The Laurentians, or Les Laurentides as the francophones say, is a region in the Canadian province of Quebec, but it’s a state of mind to anyone who has ever spent time exploring its wide-open spaces and natural splendor. An area of over 22,000 square miles, the Laurentians are a Canadian treasure and one of the most beautiful regions of North America.
The region has over 9,000 lakes, rivers and waterways and is home to spas, water parks, fishing spots and nautical activities galore. Thanks to its varied terrain, there are also mountain summits for winter activities, including skiing, snowshoe hiking, snowmobile tourism and more. Fall attracts photographers, painters and admirers of natural beauty for a spectacular display of the changing leaves. Year-round food and drink opportunities beckon, as over 30,000 people live in the towns and villages in the Laurentians, many employed in the tourism and hospitality industry.
Depending on your origin, you can reach the Laurentians by air, bus, rail, ferry, car and motorcycle. While primarily a region enjoyed by Canadians, U.S. citizens from the northeastern states like Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and New York, along with Michigan and Wisconsin, are close enough to feel the Laurentians’ call.
A first-time visitor to the Laurentians could easily be overwhelmed with the region’s possibilities. We recommend planning your trip according to the season and starting with a summertime journey because winter travel in Canada has its challenges. Even though the snow activities in the region are abundant, sometimes the road trip part of the equation is tricky. Fall is spectacular, but it’s also when the roads in the Laurentians will be the most crowded with other tourists eager to see the show. Spring brings unpredictable weather and fog, especially in the transitions between mountainous and low-lying areas, which is not the best for a first view of the region. That leaves summer – perhaps the time when the most possibilities open across the Laurentians.
Your trip to the Laurentians must start somewhere – why not at the heart of the city of Montreal? The Best Western Plus Montreal East is in close proximity to the best dining, shopping and cultural activities.
When you’re ready to depart the city, Autoroute 15 N whisks you quickly out of the hustle and bustle. You’re not going far, as your first side trip is to the town of Saint-Eustache, a suburb about 35 miles from Montreal and the gateway to the Laurentians. The town of 45,000 has been around since 1770 and has a famous church that hails from that era. The charming downtown is home to historical buildings housing boutiques, restaurants and other attractions. Visit the Moulin Legare, a water-powered mill in operation since 1762 that produces wheat and buckwheat flour.
Next, jump back on Autoroute 15 N, heading northeast for the 90-minute drive to Mont-Tremblant. You will gain elevation along the way, as you are now in the Laurentian Mountains. At over 3,000 feet, Mont-Tremblant is the crown of the mountain chain and is host to a large ski resort with over 60 miles of trails. The area is open year-round and has beautiful, dedicated hiking routes of varying lengths and difficulty. The Devils Falls trail is just over a mile long and passes the spectacular waterfall that gives it its name. Perhaps you’ll be ready for lunch at the Au Coin Resto-Pub in the village of Mont-Tremblant. Try the bucket of mussels and fries or the half rack of ribs and fries to help you regain energy after your hike!
With over 9,000 lakes and waterways to choose from, it would be a shame not to explore at least one during this road trip. Another 90 minutes along Autoroute 117 N brings you to Lac-Saint-Paul, one of the most scenic lakes in the Laurentians. Consider a side trip to Montagne du Diable Regional Park, a genuinely breathtaking forested area with peaks, waterfalls and lush greenery.
QC-309 leads to the final stretch of your Laurentian road trip. As evening begins to descend, you’ll pass through the towns of Notre-Dame-de-Pontmain, Val-des-Bois and Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette before reaching Autoroute 50, where you will turn southwest to follow the Ottawa River to Gatineau, all-in-all a two-and-a-half-hour drive. You won’t leave the beauty of the Laurentians behind so much as gradually resurface into modern times.
At the end of your road trip through the Laurentians, check in to the Best Western Plus Gatineau-Ottawa Downtown. The hotel boasts views overlooking Parliament Hill, the Gatineau Hills and Gatineau-Ottawa. Spend some time in Quebec and then visit another destination worthy of exploration – the Canadian capital city of Ottawa, across the river in Ontario, is just a 10 minute walk across a pedestrian crossover.across the river in Ontario.
This road trip to the Laurentians is just an introduction to a rich, varied and inviting region of Quebec. We’re sure you’ll want to revisit the Laurentians for further adventures and experiences.