The Top Things To Do in Mont-Tremblant

Photos courtesy Mont-Tremblant Resort (unless otherwise indicated)

Looking for great ideas for a Quebec family vacation? Contributor Rossana Wyatt shares this list of the top things to do in Mont-Tremblant

Mont-Tremblant is located in the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec, within the biggest National Park in the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec (SEPAQ) network. Mont-Tremblant National Park itself spans over 1,500 sq km. With its highest peak sitting at 875m, Mont-Tremblant is a destination that caters to both winter and summer fun.

As an area that was inhabited by the Algonquin people before being settled in the late 1800s, its name is derived from the translation of the original name given to it of  ‘Trembling Mountain’ – a reference to the mountain trembling if ever the deity they believed lived there was upset. 

The first chairlift was installed in 1939, and since then the area has developed into one of the largest and most varied ski terrain in Eastern North America. Couple that with excellent guest experiences at the massive year-round Mont-Tremblant Resort – both on-mountain and in its pedestrian village – and you have a must-visit destination for those seeking an exciting travel adventure in Quebec Canada.

To help you find your fun in this popular destination, be sure to read through our list of the top things to do in Mont-Tremblant. Whether travelling from within Canada or from abroad, with family or with friends – or even if it’s just you and your sweetheart – you’ll not be disappointed.

The Best Things To Do in Mont-Tremblant Quebec

1.  Getting There (and Getting Around) is Half the Fun

Mont-Tremblant is easy to get to… and get around. It has its own international airport located 45 minutes north of the resort, and direct flights from Toronto with Air Canada and Porter Airlines, with international connections and no stopovers. The terminal is set in the heart of the Laurentians with shuttles to the resort.

It can also be easily accessed from Ottawa and Montreal by car. In either case, it’s a very pretty drive – especially in Fall when the colours peak – that takes just an hour and a half. Once you arrive in the pedestrian-friendly village, you can park the car and just walk to most places, or use one of the shuttles or local transportation. 

2.  Winter Activities: Fun Things To Do in Mont-Tremblant When the Snow Flies

Voted the #1 ski resort in Eastern North America by SKI Magazine for years, the resort continues to be a very popular winter destination. It was also named among the best ski resorts in the US and Canada in Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards and ranked among the top 25 ski towns in the world according to National Geographic.

 It has abundant snowfall each year that is augmented by a powerful snowmaking system of over 1,100 snow guns to delight skiers and snowboarders alike from November to April. And if you’re not into skiing or snowboarding, there are countless other activities to keep you busy. It’s the perfect setting for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, sleigh rides and horseback riding. For the more adventurous there is ice climbing, snowmobile treks and dogsledding.

As long as you are looking for excuses to be outdoors in the wonderful fresh air, there will be plenty of fun things to see and do in Mont-Tremblant whatever your interests..

3.  Summer Activities: Fun Things To Do in Mont-Tremblant When the Sun Shines

As well as being an incredible winter destination, Mont Tremblant offers an incredibly varied summer experience as well. There is an array of activities such as horseback riding, hiking, swimming, boating and even fishing. The area also offers its own Via Ferrata for the more adventurous hikers with spectacular sights along the way.

Cruise down a winding river in a canoe or kayak, or hike one of the many trails close to the resort or within Mont-Tremblant National Park. If you’ve never ziplined, this is the place to try it. The incredible views between Ziptrek Ecotours’ five aerial ziplines coupled with the guided tours on each of the hikes between the zipline platforms will leave you wanting to try it again. For a more leisure activity, there is a lakefront beach and golfing to try.

4.  Marvel at the Panoramic Views

No matter what activity you choose, there will be spectacular views and vistas all around you. Take the gondola up the mountain for magnificent and breathtaking views over the Laurentians, Lac Tremblant, and its beach.

Or for an easier trek, hop onto the village cabriolet: the views are not the same as they would be in the gondola, but they are lovely, nonetheless. 

5.  Enjoy First-rate Dining Experiences

With some 35 different restaurants, bars, bistros and cafés (not to mention sweet shops) to choose from, there is something to suit everyone’s palate and dietary restrictions in Tremblant. You will find delectable culinary specialties perfect for everyone’s tastes whether for breakfast, lunch, dinner, après-ski… or whenever the urge to eat strikes.

Among the most popular fine dining options are Restaurant C’est la Vie and SEb L’Artisan Culinaire, while those looking for something casual (yet equally excellent) should try Le Grill Saint-George’s or Restaurant Mille Pâtes, to name but a few.

6.  Get Your Shopping Fix

Stroll through the lovely European-style streets with their village lighting and discover exclusive luxury boutiques offering apparel (Chamonix), sports equipment, gear and accessories (Atomic and Explore!).

Looking for that special gift? Support local artisans in one of the village art galleries (Galerie du Hameau) and gift shops (La Cabane) where you will find unique, one-of-a-kind gifts to take home. Other popular stores to visit include T Bar, Place Bonbon, Boutique Raffinerie and le Studio Creatif.

7.  Now That’s Entertainment!

Tremblant is filled with year round events, whether ski race events, music events, yoga festivals, or even Indy race events. For music lovers, the Tremblant International Blues Festival takes place over 10 days, with over 300 shows performed by top blues musicians from around the globe.

Catch Les Rythmes Tremblant, free outdoor concerts all summer long with different musical universes showcased from Latin rhythms and R&B to pop and world music. In September, Fête de la musique showcases over 30 free concerts throughout the village. 

8. Hotels Tremblant:  Stay for a Night, a Weekend… or a Week

Tremblant boasts an impressive array of over 1,900 units, ensuring there’s a type of accommodation to meet everyone’s needs and budget, from basic three star to luxury options including Hotel Quintessence and Fairmont Tremblant.

Guests can choose from traditional guest rooms to fully equipped condos, and mountainside chalets and villas. If you are driving, once your car is parked at your hotel, everything you need is just a few steps away. The best way to get around the village is to walk, enjoying the quaint village and its European ambiance as you stroll through.  

9.  Get Some R’n’r

Tired and sore after all that recreational exertion? The best way to relieve some of the tension and pain is to indulge in a spa treatment. Although there are a few spas and wellness centers in Tremblant, one of the more remarkable ones is Spa Scandinave.

Spa Scandinave’s hydrotherapy pools are located along the Riviere du Diable. According to Spa Scandinave, “the cycle of hot-cold-relax is proven to both energize and rest the body, improving blood circulation and activating the lymphatic system to help detoxification.” Based on an ancient Finnish practice that dates back thousands of years, the effect is to leave you feeling relaxed and revived. Plus the scenery in any season – though especially fall and winter – are not to be outdone.

10.  Play, Play… and Play Some More

After a day full of fun activities, continue the enjoyment and head out for a night at the Casino de Mont-Tremblant. Accessible by both gondola and a guest shuttle from the village, the casino is set across three floors in a natural setting and features a 100-seat restaurant and 29 seat bar.

It also boasts 400 slot machines, 16 game tables with croupiers, three Texas Hold’em poker tables, and two electronic game tables for all those gaming aficionados. For those who just want entertainment, there are nightly shows in the lounge area. The Casino also reserves spacious quarters for its high-roller guests, where they can reserve two private lounges for events.

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Contributor Rossana Wyatt is a travel blogger specializing in family and solo travel that includes teens and the 50+, as well as specialty diets. She is also a member of the International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association (IFWTWA). Visit her website at www.lifeisfullofadventures.com.