Snowy expanses as far as the eye can see, forming a magical landscape—a winter setting that fits the Laurentians like a glove. When its mountains, lakes, rivers, and forests are covered in pure white, the region shows another side of its personality. The bracing air, the blazing sun, and the ephemeral beauty of snowflakes swirling in the wind turn it into a veritable winter wonderland. The silent winter cold reigns over the territory’s wide-open spaces, greeting all who venture in, until the sound of laughter breaks the silence of a landscape seemingly frozen in time. It is then that the joys of the new season become apparent. Athletes and recreationists can play outside to their hearts’ content. There’s also ample opportunity for quiet reflection. Whether the goal is to have fun and play in the heart of nature or simply enjoy a moment of calm, the Laurentians have something to enchant visitors of every type.
The beauty of winter from the skies
Is there a better way to enjoy the Laurentians’ wide-open spaces and forests than to observe them from their highest peaks? From the top of a mountain, take a minute to take in the northern air and the sleepy, snowy landscapes. Grab a snack and rest at Relais de la Montagne du Diable in Ferme-Neuve after long hours on snowshoeing trails. Hikers, ATVers, and snowshoers alike are guaranteed an exceptional view. The 21-metre observation tower is the perfect final touch to your observation moment. At Interval, coopérative de solidarité de plein air in Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides, strap on your spikes or snowshoes to climb Mount Kaaikop. From its summit, discover a breathtaking panoramic view.
National parks covered in white
Bikes with oversized tires, also known as fatbikes, are the new favourite toys of winter outdoor enthusiasts. To make the most of them, Parc national d’Oka has an incredible trail located directly on the beach at Deux Montagnes Lake that runs along the ice. You can also ride up to the top of the Calvaire d’Oka for a view of the lake. Rentals available on site. For its part, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant invites you to snowshoe up its snowy mountains. The Roche, Coulée, and Corniche trails are fun for everyone and lead you to breathtaking viewpoints. No equipment? Rentals are available on site! You can also walk the packed trail from the Centre de découverte to Lauzon Lake. One thing is for sure: you’re guaranteed to marvel at the landscapes of our two national parks this winter!
Play outside in the Pays-d’en-Haut
Bundle up and head out for adventure to discover or re-discover the simple joys of winter. Located in Sainte-Adèle, Parc du Mont Loup-Garou is home to several kilometres of cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fatbiking trails designed to expose you everything this beautiful season has to offer against a spellbinding backdrop. Stop at the hut on Mount Loup-Garou to recharge your batteries and enjoy the view. Looking to rent equipment to head out for adventure? Stop at Équipe moi in the heart of Sainte-Adèle for short- or long-term equipment rentals. Try out an e-fatbike thanks to Écho Aloha in Morin-Heights. You can also purchase a snow bike for yourself or your young athletes at home thanks to the junior model. Visit the store now!
The beauty of frozen lakes in the Laurentians
The region is known for its mountains and forests, but also for its many lakes. To make the most of them this winter, start by heading out to Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson. Masson Lake is designed to welcome winter lovers with its 4-km skating and walking trail. Access to the rink is free; rentals are available on site! For its part, Mont-Blanc’s Parc Éco Laurentides is home to several kilometres of trails near Laurentian lakes. On snowshoes, circle the Cordon and Renversi Lakes over approximately 17 km of trails rated beginner to expert. If you prefer cross-country skiing, packed trails circle the Truite and Bonnet Lakes. It’s the perfect recipe for a beautiful view of these frozen expanses.
Adventure is calling!
Are you itching to see something new? Come and discover the winter ferrata at Tyroparc in Sainte-Agathe-des-Months. Then, soar across the incredible winter landscape with the 115-metre-high mega zipline. It’s quite the view! For some aerial fun, try ice climbing with La liberté Nord-Sud in La Conception or with Passe-Montagne, école d’escalade in Val-David. Experience an adrenaline rush with the support of certified guides. A leading outdoor destination in the Laurentians, Parc régional Val-David-Val-Morin is packed with opportunities to discover new winter sports like telemark skiing, backcountry skiing, alpine touring, or splitboarding. Rent your equipment and explore this vast territory spanning nearly 600 hectares.
Panoramic views for all
The ideal destination for all nature lovers, the Sentiers des cimes Laurentides in Mont-Blanc was designed to blend in with the Laurentian forest. It’s a massive wooden structure with a 1-km walkway and a 40-metre tower with a view of the region’s incredible landscape in winter. The activity is accessible to all, strollers and wheelchairs included. Persons with reduced mobility can also enjoy the view of the snowy countryside in the Lower Laurentians with a helicopter ride from the Mirabel-based Hélibellule. Likewise, Héli-Tremblant offers panoramic flights of the Mont-Tremblant region, with its unique range of package deals, including a stop on the top of a mountain. Don’t forget your camera!
Nature at your own pace
On cross-country skis, come and discover the region’s most beautiful winter landscapes on the P’tit Train du Nord. From Saint-Jérôme (km 0) to Val-David (km 44.4) and from Mont-Blanc (km 70) to the Lac Mercier station in Mont-Tremblant (km 99.3), the 5% incline is perfect for long-distance training for beginners or for getting back in shape. Admire the diversity of the region’s landscapes along rivers, lakes, or across snowy wooded areas. Waxing rooms, huts, inns, and craft breweries are there to help you get ready, warm up, and rest. Immerse yourself in the heart of nature with the Parc du Corridor aérobique and its 16 km of machine-tracked cross-country and skate skiing trails (km 0 to 8.5 and km 22.3 to 30). The forest network provides a total change of scenery only 10 minutes from the hustle and bustle of Saint-Sauveur. Head out now for a good dose of fresh air!
For all tourism-related questions: info-tourisme@laurentides.com or call: 450-224-7007 | 1-800-561-6673.