Mont Tremblant Quebec – A Nordic Skiing Destination
One winter I was fortunate to have a few days to visit Mont Tremblant Quebec. Despite growing up just two hours away in Ottawa, it took me over five decades to visit this part of the province. It was love at first sight.
My love affair with the Quebec Laurentians in winter started well before I reached the village of Mont Tremblant Quebec.
As you head north from Montreal on Highway 15 you pass through the towns of St. Jérome, Ste-Adèle, Val David and Ste-Agathe-des-Monts. Each one seems prettier than the next. Church steeples seemingly dot the landscape everywhere. So do ski hills. Each town seems to have a ski hill they call their own.
The drive itself is glorious – as long as it’s not a winter snowstorm – as it takes you through rolling hills and snow-clad mountains. I felt like I’d been dropped into New England. It wasn’t the Canada I was used to seeing.
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Unfortunately on this trip, John and I just didn’t have the time to explore the way we like to. There were no fine meals in the village of Mont Tremblant and nor did we poke our noses into the shops in the pedestrian-friendly village.
Skating too was left for another time though conditions were perfect. We had really come for the cross-country skiing or ski du fond as it’s called in French.
Cross-country skiing at Mont Tremblant Quebec
Superlative cross-country skiing awaits anyone who visits the Laurentians. The number of opportunities for skiing is mind boggling.
You can choose to backcountry ski in Mont Tremblant National Park. Or you can ski the old railbed known as Le P’tit Train du Nord.
Note: In summer and fall I highly recommend spending 3 – 4 days Biking Le Petit Train du Nord through the Laurentians.
We ended up skiing a delightful 25 km loop at Ski de Fond Mont Tremblant. What impressed me was the cross section of ages that were out on skis – from 2 to 80. Families were everywhere.
The cross-country skiing at Mont Tremblant was excellent. Trails were well groomed, signage was very good except on one of the backcountry trails we explored, but the biggest takeaway from skiing here was how pretty it was.
Rolling hills, big vistas, beautiful mixed forests and a certain joie de vivre combined to provide an outstanding experience. If I lived nearby I would be a frequent visitor here.
Here’s what cross-country skiing looks like at Mont Temblant
Where to stay in Mont Tremblant, Quebec
We stayed at Le Grand Lodge Mont Tremblant – a large complex on the shores of Lake Ouimet. Views are terrific and its location, about 10 minutes away from the Village of Mont-Tremblant is ideal if you are there for Ski du Fond Mont Tremblant.
The trails are quite literally within spitting distance. And at the end of the day you don’t have to leave the hotel. Enjoy a meal in a timbered great room that’s full of old skiing memorabilia. The food is very good too.
In the village of Mont-Tremblant a splurge at the Fairmont Tremblant would be lovely if your budget could handle it.
If it’s value you’re after the Holiday Inn Express & Suites would be a great choice.
Further reading on things to do in Quebec in winter
- Why You’ll Want to Visit Quebec City in December
- Cross-country Skiing in Gatineau Park, Quebec
- Cross country Skiing at Mont Sainte-Anne, Quebec
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Montreal in Winter
- Visit Chelsea Quebec, the Gateway to Gatineau Park
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We have been going here for the annual Blues Festival, hiking and biking during the summer the past couple of years. It is a little piece of Europe in feel with wonderful people and cuisine. Love the area.
@Russ I feel the same way especially in old Montreal.
@Russ There are so many great festivals in the Montreal area but I hadn’t appreciated that there was a blues festival in Mont Tremblant. Thanks for that info.
@Kendra Mont Tremblant is a speculator place to visit – and it’s a year round destination. If you ever go to ski, visit in March when it should be a little warmer.
I grew up in Montreal, about an hour and a half away, I also had never been to Tremblant….. until I decided that I didn’t want my children to grow up in the city. I’ve been living and working here for almost two years now, it is beautiful, almost like being on permanent vacation….. It’s a shame you didn’t have time to explore any of the restaurants……. next time anyone of you are in my neighborhood, take a walk through the old village (or a drive if it’s cold) and come join me and my team for dinner at Restaurant Patrick Bermand, you won’t be disappointed!!!
@Jessica I have every intention of returning to Tremblant. I feel like I just got a taste of it.I would be delighted t come and try your restaurant and thank you for your suggestion.
That snow is so white and fluffy and gorgeous! And with all that outdoor activity I bet it doesn’t even get too cold!
@Jess We definitely stayed warm while cross country skiing but the downhill would have been frosty!
Hi Leigh, no I haven’t been to Mont Tremblant but after seeing your photos I’d love to go and do the same thing you did. What a spectacular cross-country skiing trail. Everything is just so picturesque. The photo of the kids with the chickadee is so endearing.
@Marisol So many kids were out cross country skiing – a real treat to see so many active families – and all having fun. The chickadees were a bonus.
Nice blog folks! These photos look amazing! Just followed you on Twitter. Looking forward to connect!
@MightyTravels Thanks for stopping by and your lovely comment.
Looks gorgeous. The row of pine trees reminds me of some of the paths I ski in Wisconsin as they planted their trees in a similar fashion years ago. Sorry to see winter starting to lose its grip.
@Ted I’m not so sad to see winter go but I’m not a great fan of spring except for flowers. It’s rainier here and there are fewer options outdoors till the snow disappears.
What an amazingly beautiful part of Canada! I used to hear a lot about Mont Tremblant when I lived in Ottawa but never made it there. Really beautiful, Leigh. Glad you were able to make it. Can’t believe you grew up so close by.
@Marcia Considering I grew up just two hours away I still can’t get over the fact that this trip was the first – though it certainly won’t be the last. The area is drop dead beautiful.
I really have to go to Canada one day. It looks so magical in the winter.
@Tammy It was magical until yesterday – the first day of spring – when it snowed again. now the snow is getting old.
That blue, cloudless sky is so gorgeous. I also can’t believe that the chickadees are that unafraid of people. I guess they’ve learned that they’re a good source of food. I’ve never been cross country skiing. Is the steep downhill portion comparable to a green or blue run? I’d also like to try outdoor ice skating someday. It’s one of those wintertime fantasies that I’ve always had.
@Michele I think these chickadees have figured they have a good thing going with all the food around. The steep portion was the equivalent of a blue. I love the descents as they are always so much fun.
We were around about there but not actually there. Your snow photos are always such a delight to me. The bright blue of sky and crisp white snow is so exotic! This looks like a beautiful area to visit.
@Jan It’s an area I’d like to return to and explore again. This would be one of the truly magnificent areas of Canada to see in the fall with the changing colours.
Wow, the snow looks powder perfect, and the scenery pristine. Somewhere I’d love to visit. Just to soak up the atmosphere and have a hot chocolate in one of the nearby towns too, would be lovely!
@Johanna I love the atmosphere too that you get at some of the lovely lodges and even though it can be cold, it makes you so appreciate curling up by a fire.
It is absolutely gorgeous there! We were fortunate enough to stay one night in Ste-Adele this past summer and it was such a lovely, quaint little town! We would love to explore Mont Tremblant sometime to go skiing!
@Lauren You’re a step ahead of me. We’ll be back – and it’s an area that has great appeal for a summer cottage. I just wish it wasn’t so far away.
Hi Leigh! This area is stunning. When I was with American Express we had a conference somewhere in this area. It wasn’t winter time, but I still remember how pretty it is. You definitely had gorgeous weather while you were there!
@Nancie I feel like I have horseshoes when it comes to the weather I’ve enjoyed the past year while traveling around Canada. I hope it continues this summer.
It’s always fun to “follow” you down the trail on each of your cross-country ski journeys. I always await for to get to the warming hut…ha, ha. What an absolutely beautiful day you had here, Leigh. I love to see that little town when it’s lit up with Christmas lights.
@Mike I’d have to say the warming huts here weren’t as good as the other places on our tour – with the overall award going to Gatineau Park and the historic buildings. Still the outside fire was very pleasant and it was fun to feed the chickadees. My inner child comes out in those situations.
Gorgeous photos.
@Rachel Thank you. We lucked out with the sunny weather.
Winter is so much more beautiful when you get away from the city and Mont Tremblant looks stunning! My 10 year-old would be in favour of a visit just to feed the chickadees! I didn’t realize that there was cross-country skiing in the area – I would be willing to do that!
@Lisa The cross country skiing is out of this world – really. And although it was cold, it took 10 minutes or less to warm up and on many occasions I was so hot I didn’t have mitts on. Catch a Porter flight o Mont Tremblant and have a nice break one of these days.