Laurentians (Winter)

The Laurentians (known by Québecers as Les Laurentides) has been a favorite playground for Montréalers for years. Just north of the city, the densely forested mountains are part of the Canadian Shield. A paradise for outdoors enthusiasts, its winter offerings include top-notch downhill, cross-country and snowboarding as well as snow-shoeing, dog-sledding, ice skating and snow-mobiling. Many come to experience Le P’tit Train du Nord, a former railroad track now converted into a north-south linear park between Saint-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier that serves up one breathtaking panorama after another. In winter, it offers 25 miles dedicated to ...

The Laurentians (known by Québecers as Les Laurentides) has been a favorite playground for Montréalers for years. Just north of the city, the densely forested mountains are part of the Canadian Shield. A paradise for outdoors enthusiasts, its winter offerings include top-notch downhill, cross-country and snowboarding as well as snow-shoeing, dog-sledding, ice skating and snow-mobiling. Many come to experience Le P’tit Train du Nord, a former railroad track now converted into a north-south linear park between Saint-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier that serves up one breathtaking panorama after another. In winter, it offers 25 miles dedicated to cross-country skiing and 58 miles dedicated to snow mobiling. While Mont-Tremblant is the most widely known of the region’s resorts, other favorites include St-Sauveur-des-Monts, Val-Morin and Esterel. There is a wide selection of hotels (from large to boutique), as well as inviting inns, cozy B&Bs, and luxurious chalets.

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.