The Holiday season is the perfect opportunity for some family time together in the Laurentians to create unforgettable memories. Enchanting landscapes inspire a festive ambiance throughout the Laurentian region. Make your dream family outing a reality in this unparalleled setting! Whether you enjoy snowshoeing, skating, dog sledding, or cross-country skiing, one day won’t be enough to do it all!
Outdoor activities:
1. Sledding
Looking for thrills? Make sure to check out the Rafting and Tornade runs at Glissades des Pays d’en Haut in Piedmont, which attract new fans every year. On the program: sledding, Bobsleigh, Tornade, Rafting, and snowtubing on 50 runs for all levels with an 80 m vertical drop. Holiday schedule: open December 25, 2018, and January 1st, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Otherwise, from opening to December 23, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sommet Saint-Sauveur – versant Avila Tubing Park
The Tubing Park at Sommet Saint-Sauveur – versant Avila in Piedmont has 21 snowtubing runs and four lifts to offer. The runs are lit up on Friday and Saturday evenings until 9:00 p.m. At the foot of the hill, the versant Avila Sugar Shack serves a typical sugar shack menu every weekend. Holiday schedule: December 24 and 25, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; December 26 to 30, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.; December 31, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; January 1st to 5, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Aventures Neige is the perfect place for a family snowtubing outing in the Laurentians. Located on the very site of Comfort Inn Mont-Tremblant, there are 8 snowtubing runs, from beginner to expert, with 2 tube lifts. Satisfy your hunger at the lunch counter and spacious dining area. Or, warm up with a hot chocolate by a crackling fire on our terrace, located directly at the top of the hill, with an exceptional view of the mountain. Holiday schedule: December 21, 2018 to January 6, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., except for December 24, 25, and 31, from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
2. Snowshoeing and mega-ziplining
During the Holidays, make the most of Tyroparc’s 2.5-hour snowshoe and mega-ziplining deal. Snowshoe a 1.3 km trail through Mont-Catherine forest, take a break and warm up by the fire in a wigwam, before gliding across 2 mega-ziplines over 100 m above ground, crossing the mountain from one side to the other. Thrills guaranteed! Other deals also available. Open every day, reservations required.
3. Holiday celebration in Tremblant
The Holiday magic is taking over Tremblant! Toufou, the beloved mascot, and street performers will make your visit to the pedestrian village truly memorable. Warm up by one of the fire pits as you take in the magical setting. Exciting activities are sure to bring out everyone’s inner child. A musical ambiance and fun games await!
- Christmas magic: From December 23 to 25, 2018, it’s time to celebrate! For three magical days, rediscover the renowned Grelot Family, who will be returning to Tremblant to celebrate Christmas in style. A special guest is also expected to stop by on the afternoon of December 24!
- Lumberjack day: On December 22, 29, 2018, and January 3, 2018, a series of highly entertaining lumberjack-themed activities awaits. A great way for visitors from all over to get acquainted with Quebec folklore.
- Legends day: On December 26, 30, 2018, and January 4, 2019, stories passed down through generations will come to life in the pedestrian village. Wander through a huge interactive circuit turned treasure hunt and solve puzzles inspired by folk legends.
- 1980s winter: On December 27, 2018, and January 1st, 2019, travel back to the 1980s. In this pre-technology era, children would spend long hours playing outside and building forts, bundled up in their neon snowsuits. This special day will take us back to a festive time when Quebecers would crank up the synth and celebrate winter under the snow.
- Winter wonderland: On December 28, 2018, and January 2, 2018, celebrate the most magical days of winter as the village transforms into veritable winter wonderland. Several heartwarming activities await.
4. The Holiday Season at Le Village du Père Noël
Le Village du Père Noël in Val-David is opening its doors again this year for the Holidays. Most of the children’s summer games, such as adventure trails, rope tree, ziplining, and treehouses, will be set up. Young visitors can also marvel at the petting zoo. Santa Claus will be back with his little elves on December 1, 2, 8, and 9, and from December 15, 2018, to January 6, 2019, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (except for December 25; those presents won’t deliver themselves!).
5. Christmas Magic at Route des Gerbes d’Angélica
Wander through the enchanted forest and visit Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the Ice Fairy at Route des Gerbes d’Angélica in Mirabel. 200,000 lights of Christmas decorating. Animation and face painting for children. While you’re there, stock up on local products and/or one-of-a-kind, enthralling gifts. Discover something new with a visit to Sylvestre Pindebois village! Meet Luciö, the Lapland Elf, and his world of magic in Sylvestre Pindebois forest at Route des Gerbes d’Angelica. Schedule: November 9 to December 30, 2018, Friday to Sunday from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and December 18, 19, 20, and 27, 2018, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
6. Parks in the Laurentians
Oka National Park and Mont-Tremblant National Park
Open year-round, Oka National Park and Mont-Tremblant National Park offer several fun winter activities for the family: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, fatbiking, and kicksledding. Free admission and equipment rentals for children and youth aged 17 and under. An ideal opportunity for children and youth to discover new winter sports.
Parc régional éducatif Bois de Belle-Rivière
The Parc régional éducatif Bois de Belle-Rivière, located in Mirabel, offers several fun family activities: skating, snowtubing, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Schedule: year-round from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; also open on December 25, 2018 and January 1st, 2019.
7. Dogsledding adventure
Take your family on an unforgettable dogsledding adventure led by a professional guide at Laurel Aventure Nature in Wentworth-Nord! Take a trip through lakes and mountains and break for tea, all the while accompanied by guides and their dogs. Several deals available; reservations recommended. Open every day the snow allows.
Welcome to Kanatha-Aki in Val-des-Lacs, a Native philosophy which means “guardian of a world without borders” in Algonquin! Choose from a number of activities: dogsledding trips and tours, excursions, and expeditions. Various deals available. Reservations required.
8. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
The Laurentians are home to several cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails. Cross-country ski through the region’s charming villages as you explore the 60 km of trails. Equipment is available for rent at Espresso Sports in Sainte-Adèle. You can also head to the Mont-Tremblant sector for more cross-country ski trails. Access to the trails costs $14 per day and is free for youth and children under 14.
9. Horseback riding
Equestrian enthusiasts both young and old are invited to Les Écuries du Chanteclerc in Sainte-Adèle for a delightful sleigh ride through the trails. Opt for the Montée au feu deal and end your outing with hot chocolate and marshmallows for all around the fire. Make sure to reserve your spot! Open every day, even December 25.
Ranch La Douceur in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts offers a plethora of equestrian activities in addition to a stable, a kennel for pets and an equestrian shop. Appreciate nature on horseback in a group of 2 to 8 people, or privately with one of our seasoned guides. Open 7 days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
10. Snowmobiling
Renowned for its warm welcome and excellent reputation, the Laurentians is one of the best snowmobiling destinations in Quebec. Its ideal geographical location means that snow is guaranteed every year. On average, 350 cm of snow blankets the region in wintertime. It boasts a network of 2,512 km of marked and maintained trails. Several deals available.
Aventure Plein-Air St-Hippolyte
Say yes to a family snowmobiling adventure with Aventures Plein Air St-Hippolyte. The Rando Famille deal is designed for exactly that. One-of-a-kind family fun awaits during a 2.5-hour snowmobile tour in the heart of the woods. At the halfway point, warm up with a well-deserved hot chocolate provided by our guide, to the delight of young participants!
11. Downhill skiing
The Laurentians boasts one of the highest concentrations of ski resorts with 12 hills. Make the most of a selection of affordable all-inclusive deals with meals, lessons, and all the skiing and sledding you like!
- Sommet Saint-Sauveur and versant Avila
- Sommet Olympia
- Sommet Morin Heights
- Sommet Gabriel
- Ski Mont-Habitant
- Ski Chantecler
- Centre de ski Belle Neige
- Centre de ski Vallée-Bleue
- Station de sport Mont-Avalanche
- Mont-Blanc
- Tremblant
Indoor activities:
12. Défis-Défis – Indoor entertainment centre
Défis-Défis is a one-of-a-kind indoor entertainment centre in Blainville. Inspired by the television show Fort Boyard, complete 12 challenges before time runs out: the Défis-Défis, the claw, the word shower, the word maze, the hole-in-one, the cornhole, catapults, cannonballs, basin, barrels, and word finds. The games are suitable for players aged 5 to 75. Open Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Activity duration: 1.5 hours. During the Holidays: closed December 24 and 25, 2018, and January 1st, 2019.
13. Le Farfadet du Nord, Board-Game Café
Le Farfadet du Nord in Saint-Jérôme is a board-game café, so you can expect to play. The goal: to introduce you to the world of board games. During the Holidays: closed December 24 and 25, December 31, 2018, and January 1st, 2019.
14. Animalium Mont-Tremblant
The permanent ANIMALIUM exhibition, a window into the animal world, showcases four different natural environments and the animals that inhabit them. Learn about the vast diversity of wildlife and plants that live in temperate forests of North America and Europe, the Arctic tundra, and the African savannah. Rich and diversified, the exhibition features more than 250 vertebrate specimens. Closed on Monday, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Average duration from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Free admission for children under 12. During the Holidays: closed December 25, 2018, and January 1st, 2019.
15. Mégamaze Amusement Centre
Mégamaze in Saint-Jérôme is one of the largest amusement centres in Canada. With more than 30,000 square feet of absolute fun, your children will fall head over heels for its facilities. The centre includes a toddler area (0-5 years), a children’s area (3-12 years), a trampoline section, a restaurant and a candy bar. During the Holidays: open every day, even December 25!
A few must-see events…
Saint-Sauveur Christmas Parade
The Saint-Sauveur Christmas Parade will take place on Saturday, December 1st, 2018! For over 20 years, each edition of the parade has showcased some 20 floats along rue Principale. Marching bands, dance troupes, mascots and street performers will add to the magic of the moment. Lucky attendees will get to see the REAL Santa Claus visit from his esteemed village of Val-David. Children will get to meet him and give him their Christmas wish lists on the McGarrigle stage. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.
49th edition of the Oka Santa Claus parade
On Sunday, December 2, 2018, come and watch the 49th edition of the Santa Claus parade! The parade will start at the corner of the 20th Avenue and Chemin d’Oka, and head eastbound towards City Hall. Take a selfie next to City Hall with Santa Claus and his mascots! From 1:00 p.m. onwards.
Rivière-Rouge Christmas Parade
On Saturday, December 8, Santa Claus will leave his toy shop in the North Pole and head to the annual parade in downtown Rivière-Rouge. The parade will start at Giant Tiger at noon and head down L’Annonciation Street to the Centre sportif et culturel de la Vallée de la Rouge (CSCVR). Children’s Christmas party at 1:00 p.m. Gifts for all Rivière-Rouge children aged 11 and under.
Santa’s Little Elves Parade in Saint-André-d’Argenteuil
Santa’s Little Elves Parade will take place on Saturday, December 8, 2018! The parade will start on Wales Street, then head down Legault Street and Route 344. On the program: parade, animation, and mascots! And, warm up with a tasty hot chocolate or snack at 39, Legault Street. Join us from 7:00 p.m. onwards.
Sainte-Sophie Christmas Parade
On Saturday, December 8, 2018, join us from 4:30 onwards at the visitor information centre for the Sainte-Sophie Christmas Parade.
On December 15 and 16, 2018, at 4:00 p.m., join us in Val-David for the Christmas Concert! Ô Chœur du Nord will perform under the direction of conductor Louis Babin, an internationally-renowned composer. Tickets on sale at Magasin Général Val-David, at 2475, rue de l’Église, in Val-David.
Explore the Laurentians with us! The entire Tourisme Laurentides team wishes you happy Holidays! For more information, contact us at 1 800 561-6673.