Come enjoy a vacation or getaway in a fabulous setting, surrounded by nature! The Laurentian region is renowned for its gorgeous Nordic spas, expansive parks, and top-quality establishments, not to mention its residents’ zest for life. The spectacular fall colours cover the region as far as the eye can see, and the distinct character of the landscape will take your breath away! When winter comes to the mountains, snow-covered forests, hiking trails, and ski slopes, it’s time for some snow sports! Here’s what’s new in the Laurentians for the 2017-2018 fall/winter season:
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS
Domaine Lafrance, a first in Québec!
The Québec Régie des Alcools, des Courses et des Jeux issued its very first permit allowing the sale of wine and spirits directly from the producer, Domaine Lafrance in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac. Visitors will be able to purchase gin, apple liquor and other spirits previously only available from the SAQ, a State-run liquor shops. New items: Gin Dandy, first gin made 100% in Québec from fruit from the orchard, Blanc Bec, a pleasant organic cider, Rouge Gorge, an apple cider vermouth available in both red and white varieties, as well as the Domaine Lafrance Mousseux Rosé, a new dry sparkling cider.
La Roche des Brises becomes La Bullerie
Previously known as La Roche des Brises, this domain located in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac is being transformed in 2017 to become La Bullerie, the first winery specializing in sparkling wines in Québec. With both red and white varieties, the winery combines modern and traditional production methods in order to create a unique, well-balanced product representing the perfect marriage of vine and terroir. The domain restaurant will be operated by owner/chef Giulio Di Minno. With 25 years of culinary adventures behind him, he certainly knows how to please the finest palates.
Come and play games at Le Farfadet
Le Farfadet du Nord invites you to play some 500 different board games in the convivial atmosphere of an enchanting decor. This fun café is just right for local businesses looking for an original way of organizing an end-of-year party, or for families and gangs of friends who want to spend some quality time together. Singles can also come and find a partner to play games with. Come and celebrate Halloween inOctober with the 1st Festival Loups-Garous (mornings for youngsters, evenings for Murder and Mystery, Harry Potter and Pirate Games) and rediscover the universe of Walt Disney in December.
Come and experience a traditional Amerindian day!
KWEI KWEI, which means “Hello and welcome,” is an Aboriginal celebration to be held on Saturday, September 30, at the Parc Régional de la Rivière-du-Nord. Be there as of 10 a.m. for the opening prayer, then let yourselves be spirited off into a typically Amerindian world. Artisans, songs, tales and workshops to entertain you! On l’Île des Frères, a number of dancers will put on their finest costumes and dance to the rhythm of the drums around a fire.
New trails to blaze with Aventures Plein Air
To make sure its range of activities is constantly updated and improved, Aventures Plein Air is inaugurating some brand new trails this year ! Come and admire the fall colors on a canicross run! In addition, it is now possible to visit the new interpretation center at the kennels. You’ll find all the answers to any questions you may have about Siberian Huskies. Find out about the two-day dogsledding packages. Come and enjoy a stay in a hut in company with the dog pack!
Les Sommets: a $2 million investment
During the 2017-2018 ski season at Les Sommets, several upgrades will be made. A new snowmaking system at Sommet Saint-Sauveur will provide more snowearlier in the season thanks to 65 new snow canons. Washrooms in the main pavilion will be renovated with a new look. Two yurts will be added to the tube sliding area at Versant Avila, creating a new concept of winter camp with play areas on the ski slopes. The Viking alpine coaster will gain in luminosity at nighttime thanks to LED lighting. Rentals and Customer Service areas will be improved to ensure more fluid circulation for new skiers. In addition, at Sommet Morin Heights, the bar will undergo an extreme renovation giving it a look inspired by its slogan: Escapade authentique and the Skiwi will also be revisited and improved. Le Sommet Gabriel will have a new terrace added on the sunny side of the top, with breathtaking views over the surrounding countryside.
Animalium by Selenia – a new zoological museum!
This brand new attraction opened its doors in Mont-Tremblant last June 27. With nearly 500 m2 of exhibition space, Animalium is a unique place in which to make some marvelous discoveries dedicated to all those passionate about our fauna and nature. With the advent of this new museum, a new and original family activity is being added for nature lovers, as well as a new exhibition center with a cultural and educational vocation for the region. The museum displays include various animals in natural situations so visitors can take a trip through the temperate forests of Europe and the Americas, the Arctic tundra and the African savannah.
Tremblant Resort continually reinvents itself!
Tonga Lumina, the new illuminated, immersive and interactive night walk created by Moment Factory, invites both tall and small to search for the sleeping giant until October 9. Tonga Lumina will be back next year starting May 19, 2018. From January 18 to 21, 2018, Tremblant is where the freestyle elite meets for the FIS Freestyle Skiing World Cup, its designated host for the next five years. Tremblant’s development continues with a new real estate project valued at more than $25M on the much-prized Versant Sud, Horizon Tremblant. The first phase of this development, located in the Domaine de la Forêt not far from the pedestrian village, will include 17 luxury condominiums.
Moment Spa Fairmont Tremblant: investments valued at more than $650,000
Thanks to its design and elegance, Moment Spa Fairmont Tremblant has become the perfect complement to the exceptional and distinctive experience the Mont-Tremblant destination has to offer. The establishment’s overall capacity will appeal particularly to groups wishing to hold meetings or congresses. With its 15 treatment rooms, including a luxurious salon for manicure and pedicure, as well as a relaxation zone equipped with two soothing, Neurospa therapeutic armchairs. The varied range of care includes for the face, body, massage, manicure and pedicure. In addition, access to the pools, Jacuzzis, Finnish sauna, steam bath and fitness center at Fairmont Tremblant will round out a perfect relaxation experience.
Mont-Tremblant National Park, for fatbike enthusiasts
With a choice of accommodation in the heart of nature – 17 comfortable cabins – 44 km of mechanically-groomed cross-country ski trails, more than 40 km of snow-shoe trails, 77 km of backcountry ski trails, all that was missing was a well-maintained trail to accommodate the many fatbike enthusiasts. Mont-Tremblant National Park is pleased to announce that the Boucle-des-Chutes-Croches trail will be offered to «winter cyclists»! A beautiful 13.4 km loop trail that runs around Monroe Lake. Superb snow-covered decors will take your breath away, an adventurous course with a low vertical drop that will be perfect to ride! Welcome to all lovers of the winter cycling experience!
Snowmobiling excursions with Go Motoneige
Go Motoneige organizes guided snowmobiling excursions including meals and accommodation, with a number of circuits available and a variety of packages on offer. Snowmobiles can be rented directly from La Macaza – Mont Tremblant International Airport.
Winds of change at F. Constantineau et fils
As of last December, a brand new decor is ready to greet all avid fans of recreational vehicles. F. Constantineau et fils (BRP dealer) has reconfigured its interior space to meet new design standards for the brand, thus making the shopping experience more enjoyable thanks to an improved presentation of our products. Among the new items this year, a larger showroom surface, vast spare parts shop with accessories and clothing, a waiting room pleasant to spend time in, a modern design and an impressive number of vehicles in store. In business for over 60 years, F. Constantineau et fils is known for its outstanding and professional team. Come and visit their new premises in Mont-Laurier in the Upper Laurentians.
The Parc Régional du Poisson Blanc gets a makeover
As part of the celebrations for the 150th birthday of Canada, the Corporation du Parc Régional du Poisson Blanc received a grant of $62,500, in the form of a non-refundable contribution, for improvements to its recreational and tourist-oriented infrastructure. In fact, the works carried out included redesign and enlargement of the parking area and access to the dock at the Réservoir du Poisson Blanc, redevelopment of public rest stops, and renovation of the pavilion where tourists are welcomed. The works required an investment of $125,000 from the Corporation itself, in partnership with the Federal government, the Antoine-Labelle RMC and the Municipality of Notre-Dame-du-Laus.
LODGING
Hotel Lac Carling presents Le Grand Hall des Laurentides
This 14,000 ft2 space with a high ceiling can be divided in two with mobile wall panels. Perfect for banquets (500 people), tradeshows (60 stands) and other events. Now equipped with a new AC system, a drop-off area and renovated bathrooms, Le Grand Hall des Laurentides is changing from sports to event center. New wallpaper and floor tiles provide a distinctive look. Hotel Lac Carling, your corporate event accomplice!
New restaurant at Manoir Saint-Sauveur: M Steak Moderne
In a newly refreshed decor, fans and connoisseurs of fine meats will dine at M Steak Moderne, enjoying quality cuts of 1855 Black Angus aged from 30 to 365 days.M Steak Moderne is the latest addition to investments totaling more than $13M over four years. Manoir Saint-Sauveur provides a variety of distinctive gourmet environments to please a variety of palates for every occasion. Whether you wish to provide a grandiose and memorable table for your guests or simply a trendy location offering a renowned bistro menu, the Manoir has a variety of restaurants that make it a major gastronomic address.
Hôtel Spa Mont-Gabriel celebrate its 80th anniversary!
To honor its heritage, Hotel Spa Mont-Gabriel has renovated the original section of its establishment. The ‘’Signature’’ wing has an historic background as well as a warm atmosphere and represents the definition of contemporary rustic! All these rooms are log-built and equipped with a gas fireplace, a queen- or king-sized bed, as well as all the amenities to make your stay simple and enjoyable.
Le Fairmont Tremblant, a new culinary destination
For its 20th anniversary, Fairmont Tremblant is reinventing its restaurant side. Four new restaurants, including the magnificent Brasserie Choux Gras, are the result of a $6M investment. What’s more, the 2017 renovation project includes the transformation of the lobby and the experience guests have as they enter, as well as the outdoor terrace. It is the last phase of a plan that started five years ago, for a total investment of $12M, including the complete renewal of most of the hotel’s rooms and suites, the convention center, and remaking of the spa.
Le Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant gets a facelift!
Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant welcomes guests to its 112 rooms and suites, all completely redecorated in the latest fashion (carpets, furniture, bed linen). The luminous suites allow guests to enjoy sublime views over the lake or the forest. Over the last two years, this establishment has invested more than $2.6M in order to maintain its quality. Set on a domain of 13.5 acres, this Scandinavian log-cabin-style hotel on the banks of Lac Ouimet with its beach, is close to hiking and cross-country ski trails, several golf courses and two ski stations.
Two additions to Chalets Rapide des Cèdres
The new chalets, le Corbo and le Refuge, available year-round, cater for 2 to 6 persons. The chalets have no near neighbors and are equipped with private docks providing direct access to the Réservoir du Poisson Blanc. This outfitters is located on the banks of the Rivière du Lièvre, where you can practice different activities in the heart of nature including: swimming, fishing, boating (with motor), canoeing, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice fishing in winter.
The color of words at Pourvoirie Lac-du-Cerf
Pourvoirie Lac-du-Cerf will participate in a literary adventure as of the fall of 2017, with writing retreats and therapeutic bibliophile meetings in a natural environment. In fact, fall colors are so inspiring at Lac-du-Cerf and nature so omnipresent that it offers a canvas of choice to those wishing to pursue a creative bent a step further. Hélène Desgranges, author, biblio-therapist and proprietor of the outfitters camp, hopes to be able to allow everyone who comes to enjoy the simple straightforward benefits of this environment for the creative process.
There are now five chalets at Chalets Aiglon
Chalet Faucon is the latest addition to Chalets Aiglon located at Chute-Saint-Philippe. The superb and broad balcony has been well designed to ensure a relaxing time, and it provides the best view of all over the lake! The chalet, recently decorated in the latest fashion can accommodate up to 12 persons. Numerous activities on site and nearby (kayaking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, swimming, skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, nature observation, ATV or snowmobiling). Packages including meals also available.
Fishing continues this fall at Pourvoirie du lac Berval!
In contrast to other trout lakes, Lac Berval is always open for fishing right up to the colder days of November. It is therefore possible to come and play for trout on a daily basis or for an extended stay as you enjoy the wonderful fall colors. Not longafterwards, it will be the turn of the ice-fishing fans to come and dangle a line. New this winter, guided excursions on snowshoes and forest survival techniques.
Log-cabin style cottage at Chute-Saint-Philippe
A log-cabin style cottage located on a domain with a private lake surrounded by more than 75 acres, with hiking trails and access to cross-country ski trails in winter. Le Chalet du Castor is set in a beautiful natural environment and is ideal for families. It also provides direct access to the snowmobile trail network in winter.
Discover the Laurentians with us! We’re waiting for you!
For further information, please contact us at 1-800-561-6673.