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One of our favorite mini-holiday destinations is in Quebec. It’s just a 5-hour drive from Toronto and when looking for outdoor adventures, Mont Tremblant is our place of choice. The incredible Mont Tremblant Ski Resort is a top draw for all skiers and snowboarders plus there are plenty of other outdoor activities off the slopes too. There is just enough adventure mixed in with the decadence of luxury hotels, fine wine, and great food to create the perfect getaway.
Located 1 1/2 hours north of Montreal in the Laurentian Mountains, Mont Tremblant attracts tourists from around the world. Being a part of the Alterra Mountain Company, Mont Tremblant has all of the elements of Mammoth Mountain, Steamboat in Colorado, and Big Bear Mountain Resort. Blue Mountain in Ontario is under that same umbrella and for a tiny ski hill, it has one awesome village.
Things to do in Mont Tremblant
Just because we don’t live in the Rocky Mountains or the West Coast of Canada, it doesn’t mean that we don’t have some amazing world-class ski hills nearby. Lake Placid (host of the 1980 Winter Olympics) is just across the border in New York State and the other great Quebec ski hills of Le Massif and Mont Saint Anne are just a few hours farther east in Quebec. But it is Mont Tremblant that is the most central of them all and makes for the perfect destination for an outdoor escape.
Where to Stay in Mont Tremblant
There are plenty of places to stay right in Mont Tremblant pedestrian village. The higher-end places in the resort area on the hill offer ski in ski out options close to all the top attractions. For more affordable accommodations and B&Bs, we suggest staying in Mont Tremblant village. There are shuttles that run regularly from town to the pedestrian village where you can catch the gondola.
The Fairmont Mont Tremblant – There are numerous world-class hotels, most notably The Fairmont Tremblant. This place is spectacular and we adored our luxurious hotel room. Located directly on the base of the mountain, you can ski in/ski out all day. After hitting it hard on the slopes, drop off your boards at the storage and hop in the outdoor hot tub or take a play some volleyball in the outdoor heated pool surrounded by snow and rocks. View details on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Le Westin Resort and Spa – We have also stayed here and loved it! Located just a short walk to the ski lifts and Le Géant golf course, Le Westin Resort and Spa has a heated outdoor pool, hot tub, fitness center, and kitchenettes and fireplaces in select rooms. It is located in the heart of all the action and is pet-friendly! View details on TripAdvisor / Booking.com
Staying in Montreal and want to see Mont Tremblant? Book this day tour from Montreal where you’ll take a private transfer to the Laurentians where you are free to spend the day doing as you please in Mont Tremblant. Do some shopping, take the gondola up to the top of Mont Tremblant and go for a hike or do some skiing. Your driver will then pick you up at the end of the day to take you back to your Montreal hotel. Read more: Where to Stay in Montreal – A Guide To The Best Places and Neighborhoods
Mont Tremblant Winter Activities
Mont Tremblant is one of Canada’s premier ski resorts. With a ski area of 755 acres, it hosts 102 ski trails. Even though it isn’t as large as the Rocky Mountain Resorts, it offers plenty of adventure and different terrains. In this post, we are going to round up the top attractions and things to do in both summer and winter.
Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding
Mont Tremblant ski resort has great runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. We’ve done both here and going downhill skiing is definitely one of the top attractions in eastern Canada. Head over to the North Face and make your way to The Edge and you will discover some wicked trails for downhill skiing and snowboarding. Tremblant has excellent glades and mogul runs plus some near-vertical slopes. You can follow the sun by choosing runs on the South or Northside.
I love taking The Duncan Express chair lift right to the top near the end of the day and doing a few fast tops to bottom runs before calling it a day. There are so many snowy trails and different runs, excellent terrain parks, and enough lifts to keep the lines short that it is easy to spend the entire day on the hill.
First Tracks
Whenever we visit a ski resort, one of our favourite things to do is to book First Tracks. First tracks are a must for avid skiers and snowboarders. This is a great way to start your day on the slopes as it gets you on the ski lift 45 minutes before the lifts open to the public. This gives you more than an hour of skiing free from crowds while enjoying the freshly groomed trails. We highly recommend it to make the most of your winter trip. When you plan it well, you can stay one step ahead of the crowds most of the morning! A stop for lunch at the top of the Gondola is a fantastic choice.
Mont Tremblant Pedestrian Village
Mont Tremblant has the best pedestrian village east of the Rockies and is considered the best ski resort in all of Eastern North America. We agree we’ve been to a lot of the resorts in North America, and this is the best in the east by far! The Mont Tremblant pedestrian village is postcard perfect. Swiss-style lodges line the hill, cobblestone steps make their way up to the gondola opening into a large square surrounded by patios with a giant fireplace right in the middle of it all.
Packed with wine bars, bistros, Asian, French, and International cuisines there is something to satisfy any craving. It has coffee shops and pubs cafeterias and places for fondues and raclettes. There is nothing that says ski resort more than dining on meted cheese over a hot flame.
Other Mont Tremblant Winter Activities
The resort isn’t only about skiing, there are plenty of Mont Tremblant attractions off the slopes. In fact, Mont Tremblant has done an amazing job creating fun activities for everyone in Mont Tremblant Village and the surrounding area. From exciting outdoor activities to relaxing apres-ski pampering, it has it all.
Ice climbing
If you are an adventure lover like us, you are going to love this Mont Tremblant winter activity! Ice climbing is one of the top attractions to try in winter. It’s also one of those adventures that gets people’s attention when you say you’ve done it. Mont Tremblant has cold winters, so you can be sure that the conditions will be good for climbing an ice wall. There is a frozen waterfall located right at Mont Tremblant Resort.
No worries if you don’t have climbing experience, this Mont Tremblant attraction is good for all levels. This 3-hour Ice Climbing Tour experience lets you climb the 70 foot high, natural cliff face several times. You’ll also learn how ice climbing techniques and how to belay.
Dogsledding
One very Canadian thing to do in winter is to go dogsledding and it is one of the most popular outdoor activities. We love this winter adventure and Mont Tremblant has dog sledding tours through the forest offering mountain views. Hop aboard a sled and let the frisky dogs do what they do best, run! You’ll learn to drive the sled as you take turns being a passenger and a musher. This dogsledding adventure also lets you visit the kennels to see how the dogs spend their down time. Read more: The Misconceptions of Dogsledding
Helicopter Tour
One of our favorite things to do when traveling is to book a helicopter tour. There is no better way to explore than seeing a destination from above for heart-stopping views. This helicopter tour is affordable for two people to admire aerial views of Mont Tremblant, the surrounding lakes, mountains, and other ski resorts. Mont Tremblant is in the heart of the Laurentians so you can be sure to enjoy spectacular snow-capped views.
Fat Biking
In the summer, one of the top Mont Tremblant attractions is mountain biking but the cycling doesn’t stop in the winter. Fat biking is a unique experience where you go cycling in the snow. There are more than 50 km of mountain biking in Mont Tremblant offering both single and double track. P’Tit Train du Nord is a year-round trail stretching 234 km through the Laurentians.
If you want to stay closer to town, La Villageoise-de-Mont-Tremblant offers 11.6 km of fat biking trails. You’ll be sharing these trails with snowshoes and cross country skiing so be sure to follow the signs. There are plenty of designated fat biking trails around Mont Tremblant, you can start planning your cycling routes here.
Ice Skating
Ice skating is one of the most popular outdoor activities in Canada. Whenever we travel in Canada during the winter, we pack our ice skates and when visiting Mont Tremblant we always make sure to have them close at hand. Mont Tremblant offers several opportunities to go skating.
Saint-Bernard Chapel is located in the heart of the pedestrian village at the base of Mont Tremblant and there is ice skating on a small lake at the entrance to Bel Air. Skating on a frozen lake or pond is a Canadian tradition. There is also skating at Lake Mercier, Parc Daniel Lauzon, and an outdoor hockey rink at the Aquatic Centre.
Snow Tubing
You don’t have to be an avid skier or snowboarder to enjoy the slopes of Mont Tremblant. One of the top Mont Tremblant attractions for non-skiers is snow tubing. If you want to zip down the trails in comfort, this is a great adventure to try. We call tubing the ultimate couch potatoes thrill ride.
Mont Tremblant has eight Snow tubing hills that are fun for the whole family and you don’t need any experience. Have a track pull you up the hill as you lay in your tub, have a guy grab the tube for you and take you to the top of the hill and then lay back down and plunge down at lightning-fast speed. Everyone has got to try tubing once.
Snowmobiling
One of the great outdoor things to do in Mont Tremblant off the trail is to hit the backcountry trails on a snowmobile. Even if you don’t have experience, snowmobiling is a blast and you can book Snowmobiling Tours to suit your needs. A guided tour is a way to go if you are new to the area. Plus it is safer in the mountains to have an experienced guide. This Snowmobiling Tour includes all the equipment you need, including a snowmobile suit, boots, mittens, and helmet. With a lot of annual snowfall, you can be sure to have a rip-roaring time zipping through the forests.
Snowshoeing
One of the best ways to experience winter in Mont Tremblant is to strap on a pair of snowshoes and start walking. It is an outdoor activity for the whole family. Explore frozen waterfalls, high peaks, and backcountry forests as you navigate your way through the snowshoeing trails of Mont Tremblant. Groomed trails range from 1 km loops to longer 5 km hikes.
You can book a Snowshoe Rental and pick up your gear at the Activity Centre in the heart of the village. You can also book a guided snowshoe tour. That’s our favourite when we are on vacation. At home, we’ll go snowshoeing on our own, but when we travel, we like to hire a guide. Taking a guided snowshoe tour lets you see the best scenery, it takes you off the beaten path, and you just might get snacks and hot chocolate and share little tidbits about the area. Get more information on trails and guided tours here.
Cross Country Skiing
If you want to go cross country skiing in Mont Tremblant, there are plenty of trails you can hop on. Leaving right from the resort you can hit the La Villageoise-de-Mont-Tremblant trail from the parking lot and enjoy its 11 km of pristine skiing. One of the best places to go cross country skiing in Mont Tremblant is Parc National du Mont Tremblant 12 km away. It has professionally groomed trails for all levels and even has nearly 80 km of backcountry trails for the experienced. You can book guided tours as well. Alpine Touring
Mont Tremblant National Park
Mont Tremblant National Park (Parc national du Mont-Tremblant) is Canada’s third oldest park and was the first National Park in Quebec. It is blessed with numerous lakes and rivers, wildlife, and plenty of hiking and climbing. In the summertime, you can try your hand at the Via Ferrata du Diable. We haven’t don’t this yet, but we have done a few via ferratas and they are so much fun. This unique experience is one of the best ways to feel what it is like to go rock climbing.
Scandinave Spa Mont Tremblant
One of our favourite things to do when we’re not skiing at Mont Tremblant is to hit the Scandinave Spa. The Scandinave Spa Mont Tremblant is an outdoor spa experience with hot pools, waterfalls, and plunge pools. Following the Scandinavian way, you are encouraged to enjoy the hydrotherapy cycle of enjoying hot, cold, and relaxation in the forest setting.
There are Eucalyptus steam baths, Finnish dry saunas, a steam room, and a spa on-site to book a soothing massage. It’s just what the doctor ordered.
Apres Ski Drinks
Après Ski is a way of life in Mont Tremblant or any ski destination for that matter. When visiting Mont Tremblant you are in luck if you enjoy indulging in Après Ski because there are plenty of restaurants to enjoy an after-ski cocktail. Après Ski is all about keeping your ski boots on and skis nearby while you enjoy an after-ski beer or glass of wine.
There are several places to choose from, but a few ideas to get you started are, Le Shack Mont Tremblant is one of the most popular apres-ski haunts for burgers and mulled wine. La Diable Microbrewery (Microbrasserie La Diable) is a good option for craft beer and La Forge Bistro Bar & Grill is our favourite with its terrace overlooking Place St-Bernard.
Old Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant is actually made up of two destinations. There is the picturesque pedestrian village in the resort area where most people stay, and the actual village where people live and work. Make sure to venture away from the tourist area of the ski resort and picturesque pedestrian village to see the village of Mont Tremblant.
The Old Mont Tremblant is a charming village on the lake. We stayed at a beautiful BnB our first trip to Mont Tremblant and we always head out there for some shopping and dining. St. Jovite is another beautiful village nearby. These villages give you an authentic taste of life in Quebec.
There are shuttles running from the mountain to the village and you can be sure to find a great place to eat at either of these towns.
Mont Tremblant Casino
We aren’t huge into gambling but when on vacation, we do love to pop into the casino for a bit to escape the cold and enjoy the atmosphere. The Mont Tremblant Casino (Casino de Mont Tremblant) is located a 5-minute drive from Mont Tremblant Resort and has all the usual casino games like blackjack, roulette, poker, and slot machines. There’s entertainment, a restaurant, and two bars. It’s a great place to spend the evening.
La Cabane à Tuque
Nothing says Canada more than a good old sugar shack. From February to April, La Cabane à Tuque welcomes visitors to its trails for snowshoeing and helping with the maple syrup harvest. See how they harvest maple sap using traditional means from the boiler to evaporator. Enjoy a meal from their vegan menu and end it with a maple syrup toffee rolled in the snow.
Sleigh Ride
What is more romantic than a sleigh ride in winter? And if you have kids, what is more fun for them? Cuddle up under a warm blanket at Percheron horses pull you through the trail for beautiful views. Sip on hot chocolate and listen to stories as you sit back and relax slowing downtime to experience a bygone mode of transportation. Book the sleigh ride here
Laser Tag
When you visit Mont Tremblant, you don’t need to spend all your time outdoors there are some fun options indoors too. If you are looking for something unique to do in Mont Tremblant, find your inner child one evening and book a fun night of laser tag. Get your laser tag tickets and have a blast in the high-tech world for a couple of hours.
Summer Outdoor Activities
Mountain Biking
While Mont Tremblant hasn’t embraced the downhill mountain biking culture similar to the likes of Revelstoke or Whistler, there are plenty of cross-country mountain biking trails in Mont Tremblant. There is a network of over 50 km of trails.
Trails are maintained by Velo Mont-Tremblant and you can rent mountain bikes in the pedestrian village. Or bring your own. There are also guided mountain bike tours offered and you can get your map of mountain bike trails in Mont Tremblant here.
Zipline
Ziplining is a great introduction to adrenaline travel. The Mont Tremblant Zip Line takes you to the top of the gondola from the pedestrian village to experience 5 awesome zip lines. This 3-hour zipline tour takes you up the panoramic gondola to the Summit of Mont Tremblant where you’ll experience Quebec’s longest zip line, heart racing trips above the trees, and breathtaking views of the valleys below.
Rock Climbing
We mentioned ice climbing in winter, but when the snow melts, one of the best outdoor activities in the summer is to try your hand a rock climbing. There is a rock face right above the resort where beginner climbers can get a taste fo rock climbing on this guided tour.
All equipment is provided and you’ll have several chances to climb the rock face as you learn techniques and how to belay. We learned to rock climb on vacation during an introductory tour and it has become a part of our travels ever since.
Lake Cruise on Lac Tremblant
Lac Tremblant is a beautiful lake located at the base of Mont Tremblant. One of the best ways to take in the view of the mountains and their shore is on a boat cruise. This lake cruise is an hour-long scenic cruise leaving right from Mont Tremblant resort. There is running commentary where you’ll learn of the history and ecology while enjoying the scenic views with a cocktail in hand.
White Water Rafting
White Water Rafting is offered in Mont Tremblant along the Rouge River. While it’s not the heart-pounding waves of class 5 rapids, it is a fun family-friendly rafting tour through class 3 rapids. We’ve done class 3 white water rafting tours and they are a hoot! This White Water Rafting Family Tour allows for not only rafting but body surfing and swimming. You’ll also enjoy lunch and a stop at a sandy beach.
If you want a Full Day tour, This one offers 8 hours of rafting, swimming, and two descents of the river. Lunch and a steak dinner are provided and access to hot tubs and the pool at base camp.
How To Get To Mont Tremblant
Mont Tremblant is located 1 hour 30 minutes north of Montreal in the Laurentian Mountains. It is 6 hours and 15 minutes from Toronto and 1 hour 45 minutes from Ottawa. The best way to get to Mont Tremblant is by car. We always take a road trip when we visit Mont Tremblant. We like having the freedom to be able to do day tours from the village. From Toronto, there are two flights per week to Mont Tremblant departing from oronto’s Billy-Bishop Airport in downtown Toronto to La Macaza Airport in Mont Tremblant. This airport resembles a log cabin and instantly transports you to feelign like you have entered a ski chalet. Flights are approximately $200 per person. You can also take the train to Montreal and then transfer to Mont Tremblant by renting a car. Compare car rental prices here.You can also book this luxury transfer from the Montreal Airport to Mont Tremblant for up to 6 people or this transfer for 3 people.
How to Dress for Mont Tremblant
To say that there is chilly weather in Mont Tremblant is an understatement. The weather in Quebec is just a bit colder than Ontario or the slopes of resorts in British Columbia, so you really need to dress for the weather. We have an entire post on how to dress and layer for cold weather.
These are the best things to do in Mont Tremblant in the winter months and summer making it the perfect destination for your Canadian vacation. Have we enticed you to go yet? The next time you are planning a weekend getaway, try a little French Canadian culture for your next ski vacation in our favorite hangout – Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada!
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