Lac Tremblant

Mont Tremblant rises to about 875 metres, the highest summit in the Laurentian Mountains, and at its foot lies the long lake that gives the resort town its setting. Lac Tremblant is a mountain lake in the Laurentians of Quebec, ringed by forest and overlooked by the ski slopes, and it is the water that most visitors see first when they arrive in Mont-Tremblant, about a ninety-minute drive north of Montreal. The lake and the mountain share a name that comes from Indigenous tradition, in which the mountain was said to tremble when the spirits were angered, a story that gave the area its French name.

The lake is the centre of the summer season. The pedestrian village at the base of the ski hill stands within walking distance of the shore, and public access points and a beach give residents and travellers the chance to swim, paddle and boat. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards can be rented in season, and the calm water close to shore suits beginners as well as families. Pedal boats, small sailboats and cruises are among the other options, and fishing is possible for those with the right licence. The water warms through July and August, though it stays cooler than many southern lakes.

A boardwalk lookout on the shore offers a way to enjoy the view without getting wet. From the planks you look across the water to the wooded slopes, with the ski runs cut into the mountain above, and in autumn the hillsides turn red and gold, which many regard as the best time for photographs. A small chapel stands near the lakefront, and Chemin de la Chapelle is the road that leads past it. The lookout is open at all hours, which makes it a good place for a quiet early-morning walk or a sunset pause.

For anyone who likes variety, the region around the lake is well suited to outdoor activity throughout the year. Hiking trails climb the mountain, and Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, a short drive away, protects a large area of lakes, forest and rivers. In winter, the lake freezes and the area becomes a ski and snowshoeing destination, while the resort village glows with lights.

Visitors should note that parking in the village is often paid and can fill up in peak season. The Mont Tremblant International Resort and the village shops are only a short walk away, and the free gondola services in some seasons connect the village with the upper slopes.