Mont-Tremblant: a top year-round destination
Mont-Tremblant is renowned as a ski resort and for other winter sports. Many are surprised, however, to discover the range of activities that draw visitors year-round.
Raptors swoop above, performing in the 30 minute Birds of Prey Show on the summit of Mont-Tremblant. It’s a peak experience after the panoramic gondola’s 2871’ ascent to this highest summit in the Laurentians. And there is more beyond the breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, verdant valleys and crystalline Lake Tremblant.
There’s a 360º Observation Tower, hiking and nature trails and a restaurant, as well. Choose a clear day for this, however, or you may find yourself inside a cloud!
A bit about the region
The area known as the Laurentians is a vast forested region spanning about 8500 square miles in Canada’s province of Quebec. It attracts over 9 million visitors a year for hiking, canoeing and other outdoor pursuits. There are 9012 lakes, 103 rivers, over 20 resorts, and two national parks.The 583 square mile Parc National du Mont-Tremblant was established in 1894 as government forest preserve andis the largest park in the province.
Its acclaimed ski and snowboarding area spans over a square mile and has 102 ski trails on 4 distinct slopes, making it the largest and most varied skiable terrain in Eastern North America. Getting there is easy, whether driving or flying into Mont-Tremblant International Airport and using the shuttle.
The year-round Pedestrian Village of Mont-Tremblant, at the base of the mountain, is a playground for all ages and seasons on the shores of Lake Tremblant. It is the center of tourism in the Laurentians.
Should you want to explore beyond the Pedestrian Village, the old village of Mont-Tremblant is about 3 miles northwest. Downtown Mont-Tremblant, about 7 miles south, is the commercial area, Centre-Ville. You might also hear it referred to locally as its former name, St-Jovite.
The Pedestrian Village
The shops, restaurants and hotels along the winding streets of the pedestrian-only village exude a blend of European and Québecois style. Vibrant colors and the range of activities create the excitement of an upscale theme park.
To conserve energy, particularly during the heat of the afternoon, take the complimentary gondola ride from the base to the top of the main street and enjoy the bird’s eye view along the way. Take another complimentary gondola to try your luck at the Casino de Mont-Tremblant, which also offers musical entertainment shows and live music at the bar.
Stop by the Activity Center for information on the array of adventures from golf to dune buggy tours, paintball, horseback riding, fishing, and mountain biking. D Tour offers e-bike excursions for traveling the trails.
Families shriek in delight as they speed along on alpine luges at up to 30 miles per hour on a one mile course through the forest. Children scale the outdoor climbing walls or bounce to new heights on the bungee trampoline.
The sound and light show known as Tonga Lumina Tremblant | A night walk in search of the giant depicts the legend of Mont-Tremblant, the trembling mountain. To get there ride the Flying Mile Chairlift to the trailhead’s illuminated mile-long trail and take a stone dust pathway downward through the woods. Learn the secrets of the last mythical giant, the wise and revered protector of the flora, fauna and rivers and how his wrath makes the mountainside shudder when someone disobeys the laws of nature.
Take in the view from Lake Mont-Tremblant with a cruise aboard the Grand Manitou II. Spot the homes of the rich and famous while picking up anecdotes about local history and folklore. Children are invited to join the captain in the wheelhouse.
Concerts and special events like the annual International Blues Festival, Les Rythmes Tremblant, La Fête de La Musique and the IRONMAN triathlon are offered throughout the year.
Dining
There’s something for everyone when it comes to cuisine, from fine dining at the top of the village to some of Quebec’s unique favorites like beavertails, poutine, crepes, and beignes near the base. Sip a Caribou cocktail. Binge on maple products at The Sugar Shack, where you can make maple taffy in the snow year-round.
Pizzateria is one of the most popular choices for Italian fare and beer from Quebec’s Boréale microbrewery. Get a table on the wraparound porch and watch the action outside. For a place to relax just off the main area, snag an outside table and enjoy a coffee or smoothie with a sandwich or sweet at Bistro au Grain de Café.
Resto-Bar Le Shack, at the top of the street, is another favorite. Unwind with a beer, share some appetizers and enjoy the lively vibe. From the Big Shack Burger to the filet mignon or wagyu beef, poutine to salads, you won’t be disappointed here.
The peak fine dining experience is fittingly found at the top at Fairmont Tremblant’s trendy Le Comptoir Tremblant.
The full range of options is topped by the 30 ounce Tomahawk Steak for two. It is accompanied by pepper sauce, Gabrielle fingerling potatoes from Québec’s Île d’Orléans, asparagus and fried cauliflower.
For the ultimate maple dessert try the crème brûlée sugar pie, a confection topped with maple cotton candy. It is simply too good to resist.
The Fairmont’s other restaurant, Choux Gras Brasserie Culinaire offers additional choices along with its view of the Pedestrian Village and slopes. Valet parking is complimentary for guests of the restaurants.
Shopping
From high-end clothing and ski equipment to sweets and a general store, there is no need to leave the village to shop for your needs and desires. Fancy a unique souvenir? Meet artists and watch them paint at Côté Creations Art Gallery.
Scandinavia Spa Mont-Tremblant
With so much to see and do right in the Pedestrian Village, there are few reasons to drive. However, you shouldn’t miss the complete relaxation and thermal therapy at the nearby upscale yet rustic Scandinavia Spa Mont-Tremblant’s lakeside setting. This renowned après-ski delight is something to be enjoyed any time, year-round.
Surrounded by wilderness, it’s an experience in forest bathing with a range of wet and dry saunas, hot and cold pools and waterfalls, and all sorts of places to relax both outdoors or in a variety of buildings. There are secluded hammocks in the woods, loungers for sun-worshippers and snazzy indoor lounge chairs that overlook the property. To add to the tranquility, silence is observed at all times.
Warm up in the sauna then take a plunge in the Devil River—if you dare. It’s a great way to rid the body of toxins. Stay as long as you like. A light lunch is available at the Scandinave Bistro and massage treatments are available inside.
Accommodations
With comfortable and stylish accommodations like those in Ermitage du Lac at Mont-Tremblant, put your car in the underground parking and only use it only for excursions outside the Pedestrian Village. Nearly anything you need is within walking distance.
This boutique hotel was renovated with an upscale contemporary urban design in the fall of 2020. Just away from the activity of the main pedestrian street, it is a quieter place to rest or to relax by the pool or in the hot tub. Coffee and tea is always available on the main level.
Couples linger in the dining room with the complimentary continental breakfast buffet. Trays are provided for families and others who prefer to take their breakfasts up to their one, two, or three bedroom suites, each with its own kitchenette or kitchen and dining area.
A year-round destination
This vacation destination offers a full range of options for you to be as active as you choose to be. Whether a couple seeking a romantic getaway or a family in search of activities for a range of ages and interests, it’s all there at Mont-Tremblant.