I just got back from a quick trip up to the Laurentians just north of Montreal. The ride is quite pretty with pine-filled hills and rocky contours in the miles about 20 km outside of Laval or so. The houses located on the sides of mountains really were a sight to behold. I highly recommend visitors to check it this gorgeous region.

The Village Mont Tremblant however seemed like a little Disney World cut out of the Laurentian Mountains. The scene was too artificial for my tastes and the restaurants in the Village I found overpriced; personally I found the whole thing too overdeveloped and fake for my tastes.

That said, the lake with the views of the surrounding foothills is quite plesant and the Auberge Le Lupin where we stayed was excellent, with the host giving us helpful recommendations, including to go to La Table Enchantee, a superb traditional Quebecois restaurant just off the autoroute outside Saint Jovite. There also seemed to be good cycling trails around Mont Tremblant and plenty of golf courses.

I don't think I would go back to Tremblant, but I would recommend a ride to the Laurentians to all, and if you like golf, skiing and enjoy a Disneyworld-like setting, you might really love Tremblant!

Hi Daniel,

I've really enjoyed your many posts on getaways from Montreal.

We will be visiting Montreal in less than 10 days, and were wondering if the Laurentians would make a great, not-too-far daytrip.

Gray Line buses actually offers an eight-hour tour of the Laurentians, which includes:
--cruise on Lac des Sables in Ste. Agathe;
--lunch in Ste. Adele village;
--Saint Sauveur Village visit (one hour)

Does this sound good? The price seems pretty reasonable, and we don't want to deal with a car.

Their QC/Montmorency/Plains of Abraham tour is 12 hours long! Also seems a bit rushed.

Would love to hear your opinion...thanks!!

bettyo, that excursion would certainly give you a taste of the laurentians; sounds great.

DW, I have to agree with you; we go to tremblant a few times in the summer to golf but never eat in the disney village except for a quick lunch at the shak or such.
There are good restaurants on the road leading there, such as la Savoie, le Sauvignon; we also discovered the Quintessence hotel restaurant which is superb, it's very close to the entrance of the village, on the lake side.

Mitch,

Thank you! I figured it would be a shame to get to Canada and only stay in the city, you know?

I hope all is well with you!

--Betty

Hey bettyo

I can't comment on any of the trips you mention because I've never been to any (Lac Des Sables/Ste. Agathe, Ste. Adèle, St. Sauveur) you mention, nor I have taken Gray Line anywhere (I tend to prefer independent travel, me, over tours, but others may know more).

I'm glad you've enjoyed my Montreal excursion posts. (How you dug this one up that had 0 replies in 2 years, I'm amazed!) There's so much to appreciate about the city & environs...

DAN

Hi Daniel,

When I did a search on "Laurentians", not many posts came up. It's always great to hear about the interesting daytrips outside of Montreal that you don't always hear about.

Thanks again,
Betty