grande Bay, which teams with wildlife providing a pleasant paddle along with some excellent nature observation. On the west side of the park their is another nice paddling area, although less interesting than the Grande Baie, it's a good launch site to catch the afternoon sun. If the winds are up this is a great place for wind surfers but not at this point for a canoeist. The east end of the park is more protected when the wind is howling. In some areas of the park, like La Crete and Les Dunes, you can camp close enough to the water to carry your boats to the lake. This is especially interesting for someone using the park as a stop over on an extended paddle trip. The park is 55 km northwest of Montreal. Take highway 13 or 15 (the Laurentian Autoroute) north to the 640. Then head west towards St Eustache. The 640 takes you right into the park.

Parc du la Riviere des Mille Iles - Regional

The parks main access points are in Laval but it can be accessed from several areas on the Laurentian shore including the Centre de la Nature de Boisbriand. The park is made up of green space on both shores as well as on the dozens of islands in the channel. While very much an urban area, the marshes, islands and narrow channels provide excellent areas to explore. The park has rabaska canoe tours or you can rent your own kayak or canoe. The Parc de la Riviere-des-Mille-Iles is the site of the Descente de la Riviere des Mille Iles every August, which sees over a thousand people come out with their canoes (or they rent, if they don't own one) to paddle the river together. From Montreal take highway 15 (or the 13 to the 640 to the 15) and take the last exit in Laval. Head east on Ste. Rose and watch for the signs.

Baskatong Reservoir

This vast body of water is comprised of several reaches that stretch for miles and miles in just about every direction. The reservoir can be accessed from several smaller roads which branch off from the 117 north of Mont Laurier. Part of the reservoir follows the borders of the La Verendry Wildlife reserve. From Montreal take the 15 (or the 13 to the 640 to the 15) north then the 117. You'll find several access roads off the 117 including ones through Ferme-Neuve and Val-Limoge. From Ottawa take the 105 north passed Maniwaki to the intersection with the 117. Access roads lie both east and west of the intersection.

---

 

Mountain Biking

Surrounding Regions

The Aerobic Corridor (Corridor Aerobique) - 60km, Morin Heights, minimal grade, hardpack, Morin Heights - St Remi d'Amherst

Mont Tremblant Park - Novice - Expert, Fee

Bikers can choose from over 75km of jeep track, dirt road and single track. The trails are predominantly in the Lac Monroe area but their is an excellent ride of 17km in the Pimbina Sector... more 2-2.5hrs north of Montreal from the 117 and the 15, - Laurentians

Oka Park - 7.5km, Intermediate, Fee

The park has a 7.5km long intermediate trail just across the highway, in the north section called Le Sommet. It's a loop trail with some nice climbs, technical areas and single track... more 30 - 45 minutes north west of Montreal on the 640 from the 13, Laurentians

Oureau Forest - Novice - Expert, 100km

The forest has 100km of trails, 20km of track set ski trials at Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci. Much of the trail system is open to mountain biking and the trails range in difficulty from novice to expert. You can camp over night along the Oureau River... more Just off Hwy 125 between Chertsey and Notre-Dame-de-Merci in the Lanaudiere region.

---

 

Cycling

Mont Tremblant 12.5km, Mont Tremblant Village - Mont Tremblant Resort, Laurentians The trail system is a paved, off road trail with gentle grades connecting the Village of Mont Tremblant and the Mont Tremblant Resort... More Laurentians

The P'tit Train du Nord 200km, St Jerome - Mont Laurier, smooth surface, minimal grade, fee. The linear park travels through the beautiful hills of the Laurentians just north of Montreal. From St Jerome the trail travels through the Park du Riviere du Nord, side swipes the Parc Doncaster... More Laurentians

Bike Paths in the Surrounding Regions

The Aerobic Corridor (Corridor Aerobique) 60km, minimal grade, hardpack, Morin Heights - St Remi d'Amherst, Laurentians The Aerobic Corridor is one of Quebec's original multi-use trails It is currently evolving and will soon provide a loop, in conjunction with the P'tit Train du Nord, through the some of the most beautiful areas in the Laurentians... More Laurentians

Bois de Belle Rivière The park has a trail system for cycling as well as has a number of hiking trails which are used in the winter for cross country skiing... More Laurentians

Blaineville Bikeway 21km, paved. The bike path weaves its way around the town ofBlaineville in the lower Laurentians... More Laurentians

Domaine Vert The park is in a lovely natural area with an extensive trail system for cycling and hiking as well as cross country skiing in the winter... More Laurentians

Doncaster A beautiful nature park a short distance from Ste. Adele. The park follows the Doncaster River as it makes its way to the Riviere du Nord. The trials connect to the P'tit Train du Nord... More Laurentians

Lower Laurentians Linear Park (Basses Laurantides) 27km (5km in the works), St Jerome - Ste Therese (Rosemere and eventually Laval) This is a new development which starts just north of Montreal/Laval. When it's completed it will provide direct access to the P'tit Train du Nord from the Montreal area... More Laurentians

Rivière-du-Nord A beautiful regional park just off highway 15 outside of Saint-Jerome. The park lies along the P'tit Train du Nord (the Laurentian's rail trail) on the shores of the Riviere-du-Nord... More Laurentians

The Vagabond 46km, Oka - Saint-Eustache, Lower Laurentians The trail is just north east of Montreal in the lower Laurentians region of Quebec running from Oka to St Eustache. It follows the north shore of the St Lawrence... More Laurentians

For more information on cycling in the Province of Quebec consult the Route Verte site.

---

Whitewater Padding

Surrounding Regions

Rouge River - Riviere Rouge

220km. One of North America's premier whitewater rivers. It originates in the Reserve Faunique Rouge-Matawin, north of Mont Tremblant Park and follows a winding course that eventually sees it empty into the Ottawa River... More Laurentians

La Douce Adventure - Canoe and Kayak Trips on the Rouge

Diable

You can run whitewater in the park in the early spring but the main white water challenge is below the park, to the north and south of the confluence of the Riviere Archambault... More Laurentians

Doncaster

The Doncaster attracts a lot of white water kayakers in the spring. The action is dependant on the winters snow levels and how quickly the snow melts... More Laurentians

Maskinonge

42km. With its headwaters in Lac Labelle, outside of Labelle, the river connects several lakes as it flows south to join the Rouge... More Laurentians

Riviere Simon

The river is often run by white water kayakers in April and early May. Like a lot of the rivers at this time the paddling is unpredictable... More Laurentians

 

---

Rafting

Rouge River The Laurentians is home to one of the best rafting rivers in eastern North America, the Rouge. The lower section has several companies which have guided trips. Some include resort like facilities... More Laurentians

Riviere du Nord, the namesake for the beautiful park outside of St Jerome, the river meanders through the Laurentians, changing it's course from north/south to east/west until it feeds into the Ottawa River at Saint Andre Est... More Laurentians

Rafting Montreal.com - Rafting trips down the Lachine Rapids

 

White water paddling is inherently dangerous. Make sure you have the proper training, knowledge and equipment before you attempt any river or rapid. Take advantage of guides and instructors and hone your skills on easier runs to ensure your abilities are up to snuff. Never paddle alone.

Note: These listings are to be used only as a reference and in no way constitute a guide to white water paddling in the areas described. Check with the local schools and outdoor shops regarding rivers and conditions before you set out, but remember conditions can change in the blink of an eye. For more information contact the Fédération québécoise du canot et du kayak (French) - Quebec Canoeing Federation

Camping

Laurentians

Mont Tremblant Park

Mont Tremblant has hundreds of campsites (most of which are accessible by car) in it's three sectors, Le Diable (Lac Monroe) in the west, La Pimbina in the center region and L'Assoption in the east. There are canoe campsites along both the Diable and L'Assomption rivers and there are also some walk-in sites in the park reserved for cyclists. There are of course sites with services available if your planning to bring a pop-up or RV. Many of the campsites are lakeside but you'll have to book early for most summer weekends, if you want to grab a piece of the shoreline. Park activities in the summer are cycling (hybrid or mountain bike), canoeing, hiking, backpacking and nature observation. The park has an exceptional show of colours in the fall. Out-There's Mont Tremblant Park feature provides details on each campground, park access and much more.

Oka Park

The park is a stone's throw from Montreal and is very popular in season. There are hundreds of campsites, most of which are shaded and just a short distance from the park's beautiful beach. La Refuge campground has serviced sites if you drive a RV or have a trailer or pop-up. Park activities in the summer include cycling (mountain or road, the park has a section of the paved Vagabond bike path within its boundaries), sea kayaking, hiking, and nature observation. Out-There's Oka Park feature provides details on each campground, park access and more on activities and adventure.

Papineau Labelle Wildlife Reserve (Réserve Faunique)

There are two unserviced campgrounds in the reserve, in the south at Lac Echo and in the north at Lac Joinville. Small groups which qualify (contact the reserve for details) can make use of three small tent sites (five placements) at Ernest, Marie-Lafance and Sourd Lakes. There are canoe campsites on several lakes in the north of the reserve with the main access through the Pie IX entrance.The reserve is located north of the Ottawa River and just to the southeast of Mont Laurier. It encompasses over 1,600 sq. km of wilderness. The campsites at Lac Echo are next to the beach or just a short walks distance. There are also huts and cabins available on a rental basis. The reserve has over 12 entry points.To reach Lac Echo the usual point of entry is Val des Bois, while the most common entry point for Lac Joinville is from Pie IX. To reach Val des Bois from Montreal head west on the 40 and take the split towards Ottawa in Vaudreuil. After you enter Ontario take the exit for Hawkesbury and continue through town, then over the Pearly Bridge (which has been completely rebuilt) to pickup the 148 towards Hull. Watch for Buckingham where you head north on the 309, which will take you to the entrance. Alternatively you can take the 148 or the 50 (from the 15) to pick up (continue on) the 148 outside Lachute. From Ottawa/Hull take the 50 from Hull to its terminus, then follow the 148 to the 309 at Buckingham. To reach the Pie IX entrance from Montreal take the 15 (or the 13 and the 640 to the 15) north until it turns into the 117 north of Ste. Agathe. Continue on a short distance passed L'Annociation, where you pick up the 321 south which will take you into the reserve. This is very much a wilderness area and most of the reserve has little in the way of services but there are huts and cabins available for non-campers. Most of the reserves roads are good, but not paved. For more information have a look at the Official Site.

Please Note: Hunting is permitted in Quebec's wildlife reserves.

Rouge-Matawn Wildlife Reserve (Réserve Faunique)

The reserve is locate along the northern borders of Mont Tremblant Park but unfortunately, you cannot currently reach the reserve directly from the park. The reserve is a true wilderness area, with little in the way of services and all of the camping is classified as wilderness. Sites are distributed throughout the reserve. There are also huts and cabins available on a rental basis. The two main access points for the reserve are Macaza in the west, and Saint-Micheal-des-Saint in the east. Macaza can be reached from Montreal by taking the 15 (or the 13 to the 640 to the 15) then the 117north, Saint-Micheal des Saints can be reached from Montreal by following the 40 east towards Quebec City, then taking the 31north into Joliette, where you head east to the 131 north. Contact the reserve for more information through the Official Site.

Please Note: Hunting is permitted in Quebec's wildlife reserves.

Ski Morin Heights

The hill has a new and unique initiative with the recently developed cabin and tent site area. With all of the outdoor activities in the Morin Heights region, these facilities will probably be at a premium as the word gets out. We'll being heading up there ourselves to get a first hand look at the project sometime this summer. For more information, including rates, have a look at the Ski Morin Heights website.

RV and Private Campgrounds

Laurentians

• Camping Desjardin - Saint-Faustin - Lac Carré
• Camping de la Diable - Mont Tremblant
• Camping Baie du Diable - Ferme-Neuve
• Camping Lac La Fontaine - Saint-Jérome (Bellefeuille)
• Camping Laurentian - (819) 322-2281, Val David
• Camping Saint-Adolphe-d' Howard - (819) 327-3519, Saint-Adolphe-d' Howard
• Camping Val Carroll - (819) 242-7041, Harrington (Rouge River)
• Parc la Conception - (819) 686-3655, La Conception
• Parc des Campeurs - Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts

Climbing

Val David - Laurentians

This is the climbing centre of the Laurentians, if not the whole of Quebec. Easy access, good quality rock, the possibility of top roping and lots, and lots of routes of varying difficulty, all of which adds up to a great place to climb.To the benefit of all of us, a chunk of the surrounding area is being purchased by the town (cheers to the good people of Val David and Val Morin, along with the town council that made this a reality) from a developer and will be turned into a park, the parc régional Dufresne. The area is maintained by the Féderation Quebecoise de la Montagne et de l'Escalade (FQME), which requires you have a membership to climb (fair enough) . Contact them through their website, show your support and sign up. From Montreal take the 15 north (or the 13 to the 640 to the 15) and take exit 76, following the signs into Val David. Follow the main street to the first right after the rail trail (P'tit Train du Nord), Spiniere St, then take the split onto Condor St. Take the second left and turn right at the end where you see the small parking lot. The trial into the crags is right in front of the parking lot. Mont Condor, and Mont King are on the right and Mont Cesaire is to the left.

La Bleue - highest point 50m, more than 85 routes, located on the southwest side of Mont Condor west.

Les Fesses - highest point 30m, more than 25 routes, located on the south side of Mont Condor east.

Mont Césaire - highest point 80m, over 150 routes, located on the south side of Mont Cesaire.

Mont King - highest point 75m, over 150 routes, located south and southwest of Mont King.

Note: This list is by no means exhaustive.

La Montagne d'Argent - La Conception, Laurentians

The climbs range from 25 to 100m with a variety of ratings. There are over 200 routes to explore. The area is maintained by the Féderation Quebecoise de la Montagne et de l'Escalade (FQME), which requires you have a membership to climb in the area. Contact them through their website and show your support and sign up. From Montreal take the 15 north (or the 13 to the 640 to the 15) and continue on the 117 passed Mont Tremblant to La Conception.

You'll also find climbing areas in Weir (Rte. 364, beside the earth station), Shawbridge (Rte. 117), Saint-Hippolyte (head northwest from the 117 at LaFontaine just after the autoroute split at St. Jerome) and just outside Mont Tremblant Park north of St. Faustin (follow the signs towards the park from the St. Faustin exit off the 117).

Rock Gyms

Montreal & Laval

• Action Directe - 4377, St-Elzear Blvd. W., Laval
• Allez-Up - Top rope and lead routes, instruction. 1339 Shearer, Lasalle, Montreal
• Cepsum Climbing Wall (University of Montreal) - 2100 Edouard Montpetit, (514) 343-6150, Montreal
• Ecole d'escalade Verti-Cal (Cegep Andre-Laurendeau) - 1111 Lapierre, Lasalle, Montreal
• Horizon Roc - 2350 Dickson Street, Montreal

Note: Climbing is inherently dangerous. Make sure you have the proper training, knowledge and equipment before you attempt any climb. Take advantage of guides and instructors and hone your skills in one of the areas gyms to ensure your abilities are up to snuff. Never climb alone.

These listings are to be used only as a reference and in no way constitute a guide to rock climbing in the areas described. Out-There is a clearing house for outdoor information not a an information source. Check with the local schools and outdoor shops regarding routes, closures and access. For more information contact the Féderation Quebecoise de la Montagne et de l'Escalade (FQME).

Resources

Montreal

• Accommodations
• Restaurants
• Outdoor Retailers
• Guides, Outfitters and Outdoor Schools

  
  Surrounding Regions

• Eastern Townships
• Lanaudiere
• Laurentians
• Monteregie
• Montreal

  Other Links of Interest

• Out-There's Hiking and Backpacking
• International Appalachian Trail - Gaspesie
• The Laurentians Trail - La Mauricie National Park
• Fédération québécoise de la marche (French) - Quebec Hiking Federation

• Adirondacks
• New York State Parks
• New York State Division of Lands and Forests
• Green Mountain Club
• Vermont Forests, Parks and Recreation
• White Mountains
• New Hampshire Division of Parks and Recreation