Outdoor enthusiasts, take note! The Laurentians have many parks where you can practise your favourite winter activities. Make the most of these superb surroundings and regional gems that abound with natural attractions and distinctive wildlife during this magical winter season. Skiing, skating, snowshoeing, hiking, tobogganing and fatbiking are just some of the many fun, exciting things you can do in the Laurentians. Each Laurentian regional or national park is full of natural beauty and breathtaking scenery. The moment you enter, you’ll feel the immense freedom of being disconnected and unplugged from the workaday world that will remain with you throughout your stay. Exhilarating winter outings allow you to embrace the season and the very best it has to offer. Since we can’t avoid winter, we might as well experience it—and the Laurentians are the best place to fully immerse yourself.
Have a Blast in the Region’s Parks
Come let loose on the slopes of the region’s parks! In Mirabel, you’ll have plenty of fun at the parc régional éducatif Bois de Belle-Rivière with its two 20-metre high sled runs. You bring your smile and snowsuit, and the park provides free snow tubes. Then check out the disc golf course! Available even in winter, disc golf has the same basic rules as golf, but the ball and clubs are replaced by a frisbee. Farther north, the Domaine Saint-Bernard in Mont-Tremblant will charm you with its sledding hill for young sledding enthusiasts. Don’t forget to bring your sled! It’s always fun whatever your age! Go to the Pavillon Velan every Saturday night for an evening of astronomy. February’s topic is stellar nurseries and March’s is black holes. What great winter outings to add to your calendar!
Because One Day Is Never Enough!
To get the most out of your winter holiday, pack up and head for the Laurentians! Sleep in the parks to prolong your winter fun. In Mont-Blanc, you’ll find the Mont-Tremblant Tree Houses in Parc Éco Laurentides. By choosing to stay in one of the tree houses, you can enjoy many kilometres of trails on foot, cross-country skis or a fatbike. Don’t forget your four-legged friend, because he or she is welcome! Parc national du Mont-Tremblant in Lac-Supérieur offers winter campsites for seasoned outdoors enthusiasts in addition to its forest cottage and hut options. Keep in mind that access to the cross-country ski trails is free of charge for visitors with accommodations. For snowshoeing enthusiasts, the Lac-des-Femmes, de la Roche, de la Coulée and de la Corniche trails will delight the whole family by leading you to breathtaking viewpoints.
Wilderness Immersion
Looking for more remote places to snowshoe this winter? Head out on an adventure in the region’s beautiful wild spaces and discover superb viewpoints! In an enchanting winter setting, Parc du Mont Loup-Garou in Sainte-Adèle has several loops with a climb to a hut and magnificent viewpoints. Rediscover the magic of Parc régional Val-David-Val-Morin by trying out its challenging trails with breathtaking panoramas of Mount Condor. In addition, three woodstove-heated forest huts are available. In the enchanting territory of the Upper Laurentians, Parc régional du Poisson Blanc in Notre-Dame-du-Laus offers a wide range of trails of various levels and the chance to escape into a sparsely visited forest. Hit the road and visit these unique Laurentian outdoor destinations!
Easily Accessible Fun!
At regional parks, try activities you may not have even thought about before! Does biking in winter speak to you? Located in Mirabel, Parc du Domaine Vert has nearly 14 trails just for fatbikes that beginners and experts alike are sure to love. It’s a winter sport you can try as a family thanks to their fat tires that float over the snow. You can also bring your crazy carpet or rent a snow tube to enjoy the park’s sledding hill. The Parc régional de la Rivière-du-Nord in Saint-Jérôme also offers some unusual activities. Come experience the art trail, which exhibits works made of driftwood, and the history tour with 13 interpretive signs recounting the park’s history. Enjoy the park’s beauty and trails while learning about art and history!
Just starting out in winter sports? No worries!
The region’s parks are perfect playgrounds for fun winter sports. Introduce your children to Parc national d’Oka today! In addition to free access to easy to difficult trails, youth 17 and under can take advantage of complimentary snowshoe, complete cross-country ski gear or fatbike rentals. Whether you want to climb Oka’s Mont du Calvaire or explore the trails near the Lac des Deux Montagnes, the possibilities are endless! Farther north, the Parc de la Rivière Doncaster is also a great place for newbies. With a variety of mountainous and flat paths, it features 8 trails over 10 kilometres of snowy landscapes. Start snowshoeing or winter hiking along the Familiale trail, a path that runs along the Doncaster River for just over 2 km. Rentals are available on site.
Winter is long in the Laurentians—and that’s the way we like it!
Whether you’re hungry for adventure or just want to get some fresh air, outdoor enthusiasts have plenty of chances for fun. In addition to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, backcountry cross-country skiing and fat biking, the Parc régional Montagne du Diable also offers a wide variety of accommodations ranging from cottages to shelters, tiny houses and much more! During your stay, there are many outdoor activities to do, including a must-see stop to contemplate the Laurentians from atop the Relais de la Montagne du Diable observation tower. This magnificent place can also be reached by snowmobile. In the Réserve Faunique Rouge-Matawin, motorsports enthusiasts can take the Trans-Québec trail number 63, which links the Laurentian and Lanaudière regions and crosses the wildlife reserve over 80 kilometres. The trail, which follows the Matawin River, features beautiful scenery and the chance to observe white-tailed deer. From short strolls to long days outdoors, there’s fun for everyone.
Discover the parks of the Laurentians and their activities!
For all tourism-related questions: info-tourisme@laurentides.com or call: 450 224-7007 | 1 800 561-6673.