By Yasmeen Ghanavi. As an ambassador of Bonjour Québec, I had the chance to visit The Laurentians during a press trip last fall. Although The Laurentians are one of the regions of Quebec I know best, my three day stay allowed me to discover new activities and local business and to see the region in a new light. The beauty of the region is that it offers something for everyone. Here are some of my favorites that I think you should add to your list for your next visit to The Laurentians!
Gîte, Café et Boutique Les Conifères
If you’re looking for a charming place to stay in the Laurentians, Les Conifères is the place for you. This gîte is a little slice of paradise hidden in the forest of Saint-Adolphe-D’Howard. Its cozy rooms and common areas are spread across three pavilions, including a beautiful canadian house dating from 1839! The buildings have been beautifully restored while preserving the old time charm. They now house 8 bedrooms, a communal kitchen and living area, common
bathrooms and a small café where the owner, Catherine, serves homemade treats and good coffee on weekends. Les Conifères is a dreamy place for a little escape from reality.
D-Tour Tremblant
D-Tour Tremblant offers different guided tours for adventure lovers that want to do something a bit different. Before meeting Audrey, owner and guide at D-Tour Tremblant, I was a little bit nervous about going on an e-bike tour through forest trails, having never tried mountain biking or electric bikes. However, as soon as Audrey explained how the e-bikes work and our itinerary for our excursion, I felt at ease by her experience and knowledge. Once aboard the electric bike, I was immediately hooked! It’s a great way to explore the Mont-Tremblant region in only a few hours. The bike’s electric assistance allows you to cover more ground with less effort than a regular bike, but do not be fooled : you’ll still need to pedal!
Domaine Saint-Bernard
Domaine Saint-Bernard is a protected habitat of 1500 acres in the Mont-Tremblant region. It has been one of my favorite places to visit in the Laurentians for years, no matter the season. During summer, you can explore the site through its walking trails or by bike. In the winter, Domaine Saint-Bernard is a popular place to go cross-country skiing or snow-shoeing. It is also recognized as a great place for bird watching.
Rivière Du Chêne Vineyard
For a wine tasting amongst the vines on a sunny summer afternoon, there isn’t a better place than Rivière du Chêne Vineyard. On top of offering great quality wines in a beautiful setting, Rivière du Chêne Vineyard has a delicious restaurant where you can savor a variety of bistro style dishes while admiring the view from the second floor terrasse. The menu changes with the seasons and puts forward flavors from the terroir.
La Sandwicherie Café + Bistro
Located in the heart of the old village in Mont-Tremblant, La Sandwicherie Café + Bistro is the ideal place to stop for lunch during a visit to the region. This local joint’s offer of sandwiches, salads and lunch boxes makes it a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike. I loved the creative sandwiches so much that I came back the following week!
By Yasmeen Ghanavi, ambassador of Bonjour Québec.