Ste-Agathe-des-Monts (Summer)

On the shores of Lac des Sables, Ste-Agathe-des-Monts is the largest town in the Laurentians. A longtime hub for Montréalers with vacation homes, the town and its surroundings has something for everyone. Locals and visitors flock to the beaches, where – being a well-known sailing center – water activities include sailing, kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing. Hiking and biking, and an ongoing program of concerts, summer theater and festivals are also part of summer’s ongoing activities. Of particular note is the P’tit Train du Nord, a disused railway line from Montréal to Mont-Laurier that runs through Ste-Agathe. Today it is a gloriously ...

On the shores of Lac des Sables, Ste-Agathe-des-Monts is the largest town in the Laurentians. A longtime hub for Montréalers with vacation homes, the town and its surroundings has something for everyone. Locals and visitors flock to the beaches, where – being a well-known sailing center – water activities include sailing, kayaking, canoeing and windsurfing. Hiking and biking, and an ongoing program of concerts, summer theater and festivals are also part of summer’s ongoing activities. Of particular note is the P’tit Train du Nord, a disused railway line from Montréal to Mont-Laurier that runs through Ste-Agathe. Today it is a gloriously scenic trail for biking and hiking during the clement months of spring, summer and fall. Surrounded by tree-clad mountains, Ste-Agathe is also a popular spot for viewing the spectacular fall colors. In and around town, particularly near the lakefront, there are some excellent restaurants and inns, and boutiques galore.

About the Expert

Joanna Ebbutt is the author or editor of three Insight Guides to Toronto and Canada, and coauthor of Off the Beaten Track: Western Canada. She has been writing about travel for three decades, including chasing the aurora borealis in Northern Ontario.