A leading winter destination, the Laurentians are no stranger to the cold. It’s a permanent invitation to get outside and play. It must be said that, between the heavy snowfall, the magical landscapes, and the variety of outdoor activities available, there are countless ways to get something out of it. Winter is long in the Laurentians, and for the better! It means we get to make the most of it, day after day. From alpine hiking to dogsled outings, not to mention cross-country skiing, fatbiking, and snowshoeing, there’s no shortage of ways to be at one with the territory’s winter plants and wildlife.
The vast network of trails that crisscross the Laurentian forest is a perfect place for your favourite activity. Whether you’re hungry for adventure or just want fresh air, outdoor enthusiasts have every reason to smile. From quick strolls to long, rosy-cheeked hikes, we have something fun for everyone. Because whatever activity you choose and however long you’re outdoors, the sublime Laurentian landscape is a common thread.
For Adventurous Families
Fill up on family adventure by playing your favourite winter sports on stunningly beautiful trails. Put on your skates or your best boots and explore Lac Masson in Sainte-Marguerite-du-Lac-Masson, on its ice loop and 4 km rink nestled in enchanting surroundings. On-site services include a heated pavilion, snack and beverage sales, and skate rentals. For cross-country skiers, Parc du Corridor aérobique is a must-see attraction. With more than 16 km of groomed trails and an average gradient of 5%, it’s perfect for families that want to get away from the city for a few hours of fun in nature. Located in Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides, Mount Kaaikop at L’Interval, coopérative de solidarité de plein air invites and challenges you to snowshoe up to its peak. Explore up to 30 kilometers of trails on the site while enjoying an array of beautiful landscapes, each as stunning as the next. Winter’s always more fun when you’re active and outdoors!
For Winter Cyclists
Love fatbiking? Explore the region’s more challenging trails to surpass yourself and make the most of this beautiful season. Discover the Sentiers de l’Abbaye d’Oka and enjoy a 30 km playground tailor-made for bike enthusiasts. Immerse yourself in this outdoor adventure and feel the thrills and spills of trails that range from easy to highly challenging and can test even the most seasoned cyclist. Parc du Mont Loup-Garou in Sainte-Adèle has an 11.3 km loop trail called Fat Garou where you can enjoy a number of scenic views and go all the way up the mountain to a small lodge at the top. This advanced trail requires good technical skills – perfect for a new challenge! Avalanche culture plein air Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard also has a 6 km trail for intermediate and advanced users who want to get the blood flowing to their legs on Mont Avalanche. Put your skills to the test in beautiful surroundings full of fun and recreation. No bike? Rent one from Experience SK in Mont-Tremblant, and we’ll find the perfect bike for your next winter outing.
Conquer the Mountains
Ready for adventure? Looking for a new winter sport? Start by visiting Tyroparc in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and trying the Winter Via Ferrata. A blend of hiking and rock climbing, Via Ferrata has a number of paths for varying skill levels, all supervised by certified guides. Don’t forget to end your adventure with the mega zip line! For those who like a new challenge, ice climbing is a perfect way to surpass yourself while enjoying the dazzling white landscape from on high. Attitude Montagne in Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard, Passe-Montagne climbing school in Val-David, and La Liberté Nord-Sud in La Conception are great places to learn this challenging activity, all under supervision by expert guides. Reservation required. So get out of your comfort zone and try a new winter adventure!
Off the Beaten Path
Get off the beaten track to make the most of the Laurentian winter! Located in Val-David, the Dufresne sector of Parc Régional Val-David – Val-Morin has nine intermediate to highly challenging ski corridors for off-piste telemark, alpine skiing, and splitboarding. Parc Régional du Poisson Blanc in Notre-Dame-Du-Laus keeps its trails open year-round! Marked but not maintained, they’re perfect for an adventure on snowshoes or Hok skis. Equipment can also be rented on site. At Ferme-Neuve, high in the Upper Laurentians, Parc Régional Montagne du Diable has up to 55 km of trails used solely for Nordic and Hok skiing. Here you can enjoy spectacular natural landscapes while exploring the park’s many scenic lookouts.
An Experience Like No Other
Kick off the New Year in style with a unique and rewarding outdoor adventure. Aventures Plein air Saint-Hippolyte has an Outdoors package that includes an overnight stay at Auberge du Lac Morency and two exciting winter activities. Learn to drive your own dog sled, and go on a trapping excursion to return to basics and get away from everyday life. The Kanatha-Aki Nature Centre in Val-des-Lacs has an Anicinabe – Coureur des bois winter package, a 3-hour unguided snowshoe outing where you can explore a vast wild area in the Laurentian mountains. Go on an excursion to track a large animal, stop to see Quebec’s only wood bison reserve, and end your hike with a visit to the kennel to meet the Huskies. At the Tremblant Activity Centre, you can then book Snowshoeing – The Fire Man Guided Tour to reconnect with Quebec folklore through various demos and explanations by your guide – nature interpretation, how to build a fire on snow, wildlife tracking, and more!
Hidden Treasures
Still need ideas for getting outdoors on the weekend? No problem: The Laurentians are full of sites, networks, and businesses worth visiting – like the impressive Morin-Heights Outdoor Network. Fatbiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, forest walks: For your next winter adventure, discover Basler Park, the Corridor aérobique, Parc du Geai Bleu, and many more!. Also in Morin-Heights, Echo Aloha rents electric fatbikes all winter long. The Tremblant Activity Centre also rents e-fatbikes – a great way to give your legs a rest and get more out of snowy afternoons! Last but not least, Centre de plein air les 6 cantons in the Upper Laurentians will amaze you with its first-class snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, which have something for everyone in your family. Don’t miss your chance to get off the beaten track and explore the full potential of winter in the Laurentians!
Winter Events
As always, the region abounds with outdoor events of every kind to ensure winter fun and enjoyment. The February 3 Torchlight Snowshoeing Evening will be a unique experience! Alone or in a group, with or without the kids, come discover or rediscover Parc régional Val-David – Val-Morin’s Dufresne sector and see it in a whole new light. The twinkling stars, torchlight, and blanket of pure white snow are sure to dazzle and enchant. Have outdoor fun with your little ones at a family rally on Plein Air Aventure La Minerve’s trails on February 3 and 4. What’s New Mountain winter sports fans, get ready for an exceptional experience with Red Bull Raid. After three exciting editions in the U.S., this unique event is coming to Canada and to Tremblant’s The Edge (Versant Edge). Be sure not to miss this groundbreaker, a mix of competition and outdoor adventure. Lastly, this winter, take part in outdoor yoga sessions at Mont-Tremblant National Park. You can bring your own yoga mat or borrow one on site. February 17 and March 2 – Hope to see you there!
For all tourism-related questions: info-tourisme@laurentides.com or call: 450 224-7007 | 1 800 561-6673.