Fall is upon us, and the Laurentians are once again ablaze with colour! As if the already gorgeous scenery wasn’t enough, an array of colours, smells and flavours charm the senses and herald the arrival of a new season. Discover the region’s natural expanses as the warm hues of fall settle in. Plan a getaway in the cooler weather and marvel at the landscapes that change at every turn. Why not extend your getaway and stay in one of the region’s cabins, inns, hotels, resorts, or outfitters? Be sure to check out the following activities this fall:
Continue ReadingPosted In Culture, Family, Gastronomy, What to do
Fall activities in the Laurentians you won’t want to miss
In the Laurentians, explore the treasures and revelations of the Chemin du Terroir. The route’s 29 businesses will open the door to a world filled with culinary delicacies, sweet treats, culture, history, parks, gardens and animals. These artisans share their passions as they invite you to discover and rediscover their products.
The Chemin du Terroir is a 226-kilometre trail marked with blue signs that winds its way through rural areas in the Lower Laurentians and Argenteuil. On this trail, we suggest a route to explore throughout the four seasons on trips lasting a day or longer. Why not prolong your getaway and take the opportunity to stay in the region’s inns, hotels and resorts?
Posted In Culture, Family, Gastronomy, What to do
Activities and attractions – What’s up this summer in The Laurentians?
We invite you to explore a region with exceptional landscapes. From vast spaces to lively villages and a rich, diverse four-season cultural heritage, the Laurentian region invites you to discover its new activities and attractions for the summer of 2018. A wide array of unique and amazing activities awaits you. One day won’t be enough to do everything. Give them a try!
For many, March is sugaring season! Maples have made spring a party with their sweet sap, annually bringing together families and friends for sugaring time. The Laurentian region has many sugar houses where joy always awaits in the pure traditions of the past. Your getaway is a great chance to stay in the region’s inns, hotels and resorts. We invite you to come experience the flavours of maple sugar in the Laurentians:
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching! Come relax in the Laurentians, and take a well-deserved break in a setting that evokes the most beautiful tales. A silent snowy landscape of rivers, forests and mountains sublimely reveals itself to you. Here are some suggestions for original romantic ideas to celebrate the holiday of love:
Posted In Family, Gastronomy, Romance, What to do
Where to Celebrate the New Year in the Laurentians
That’s right! It’s already time to turn the page on 2017 and get started on 2018. During the holiday season, there are plenty of events in the Laurentians. Music and dance lovers will groove to the beat at the many festivities and experience the creativity of local and visiting artists. Foodies will also be thrilled with the many opportunities to enjoy the pleasures of the table. No matter what you do here, you’ll find joy everywhere! We offer a variety of places to celebrate New Year’s in the Laurentians:
Posted In Culture, Family, Gastronomy, What to do
What’s new in the Laurentians for the 2017-2018 fall/winter season?
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:
Posted In Gastronomy, Resorts, Romance, What to do
An oasis of happiness, between Mont-Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur
To mark my birthday during a getaway together, my friends had the brilliant idea to book the “girls’ day out” package at the Hôtel Spa Watel in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. While it’s true that the wide range of body care treatments offered there – including massage therapy, heated pools, dry and steam saunas and hot tubs – were definitely a factor the next time I was deciding where to stay in the Laurentians, that was not the only one.
As lovers of great food, the outdoors and cultural activities, we were thrilled with this four-star hotel on the mountainside and its breathtaking panoramic view. With its 31 beautifully decorated rooms and suites offering spectacular views of the lake, friendly service, quality facilities and dream location, what more could we ask for!
Between the Swedish massage, the facial and relaxation time lounging on one of the seven patios with spas and fireplaces, we took advantage of the nearby cycling trail. After our ride, we settled down on the beach right in front of our hotel. Besides swimming, I tried out sailing on the majestic Lac des Sables, while some of us chose other, non-motorized water activities.
After a very full day, we went back to the comfort of our rooms to enjoy the bottles of champagne included in our packages, while preparing for the evening. Relaxed and refreshed, we couldn’t resist the call of the fondue – a classic on the menu at Uno restaurant – which helped us hold onto that feeling of relaxation we’d enjoyed since our arrival. After that, we headed over to the Le Patriote theatre, within walking distance of the hotel, where a highly entertaining comedy show awaited us.
I will never forget this special time celebrating my birthday with my friends in this charming hotel, which has won several awards, for the quality of service and facilities, and for its environmental responsibility. A real gem that you will enjoy discovering any time of the year, for any occasion!
Guylaine Forest
Tourisme Laurentides
Posted In Gastronomy, Resorts, Romance
The first time, they come for the price; after that, it’s for everything else
With its Roman looks, its idyllic location and highly competitive prices, the Auberge de La Tour du Lac was the perfect place for the two of us to escape to celebrate our anniversary. But little did we know what the owners, Mario and Nathalie, had in store for us. We could see how delighted they were to welcome us into their inn with its old-fashioned charm. Aficionados of small tourist establishments and good food themselves, they bought this old bed and breakfast in 2003 and turned it into a real success!
Everything about the place encourages relaxation and romance, from the magnificent, restful site to the comfortable, country-style rooms with hot tubs, fireplaces and every amenity one could wish for, including the continental breakfast delivered in a basket to our room. Not to mention the spas, the sauna, the outdoor fireplace, and the excellent six-course set menu dinner we enjoyed at the Auberge. Possibly the best flank steak I’ve ever tasted! Refined dishes prepared from local ingredients, served by smiling, attentive staff, in an absolutely charming vintage interior. The countless treasures from the past preserved in this old-time beauty were a true feast for the eyes, from the dining room to our room overlooking the majestic Lac des Sables.
It’s hard to know where to begin when describing the warm, attentive service we received from Mario, who seems to take care of everything down to the last detail! It may have been the famous 50% discount offered year-round from Sunday to Thursday that first caught our attention, but we will be coming back for everything else. Because nothing can match the excellent value offered by the Auberge La Tour du Lac – except the warm antique decor, the restful ambiance, the amazing food, and the warm welcome given to us by our hosts, who treated us like family members!
Guylaine Forest
Tourisme Laurentides
Posted In Gastronomy, Resorts, Romance, What to do
An incomparable sensory experience
It was after going to the Estérel Resort for a convention that I had the idea to take my wife there for a romantic getaway, because the dream location and upscale facilities of this prestigious hotel complex make it an ideal holiday destination. Who could resist the charm of this special place that served as an inspiration for the painter Jean-Paul Riopelle! After getting an impressive facelift in 2012, this Laurentian jewel stands proudly in the heart of the Laurentian wilderness, surrounded by three navigable lakes and kilometres of forest.
With 200 suites in two contemporary boutique hotels, the Emotion and Evolution complexes would make the most recent hotels green with envy. I wasn’t at all surprised to learn that the Estérel Resort has twice garnered the Québec tourism industry’s highest honour! With their fireplaces, kitchenettes, trendy decor and impressive nature views, the suites invite relaxation. Ours had a private hot tub on the deck, from which we could look out over the Nordic spa and the beach. We also took great pleasure in discovering the health and beauty centre, two heated pools, saunas and outdoor fireplace that round out the leisure facilities.
Every moment of our unforgettable stay provided a new and unexpected sensory experience. In addition to the comfort, luxury and distinctive atmosphere, the food is truly exceptional. The three restaurants overlooking the lake offer a distinctive dining experience in chic or casual atmospheres. We will not soon forget the epicurean adventure we had at the Bistro à Champlain, which boasts one of the finest wine cellars in Canada!
Its proximity to a sandy beach, a yacht club with boat rentals, an 18-hole golf course and hiking trails also makes Estérel Resort an ideal destination for athletic visitors and nature lovers. And with the charming village of Saint-Sauveur just 25 minutes away, the list of available sports and cultural activities just gets longer and longer!
Guylaine Forest
Tourisme Laurentides
