The Laurentians region in Canada is much more than a winter skiing paradise, it’s also a summer playground of mountains, lakes, luxury resorts and bike trails, just 30 minutes north of Montreal.
Foraging, ©Gourmet Sauvage
Why families love the adventurous Laurentians region
The Laurentians region, north of Montreal in Quebec, is a dream destination for active families. Whether you’re into hiking and biking, water sports, or want to enjoy a little well-earned luxury whilst immersing yourselves deep in nature, this Canadian wonderland literally has it all.
With long sunny days, national parks with the starriest night skies, sparkling lakes with beautiful beaches, and forests bursting with wildlife, the Laurentians region is the ultimate summer playground that you don’t want to miss.
From the iconic Tremblant Resort with its myriad family activities, to treehouse stays, glamping and family rafting, every day is full of wholesome fun here. You’ll be ziplining through the treetops, cycling along scenic trails, and kayaking down the river, as well as immersing in the natural landscape via foraging workshops and the local flora and fauna.
So if you’re planning a family escape that’s all about excitement alongside some serious relaxation, the Laurentians region should be top of your list this summer.
Sentier des Cimes ©Daniel Desmarais
The Laurentians region is close to Montreal for handy city breaks
The Laurentians region is incredibly accessible, being within easy driving distance of both Montreal and Montreal Airport. This means you can easily pair your trip with a Canadian city break, and it’s just as doable for a weekend break as a longer stay. Though there’s so much to do in the Laurentians region, the more time you spend here, the better!
Family biking, Domaine Saint-Bernard ©Tourisme Laurentides
Tremblant Resort, the year-round destination for fun families
One of the best-known attractions in the Laurentians region is Mont Tremblant’s Tremblant Resort, a world-renowned ‘four-season destination’, famous for skiing but just as magical in the warmer months.
In summer and autumn it becomes a paradise of stunning lakeside beaches, mountain trails, and thrilling adrenaline-fuelling activities like Ziptrek Écotours Tremblant, Eurobungy, and Tonga Lumina, a magical forest walk illuminated by lights.
Take the panoramic gondola to the summit of Mont Tremblant for breathtaking views, and if your kids love water sports, head to Centre Nautique Pierre Plouffe for kayaking, paddleboarding, and pedal boating on the crystal-clear lake.
Via Ferrata, Mont Tremblant National Park ©Tourisme Laurentides
Bouncing up high, speeding downhill, and meeting the locals
Beyond its incredible outdoor activities, Tremblant’s pedestrian village is packed with family-friendly restaurants, boutique shops, and lively entertainment. Try the national dish of poutine, catch a street performance, and test out the local artisanal ice cream. The resort also offers a variety of guided experiences, from falconry, to interactive wildlife encounters. And at Domaine Saint-Bernard, 15 minutes’ drive from the resort, you’ll even find Sunday beekeeping classes for little insect fans.
Rafting on the Rouge River ©NouveauMondeRafting
Biking and beaches in the Laurentian region
One of the stand-out features of the Laurentian region is its many biking trails, and they don’t get much better or more unique than the P’tit Train du Nord – 232km of former railway-turned-cycle-path. There’s a shorter, family-friendly section which is ideal for little legs, taking you through charming villages, past rivers and forests, and even with stops for essential ice cream top-ups.
You don’t need to be on the coast to enjoy some beach time, because the Laurentians region is home to some of Quebec’s most beautiful lake beaches, like Plage du Lac Mercier and Plage Major in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts.
The adventurous will want to try some family rafting on the Rouge River, with gentle rapids for little ones and bigger waves for brave teens (life jackets provided of course!).
Ziptrek Eco Tours Tremblant @Tourisme Laurentides
Thrills from the top and making a splash
Get your adrenaline pumping with a trip to Tyroparc’s Cité des Bois aerial park in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, where kids can tackle tree-to-tree obstacle courses. For a less intense but equally thrilling adventure, take a treetop walk at Sentier des Cimes Laurentides, which leads to a 40-metre-high observation tower with stunning panoramic views.
Foodie families will love Gourmet Sauvage, where you can forage for wild plants and learn about the Laurentians region’s natural ingredients. Afterward, enjoy a delicious, locally-inspired meal at Chez Émile.
Also, no Laurentians region summer trip would be complete without a day at Sommet Saint-Sauveur’s Mountain Aquatic Park near Hôtel Manoir Saint-Sauveur, packed with slides, wave pools, and water games.
Afterwards, head to Parc F.U.N. for amusement rides or try mountain biking at Parc Vélo.
Family hiking, Tremblant ©Tourisme Laurentides
Mont-Tremblant National Park: a protected wilderness
Created in 1895, Mont-Tremblant National Park is 1,510 square kilometres of untouched wilderness with six rivers and over 400 lakes and streams, making it a prime spot for canoeing and kayaking. As the first National Park created in Quebec, and the sixth in North America, it shares a history similar to that of Yellowstone and Yosemite in the US.
Paddle along Rivière du Diable, where calm waters and stunning scenery create the perfect setting for an afternoon on the water. Hiking fans will love it here too, with a network of trails leading to scenic lookouts, waterfalls, and peaceful forested areas. Make it even more fun with a points system for wildlife spotting: deer, beavers and the occasional moose all make their home in the park.
What’s more, at the Kanatha-Aki activity centre, about 30-minutes’ drive from the park, you can book horse riding classes, buffalo observation, and even sign up for a spot of fly fishing.
Mont-Tremblant National Park @Sepaq
Starry starry nights at Canada’s best stargazing spot
At night time, Mont-Tremblant National Park transforms into one of Canada’s best stargazing locations, but you don’t have to go it alone. Thanks to its Dark Sky Preserve designation, the park offers some of the clearest night skies in the region, free from light pollution, and families can take part in guided astronomy sessions. Expect experts sharing their knowledge about constellations and celestial events, and fascinated kids soaking it all in; there’s something truly magical about lying beneath a blanket of stars, listening to the sounds of nature while learning about the universe.
Pool, ©Hôtel Manoir Saint-Sauveur
Where to stay in the Laurentians region
The Laurentians region is rich in incredible family-friendly places to stay. From luxe resorts to wild escapes, whether you go five-star or treehouse retreat is entirely up to you. Here are a few of our favourites:
Luxury resorts with family perks
If it’s luxury you need on your trip to the Laurentians region, and we think you’ll have earned it after so much adventuring, then you have great options for places to stay.
There’s Fairmont Tremblant, a high-end resort with plenty of family amenities like a heated outdoor pool, a full-service spa, and kid-friendly dining options. And you’ll find it right at the heart of Tremblant Resort, ideal for families who want to be close to the action.
Alternatively, Westin Resort & Spa Tremblant is a stylish and comfortable resort where the spacious suites come with kitchenettes: perfect for self-catering. Plus, the heated saltwater pool and outdoor hot tub make it a very relaxing retreat after a day of adventure.
Or why not try Hôtel Quintessence? This intimate and luxurious, five-star boutique hotel sits lake-front and features spacious suites with fireplaces.
Though kids will also love the inviting outdoor pool at Hôtel Manoir Saint-Sauveur, a refined and family-friendly resort in the heart of Saint-Sauveur, with a relaxing spa and gourmet dining options.
Hôtel UNIQ, Domaine Saint-Bernard ©Jean-Marc Perrault
Unique family stays in the Laurentian region
Located in the beautiful Parc Éco Laurentides, a stay in a treetop cabin overlooking the water at Les Refuges Perchés Mont-Tremblant is a pretty unforgettable experience. Only accessible by foot or canoe, these 23 off-grid cabins offer a peaceful and immersive nature retreat, perfect for families looking to unplug and reconnect with the outdoors.
The cabins are all self-contained, wood-fired and insulated, meaning they’re cosy even in cooler weather. A perfect base for exploring the hiking trails around the Parc Éco Laurentides in Mont Blanc.
Another back-to-nature option is glamping in style in the heart of Domaine Saint-Bernard, at Hôtel UNIQ Laurentides. This pop-up hotel offers luxurious safari-style tents equipped with comfortable beds, making it a great option for families who want a camping experience without sacrificing comfort.
