The sun is just rising over the Laurentians and already it’s a fine warm day. In fact, it’s going to be another magnificent day. The only thing left to do is see which activity gets the short straw! That’s summer in the Laurentians: an unrivalled variety of activities to dream about. For relaxation, sport, culture and nature itself, or any other way you might like to enjoy summer at its best, it’s the destination par excellence.

What’s up this summer Spring/Summer 2016

Route des Belles-Histoires

The “Route des Belles-Histoires” allows visitors to discover the Laurentian region from another aspect. Its historic thematic perspective highlights the development of its various forestry, agricultural and touristic sectors. Running over 284 km from Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier, following Route 117 and the “P’tit Train du Nord” linear park, you’ll track along one of the routes used by the early settlers. Several side-trips will take you to sites of particular heritage interest. In addition, you can visit old railway stations and museums, or use interactive terminals and view short video presentations, all providing glimpses of local and regional history. From the story of log jamming days to the Huberdeau Calvary with stopovers at Chute aux Iroquois, Espace Claude-Henri-Grignon, the Laurentian Ski Museum and the various heritage and historical circuits… more than 60 locations of interest to be discovered. Everything is in place for some fun and adventure along the Route des Belles-Histoires, a rendezvous with yesteryear, today in the Laurentians.

Espaces boutiques Métiers d’art Laurentides

The Conseil de la Culture des Laurentides (CCL) and its partners are proud to be providing four boutique spaces for the Métiers d’Art Laurentides. All year round, this public display presents the best of the creations being produced by the most talented professional craftspeople in the region. During your visit to the Laurentians, take time to enjoy the sheer beauty of the surrounding countryside, and prolong your enjoyment by surrounding yourself with the works of our local creators. Buy a local handicraft at one of the four outlets located at: Maison de la Culture et du Patrimoine (Manoir Globensky) in Saint-Eustache, the Laurentian Tourist Information Bureau at the Porte-du-Nord (exit 51 on Highway 15), at the Laurentian Ski Museum in Saint-Sauveur or at the Tourist Welcome Bureau located on Montée Ryan in Mont-Tremblant.

Old-Saint-Eustache

In company with a guide/interpreter, visitors can discover the history of the village site, founded at the end of the 18th century, which was the scene of one of the major episodes of the 1837 rebellion. In summer, there are a number of pedestrian tours to do, or you can be taken around the back streets with an audioguide, available year-round. A theatrical tour leads visitors on a tour of six historic frescoes painted on different buildings along the rue Saint-Eustache. Presented in collaboration with the Théâtre de la Petite Comédie, this tour provides an opportunity to enjoy a series of short theatrical pieces with an historical yet amusing background, inspired by the frescoes of Old-Saint-Eustache that you will see along the way. Guided tours and heritage attractions start on June 20, 2016 and there will be five representations on the theatrical circuit offered from July to September.

Parc de la Rivière-des-Mille-Îles

New in 2016: the Odyssée Map of the Rivière des Mille Îles: a new self-guided tour has been developed with some 29 points of interest for stops along the way. Four tours of various lengths are proposed allowing visitors to discover some of the lesser known sections of the Rivière des Mille Îles. Part of our fleet of watercraft has been renewed (rabaskas, canoes, rowboats, single and double kayaks). Like to amble along in a rabaska with no paddling to do? Yes, this is now possible. An animated tour lasting one and a half hours on board a motorized rabaska is just the ticket for those not wanting to paddle. The guide will share stories and facts concerning the history, flora and fauna of the Rivière des Mille Îles. Day Camp: 100% outdoors. Activities include fishing, bike rides and lots of discoveries for youthful explorers.

Les Vergers Lafrance

As of this spring, the Cabane à Sucre Lafrance will be boiling its own sap. With 1,500 trees tapped, the maple grove will allow them to produce maple syrup and other derivative products that you can obtain at the brand new boutique, which will open its doors in fall 2016. The maple grove is located up on the mountain and has walking trails and picnic areas. Something new this year to take your breath away!

At the 2016 Québec Cider Competition, the ice cider Cuvée Spé- ciale 2011 won the Grand Or Medal, having been awarded the highest note in the competition. A silver medal was also awarded to the Domaine Lafrance ice cider. Both these ice ciders are available at the Boutique des Vergers as well as in branches of the SAQ. The first organic cider will be available in the spring of 2016 in the 204 Métro grocery stores around Québec. The Cuvée 525 BIO, a pleasant cider produced from organically grown fruit at the orchards and by means of a manufacturing process approved by Écocert Canada, is sure to please everyone.

Auberge de l’Abbaye d’Oka

Auberge de l’Abbaye d’Oka welcomes you in a former abbey of the Cistercian monks. A one-of-a-kind lodging experience in a great setting with a unique architectural style. Escape the daily routine and enjoy the great outdoors, tourism, art and culture. Rooms starting from $85 per night (double occupancy). The Inn also offers: Catering services, weddings (church on site), sports equipment rental and 35 kilometers of mountain biking or hiking trails.

Super Aqua Club

This specialist in aquatic fun only 30 minutes from Montréal offers visitors an exclusive new ride for summer 2016, the TSUNAMI. Winner of the best innovation at the 2015 IAAPA Convention, it combines the perfection of the shapely hills and valleys with maximum corners and curves accentuated by centrifugal force. Comfortably seated in your boat, this new water-jet propelled technology guarantees you some moments of Formula 1-like thrills on the water! Come and enjoy a unique experience and high adrenaline! A drop and dive sensation that will take your breath away! There’s not a shadow of a doubt, the whole family is going to love getting into the Tsunami. In addition, numerous improvements have been made over the course of the winter. The main entrance has been totally reworked to provide quicker access and a more efficient bag search, with distinct turnstiles reserved for season pass holders and online ticket purchases. A new season high in color is on the cards at Super Aqua Club!

Boutique métiers d’art nous•vous•ils

In Rosemère, come and discover the talent of more than 50 Québec artisans: decorative objects, crockery, jewelry, fashion accessories; all types of arts and crafts work are featured. Thanks to the boutique nous•vous•ils, you can pick up this year’s latest creations. Under the same roof, you will find the atelier-boutique of jeweler Dominic Dufour who, in addition to his own creative work, features the work of another 20 Québec jewelers.

Hélibellule

Hélibellule is fuelling up on maple syrup! Take off for a tour of the skies over the Chemin du Terroir and discover the sugar shacks of Mirabel from up above or better still, heliport yourself off for a maple syrup-flavored meal from the base at Mirabel International Airport to a sugar shack in the Mirabel area. This package includes a personalized reception with a special maple cocktail and a thematic gift to take home of a special sweatshirt. Tariffs will reflect your own expectations.

Défis-Défis

Located in Blainville, Défis-Défis is an indoor amusement center unique in Québec! Come and experience a very different way of having fun with the family, friends or by forming teams in this large building with 4,000 square feet under cover. Before the sand in the hourglass runs out, you must complete the 12 challenges: the labyrinth, the snake, the table that tilts, the word bath, the golf-billiards test, the bugs, the bungee, the Swiss cheese, the fishing test, the barrels, the colors and the piping. All games are accessible to the 5 to 75 age group! Grandparents are welcome to come and try the challenges in company with their grandchildren!

Mini-Chevaux Mirabel

Agritouristic and breeding farm for miniature horses. Educational visits and equestrian activities for families. A herd of more than 100 miniature horses, with dozens of births each year. Come and enjoy a unique experience: cuddle a mini! Depending on the time of year, you might even be able to hold a newborn foal in your arms! Indoor riding arena open year-round, ideal for workshops, visits, children’s birthday parties and day camps.

Parc du Domaine Vert

Come and discover the new aerial exercise course for the whole family at Parc du Domaine Vert: the Écureuils course, adapted for children aged 3 to 6; the Petits Aventuriers course is for 7 to 10-year-olds, the Grands Aventuriers course, a new course to discover with a height of 20 feet above ground level, for those aged 10 or over accompanied by an adult. The Adults course is reserved for those 12 and older who can meet the height requirement. A series of four different courses high in color and emotion, each more daring and vertiginous than the next.

Golf et FootGolf Sélect

Footgolf is practiced on a specially-adapted regular golf course with cups 53cm wide. It takes about two hours to complete all 18 holes. All you need are some runners and a soccer ball. Footgolf is an individual sport that can be practiced alone or in groups of 2 to 8 persons. With no experience or training needed to play, your group will have tons of fun whether the players are 4 years old or 75!

Mélanie Poirier
Tourisme Laurentides