Centered in an easily accessible area near Montréal and Ottawa, the welcoming region of the Laurentians offers visitors an array of vibrant and vivacious culinary options. From local and fresh produce and vegetables to cheeses, deli meats, chocolate and Canadian maple products, the chefs are passionate about what they source and put on a plate for patrons to enjoy—a testament to their commitment to flavours and going one step further by supporting agrotourism. The Chemin du Terroir is an extraordinary opportunity not to be missed. Spanning 226 km of backroads that take visitors to distilleries, microbreweries, wineries, apple orchards, parks and so much more to be enjoyed. Melting away the stress of the everyday is easy with wellness programs and outdoor Nordic Spas. Festivals and events are always happening in the Laurentians, celebrating everything that the region has to showcase, both locally and abroad.
This fall, discover why the Laurentians is a destination just waiting to be discovered.
Local flavors, Laurentians Style
Whetting your appetite in the Laurentians is an easy feat when you have everything from fine dining to regional products and global menu options at your fingertips. École Hôtelière des Laurentides features an apprentice counter, one of Sainte-Adèle's best kept secrets! Future cooks, pastry chefs and butchers invite guests to taste their take-out dishes while in the dining room, sommeliers offer a list of wines to pair with dishes prepared by the students. Restaurant & Auberge Chez Girard was established in 1955 by Joseph Girard, and less than two years after Anick and Marco bought the restaurant, they were awarded the Meritas Prize in the fine cuisine category. A new dining experience awaits you with Chef Marco and his many secrets. La Tour du Lac boasts a dining room with rich woodwork in a romantic setting, offering guests a relaxed atmosphere with a refined menu. For traditional and authentic Québec cuisine, Au Petit Poucet has been serving since 1945. Known for its hearty all-day breakfasts, guests will recognize local flavors in every dish: the famous maple-smoked ham, delicious baked beans with diced ham, homemade meat pie, pig's knuckles and don’t forget the traditional Sugar Shack meal with taffy on snow, available year-round.
Chemin du Terroir
Tourisme LaurentidesInaugurated in October 2010, the Chemin du Terroir is a signposted trail that takes you through backroads and byways. Some things that can be discovered along the way include wineries, orchards, cheese and dairy, honey farm and parks galore. Built in 1762, Moulin Légaré is North America’s oldest water-driven flourmill still in operation offering guided tours; only 35 minutes from Montréal enjoy a tour, tasting, or take a workshop with friends at Rivière Du Chêne Winery; Labonté De La Pomme – Verger – Miellerie & Cabane À Pommes is perfect for a family agrotourist adventure in Oka valley—with over 25 varieties of harvest to pick including apples, pears, plums, cherries, squash and pumpkins; in Mirabel, take a moment of tranquility at Route des Gerbes d'Angelica, a botanical garden in a rural setting. 7.5 acres of 14 themed gardens with 680 varieties of plants, creating a botanical garden where each one offers a multi-sensory experience. Afterwards, treat yourself to an old-fashioned ice cream or vegan soft serve ice cream and take in your experience. The Laurentians’ terroir takes guests through the heritage, culture and history of the region and features an abundance of agricultural tourism. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family outing or planning a memorable trip with friends, the Chemin du Terroir est parfait!
The Tranquility of Outdoor Wellness
Being home to one of the highest concentrations of spas, the fall foliage and vast landscapes offer a vibrant and colourful backdrop, and the Laurentians are filled with places to grab some much-needed rest and relaxation. Surrounded by forests, mountains and on the cusp of a river in Sainte-Adèle, Auberge & Nordic Spa Beaux Rêves can be found right in the heart of the Laurentians. Boasting natural whirlpools, two natural stone thermal ponds one with jets, a steam bath, two finish saunas, a Nordic waterfall and an exterior heated infrared relaxation zone, this spa is a haven of relaxation. Located in the Saint-Sauveur Valley, nestled along the Simon River, the Polar Bear’s Club offers an invigorating Nordic bath experience in a pure natural environment using the millennial traditions of Scandinavian baths—they have been a pioneer in Québec’s spa experiences since 1964. To really experience how the Finns do it, Spa and Hotel le Finlandais is the most diverse spa experience in North America where guests can enjoy more than 25 experiences including an exfoliation room, a salt room, a hammam type sauna, a Moroccan living room, and an infinity pool.
Spa NordiqueCelebrating a Culture of Events
No matter what time of year it is, you can be sure that the Laurentians will be jumping for joy, singing at the top of their lungs while laughter and smiles fill the air at one of the many events that are taking place. Artists take their creative bow in the form of concerts, theatre, music and dance.
It is the time of year to Gather Around the Fire and cozy up with a loved one at Tremblant. Every weekend from September 10 to October 10, relax on one of the restaurants’ terraces or around Place Saint-Bernard’s fireplace and snag a warm drink while listening to music; grab a seat on a chairlift and admire the bright autumn colours from up above during one of the many Colour Festivals that take place across the villages, parks and ski resorts. Sommet Saint-Sauveur is the ideal spot to see the fall foliage from the top of the mountain every weekend from September 13 to October 31. On September 24 and 25, the first edition of a new-genre Festival, Volaria Airshow, will take place at YMX Aérocité Internationale de Mirabel. This 360-degree experience of aeronautics will bring together both the industry and public for the future of technological advances and unique air show. Celebrate all things German from September 30 to October 2 during Oktobierfiest of Sainte-Adèle. It will feel like the ultimate brew festival with 23 beer kiosks and several microbreweries to sample, food trucks to savour, and artisan kiosks, outdoor shows and rides to enjoy, fun for the whole family. October 8 to 10, the biggest country names in Québec will be on stage at Georges-Filion Park for the Country Weekend in the Saint-Sauveur Colours.
32 DegrésA vacation feels complete when regional flavours are enjoyed, adventures and explorations have taught you more about the region, relaxation has taken over and celebrations have been experienced. All of these elements fall within the Laurentians so come and enjoy every aspect this destination has to give.
No matter where you plan to travel, make sure you check the Travel Advice and Advisories page for your destination twice: once when you are planning your trip, and again shortly before you leave. Safety and security conditions may change between the date you book your travel and your departure date.
