I love cruising down the open road, so when I visited Montreal last summer, Mont-Tremblant National Park was one of those things not to be missed and just under 1.5 hour’s drive from the city. The forest scents, the breeze, wildflowers, and mountain views motivate me to go and see what’s around the next bend in the trail. However, it was a strange trip among lingering Covid restrictions, with lots of uncertainty, stress, and more cancelled plans.
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Mont-Tremblant National Park
Set in the Southern Laurentians is a second and the largest park in Quebec, Mont Tremblant National Park. The park was established in 1895 but was only recognized as a national park in 2001. It is about a 100 km drive from Montreal and makes for a beautiful day trip. Various landscapes exist within the park, from forests to lakes and mountains, making it an outdoor enthusiast’s paradise.
How To Get There
To access Mont Tremblant, take Highway 117 from Montreal and head north. Simple.
Where I Stayed
I stayed in Esterel, nestled in one of the Laurentian’s most beautiful locations, surrounded by nothing but nature. It offered spacious suites, king-size beds, a fireplace and kitchenettes, panoramic swimming pools, hot tubs, saunas and fine dining. It was an exceptional resort. The weather was colder than I would have liked, though. However, spending time in nature is much easier than you think, even if the weather deters you.
What To Do In Mont-Tremblant
Mont Tremblant National Park is famous for a reason and offers fantastic things to do all year round. It is most known for its ski resort, but there are plenty of other things. A variety of forested trails there fit pretty much everyone’s hiking skills and abilities. You can stroll through the cobbled lanes in the Mont Tremblant Village, play golf, go zip-lining, or bike. And if you like water-based sports activities, there is kayaking and boating.
Hiking Mont-Tremblant
Grand Brule to Pic White
The Grand Brule dumps you out at the village of Mont-Tremblant, which is not ideal if it’s the solitude you are after. It is a rocky trail with several viewpoints from atop big rock outcroppings, so there is lots of boulder hopping. Very well-maintained trail, and the views are, as always, serene. The start of the trailhead marks a giant trail map right in the village. To start, you will follow the Ruisseaux trail, and after about 400 meters, it will split to the right. I suggest following the coloured trail markers, maroon for Grand Brule.
It is not a technical trail, but roots and rocks make it somewhat tricky, so watch your footing. It alternated between steep-ish and flat, muddy and wet in some areas. Some short footbridges were placed conveniently here and there to help navigate and keep you dry.
At about 1.5 km, you will notice a bench to sit and enjoy the view. After that, the trail will widen, and you will walk through the forests. Again you will be surrounded by, you guessed it, more rocks and evergreens. Very enchanting and very calming.
Around the 5 km mark, you will cross some ski slopes and a pond. The last kilometre is very rocky. At the summit, the views abound. I can only imagine what those landscapes, surrounded by autumn’s hues of colours, would look like. Some say it’s the most beautiful time in the Laurentians.
Hiking the Grand Brule Trail
Distance: 12 km out and back
Difficulty: Moderate
Elevation: 600 m
Time: 3 hours plus
What To Pack Grand Brule Trail
- Daypack
- Hiking shoes/Trail Runners
- Rain/Wind Jacket
- Hat/Sunnies
- Sunblock/Bugspray
- Water/Food
- First Aid
Coffee Talks In Montreal
Montreal was never on my bucket list. I don’t actually have one to tell the truth. There are so many other places to see in the world, but when the world of travel got substantially smaller, I finally took the opportunity to visit Southeastern Canada. I was not blown away by Montreal’s diversity or culture, but the coffee and dining were to die for. Needles to say, I was very impressed. And if you know me, you know that coffee makes me very happy.
Caffecito
Caffecito is where you feel like you can escape from your daily routine. The interior was designed to recreate the charm of Havana. I felt very relaxed there, and the coffee was excellent. I loved the attention to detail, and the pink tops on their coffee cups were a nice touch.
Cafe Tommy
Cafe Tommy is one of the most beautiful cafes in Montreal. The coffee there tastes like freedom and adventure. It makes you want to do things and go places. The spot is super Instagramable. It is busy but at the same time feels like home.
Related
If you like coffee, you will probably enjoy coffee talks.
Happy Adventuring!
