Mont Tremblant International Resort

Skiing in the Laurentians began at Mont Tremblant in 1939, when the American entrepreneur Joe Ryan opened a ski area on the slopes of the highest peak in the range, and the resort that stands there today has grown into one of the best-known destinations in eastern Canada. Mont Tremblant International Resort is about a ninety-minute drive north of Montreal, in the Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, and its pedestrian village at the base of the mountain, painted in bright Quebec-style colours, is a lively hub of boutiques, restaurants and lodgings.

The village is built for walking. Cobbled lanes and open plazas run down the hillside from the lower terminals to the shore of Lac Tremblant, and shops, cafés and hotels stand along the way. A small chapel nearby recalls the early days of the resort, and a free or low-cost shuttle service connects the village to other parts of the property. Free entertainment, street performers and seasonal festivals add to the atmosphere, particularly on summer weekends and during the winter holidays.

In winter, the resort is a major ski destination. The mountain has several faces with trails for all levels, a long season that typically starts in late November and runs into April, and extensive snowmaking. Snowboarding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, dog-sledding and skating are also available. In summer and autumn, the emphasis shifts to golf, mountain biking, hiking, swimming at the lake and a variety of paddle sports. The Le Grand Manitou gondola carries passengers to the summit, where views stretch across forested ridges and lakes, and in autumn the leaves turn the slopes red and gold.

Dining ranges from casual crêperies to refined restaurants, and a casino is part of the resort. Most shops and restaurants stay open year-round, though some close in the quieter shoulder seasons, so it is wise to check opening hours before planning an evening. Information offices in the village help with activities, tickets and reservations, and a multilingual welcome centre has interactive displays and a large map of the area.

Parking is paid and can be crowded at peak times, so many visitors stay in the village and walk. The resort also works as a base for Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, which lies a short drive away, and for exploring the trails of the surrounding region. Visitors of every kind, from families to couples and groups of friends, find something to enjoy here.