Laurentians for the Family

When you think of vacations in Canada, the first things that come to mind are probably snow, mountains and sub-zero temperatures, and while there are certainly many times of the year and parts of the country where these would not be the first thing your family sees, the Laurentian Mountains provide an excellent backdrop for families who do want to get away to just these conditions.

It would be disingenuous to imply the Laurentian Mountains are pointless if you aren’t visiting in the winter, though, as the region is filled with things to do year-round, from fishing, golfing and more in the summer to skiing, dogsledding and more in the winter. There are always things to do and places to eat in the Laurentians.

The first thing to decide when planning a visit is when. Every season has a unique attraction. This decision could be as simple as deciding you would like to teach the youngsters how to ski or visit the region’s two national parks without the hindrance of snow. There is a lot to do, so make sure you know what you’re getting when you plan your trip.

First off, while there are things to do inside for all members of the family, the mountains are primarily an outdoor destination. If your family isn’t all-in on enjoying the great outdoors, it might be best to consider a different option.

Summer in the Laurentians is similar to summer in many other places. There are places to go swimming, golfing, bicycling and many more activities typical of this time of year.

For starters, consider toting the family to Mont-Tremblant. The mountain is an excellent destination for skiing families, but it is also an excellent destination in the warmer summer months. Mont-Tremblant National Park is packed with excellent spots and routes for different boating activities. The park also has two supervised beaches. For families who would rather stay dry, there are numerous hiking, fishing and wildlife observation opportunities in the national parks. Older kids and parents might enjoy kayaking and canoeing or biking through the mountains. There is no shortage of activities, just make sure to pack and dress appropriately for the warm weather.

Depending on how early in the season you go, autumn is still a great time to participate in many snowless activities in the Laurentians. Fall really shines when it comes to the foliage, though.

Laurentian Mountains, sunset. Photo: Wanida Prapan | Dreamstime.com

In order to best make use of the changing foliage, consider grabbing a scenic flight over the mountains to take in all the changing leaves. The changing leaves aren’t the only sign of fall, but they sure help. Take the family on a fruit-picking adventure and use it for pie making for the upcoming holidays.

If the summer is too harsh for land activities for the family, now is the perfect time to hit some hiking trails before the snow comes. The Laurentians, especially the national parks, are perfect for hiking thanks to countless trails. Hiking in the fall also offers a slightly different, and likely much less buggy, experience than hiking in the summer.

Assuming your family likes winter sports and activities, winter is by far the best time to visit the region. Mont-Tremblant specifically has miles of skiing and snowboarding trails, plus great sports for beginners to practice and get the hang of the sport with the help of instructors. There is even a cool, and lengthy, snowshoe tour from the peak of Mont-Tremblant. These itineraries can be tiring, so it is best for families with kids who are capable of handling the environment and participating in the activities.

All throughout the Laurentians, there are incredible places for families to get a great. Guests can find many kinds of cuisines in the region, and depending on your family’s taste, most likely the exact cuisine to fulfill their hunger for new and delicious foods. For an excellent and accessible taste of traditional Quebec cuisine, check out Au Petit Poucet. This restaurant has been a staple of the region since it opened in 1945 and offers hearty breakfasts, preparing your family for a full day out in the mountains. If you want to swing through on a busy day, just stop by the take-out counter for some homemade goodies on the go.

One of the great things about the Laurentians is the relative proximity to Montreal. There is a good chance your family will be flying through the city en route to the mountains. This is an excellent opportunity to take in some history and culture before making your way toward the wilderness the Laurentians offer.