Summer Getaway to
Laurentides
I recently returned from a trip to the Laurentides region with Tourism Laurentians and I am so happy I chose this destination as a summer getaway! The Laurentides are an absolute dream for a summer escape—think sparkling lakes perfect for kayaking, endless hiking trails through vast forests, and all of the charm you would expect from a resort town in the mountains! You can wander high above the treetops at Sentier des cimes, relax at endless outdoor spa options and savor farm-to-table Québec cuisine that tastes like a love letter to the region. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture all rolled into one magical destination
The Laurentides are a four-season wonderland, so the “best time” depends on the kind of adventure you’re after. I personally loved visiting in the summertime, but am already itching to returm during the Fall. In autumn, the mountains explode into fiery shades of red and gold—perfect for scenic drives and cozy weekends. Winter transforms the region into a snowy playground with world-class skiing and skating trails. Spring brings blooming trails and maple syrup season (hello, sugar shacks!), while 🌞 summer is all about sparkling lakes, hiking and all the things I will be sharing from my visit below. There’s no wrong time—just different flavors of magic.
The Laurentides are super easy to reach—just a scenic 1–2 hour drive north of Montréal.
Where to stay
The Laurentides is bursting with unique stays from elegant historic manors like StoneHaven Le Manoir to chic glamping domes at Bel-Air Tremblant, plus cozy cabins, eco-lodges, and even treehouses tucked deep in the forest. 🌲 Whether you’re after refined luxury, off-grid charm, or something playful, there’s truly a one-of-a-kind stay for every traveler. Here are the two places that I stayed at and highly recommend as well as some other memorable options!
StoneHaven Le Manoir | Relais & Châteaux
If you want elegance, history, and luxury rolled into one, this one’s for you. Perched on a mountainside in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, this century-old manor was restored with such love: antiques, fine materials, a beautiful Italian garden, a spa with jacuzzi & hammam, plus sweeping views over Lac-des-Sables. Stone Haven Le Manoir It feels like stepping back in time, but with all the pampering of now. Great for romance or anyone craving calm + charm.
Bel-Air Tremblant Glamping
This is a one of a kind of place stop that has to be on your bucket list! Located in La Conception, just minutes from Mont-Tremblant, Bel-Air offers a variety of lodging styles: luxe dômes, pods, mini-lofts, even triple-dômes with private saunas / hot tubs. If you want a bit of “glamping glam” — big windows, fireside lounges, terraces under the stars — this is the spot.
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Scandinave Spa Mont-Tremblant Lodging – Stay steps away from thermal baths and trails for the ultimate spa retreat. 💦
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Dômes Laurentides – Luxury eco-domes with skylights for stargazing and private firepits for cozy nights. 🔥
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Fairmont Tremblant – An iconic ski-in/ski-out resort at the base of Mont-Tremblant village, perfect for year-round luxury. 🏔️
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Hotel Quintessence – A lakeside boutique hotel in Tremblant with spacious suites, gourmet dining, and romantic vibes. 💕
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UNIQ Hotel at Domaine Saint-Bernard – An eco-friendly, design-forward glamping concept blending comfort with nature. 🌿
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Treehouses & Cabins (various) – Scattered throughout the Laurentides, offering playful, back-to-nature escapes that feel like childhood dreams come true. 🌌
Things to do:
One of the main reasons I was so excited to visit the Laurentides during the summer is because of the endless options of activities to do in the area and the variety of unique things to do! I was really excited to visit some of the Nordic spas and there were so many great ones to choose from. I also was really excited about being surrounded by nature and really taking in the scenery. A wonderful way to really immerse yourself this way is to visit Sentier des Cimes. I will share some of my favorite things I did while visiting and hope it encourages you visit some of the places I did because they really were all so wonderful in their own way.
Scandinave Spa- Mont Tremblant
Scandinave Spa in the Laurentides is a serene escape where nature and relaxation meet. You can soak in outdoor hot baths, unwind in eucalyptus-filled saunas, and stroll through peaceful Nordic-inspired gardens, all while listening to the soothing sounds of the forest. With massages, hydrotherapy circuits, and cozy relaxation areas, it’s the perfect spot to recharge and feel completely refreshed! I dedicated an entire day to this visit because I really wanted to soak up the day here and really unwind. I loved my time here and left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Sentier des Cimes
Sentier des Cimes is a magical treetop walkway that lets you see the forest from an entirely new perspective. Stroll along the elevated wooden path, climb the spiral tower for 360° mountain views, and discover fun nature stations and learning stops along the way. It’s the perfect mix of adventure, scenery, and a little dose of wonder. It does not get super busy as the structure itself is very spacious but I would recommend visiting either earlier in the morning or in the sunset as the lighting is very beautiful and it is very peaceful when you have less crowds if that is your preference!
In the summertime, they hold the LÀ-HAUT circus show: An aerial performance by four acrobats suspended between the forest and tower, combining silk, net, and trapeze. I didn't personally get to experience this but I did see photos and it looked absolutely amazing and worth seeing!
Next to Sentier des Cimes is Gourmet Sauvage is a family-run business that for decades has been harvesting and transforming wild plants and mushrooms from Québec’s boreal forests into edible delights. I would highly recommend visiting as it is a lovely shop and they have many unique products to try!
Héli-Tremblant
If you are looking for an exhilerating experience than you have to look into Héli-Tremblant! Héli-Tremblant is a helicopter tour company in the Laurentides that offers a trip to around the Laurentides region that makes for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. From soaring over Mont-Tremblant’s peaks and shimmering lakes to seasonal landscapes that shift from lush green to fiery autumn to snowy wonderland, every flight feels cinematic. They offer scenic tours, romantic getaways, even land-and-dine experiences making it the perfect way to add a dash of adventure and luxury to your trip.
Rent a Pontoon
A wonderful way to spend a day on the lake and take in the scenes of the area is to rent a pontoon through Centre Nautique Pierre Plouffe! It is the go-to spot for a fun-filled day on Lac Tremblant! 💦You can rent kayaks, canoes, paddle boards, or sailboats, try wakeboarding and water skiing, or enjoy the floating water inflatables! With equipment rentals, lessons, and even a watersports day camp for kids, it’s an exciting yet accessible way to make the most of the lake and the stunning Laurentides scenery.
Mont-Tremblant
Mont-Tremblant is the quintessential spot that needs to be on your Laurentides itinerary that effortlessly blends charm and fun. Nestled at the base of the iconic Mont Tremblant, the pedestrian-friendly village is bursting with colorful boutiques, cozy cafés, classic Canadian shops, and gourmet restaurants. Whether you’re sipping a local craft coffee, hunting for unique artisanal finds, or catching live music in the plaza, the town has a wonderful energy and it makes for a really fun day!
Beyond the village, Mont-Tremblant is a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. In summer, you can hike scenic trails, paddleboard or kayak on pristine lakes, zip-line through the forest canopy, or cycle the famous P’tit Train du Nord trail. Winter transforms the area into a snowy wonderland with world-class skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating. With so many activities and a lively, welcoming town at your doorstep, Mont-Tremblant is a must-visit hub for anyone exploring the Laurentides.
Also, you cannot leave without trying some maple syrup ice cream or maple taffy and they sell it right in town! I like to consider myself an ice cream connoisseur and this was some of the best ice cream I have ever had. The maple taffy, also known as frozen maple syrup on a stick is a staple and so much fun to watch be made and eat!
Where to Eat
The food scene in the Laurentides is as vibrant and diverse as its landscapes, blending refined dining with authentic, nature-inspired flavors! Here, meals often highlight Québec’s rich terroir using ingrediants like wild-foraged ingredients, fresh lake fish, and maple-infused everything—served with a creative twist. The first thing I said to my friends when I came back from my trip was how much I loved the food!
Ekki Sushi – Known as one of the best sushi spots in the region, Ekki Sushi fuses traditional Japanese craftsmanship with the freshest local ingredients. It’s refined, artistic and really wowed me! 🍣
Gourmet Sauvage – Gourmet Sauvage offers wild-inspired products, tastings, and workshops featuring edible plants and mushrooms. Every bite feels like a connection to the wilderness.
Bel Air Tremblant Restaurant – Chic yet cozy, this spot serves up modern dishes that balance wellness and indulgence. It’s the perfect place to refuel after an adventurous day, with flavors as fresh and inviting as the mountain air.
La Forge Restaurant – An iconic Mont-Tremblant staple, La Forge is all about hearty Québecois classics and lively après-ski vibes. I enjoyed a delicious steak with amazing views of the bustling town beneath me.
Together, these culinary gems capture what makes dining in the Laurentides so special: a mix of creativity, tradition, and a deep connection to nature that makes every meal feel like part of the adventure.
Overall, I absolutley loved my time in the Laurentides region and think the area is breathtaking and has so much to offer. It makes the perfect summer getaway and I can't wait to revisit during the Fall and Winter months. I hope this encourages you to visit :)
Joanna
