IMAGES: STEVE DESCHÊNES; MATHIEU DUPUIS; TOURISME LAURENTIDES
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PAID CONTENT FOR TOURI SME LAURENTIDE S
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landscape of gently rolling hills and rounded mountains unfolding north of Montreal, the Laurentians region is an
easy gateway from the city to the wide-open spaces of Québec. Sprinkled with lakes and meandering rivers, it exists as a four-season playground for various open-air activities. Known as Laurentides by the Québecois, the region has a clutch of well-conserved and wildlife-filled national and regional parks that are just a few hours from Montreal. Each park has a heritage and character of its own, but they all share a common goal of preservation and conservation so visitors can enjoy them. Here are five of the best parks in the region for outdoor adventures.
MONT-TREMBLANT NATIONAL PARK The protected waterways and forests of Mont-Tremblant National Park provide habitat for wolves, beavers and moose, as well as settings as perfect for snowshoeing in winter as paddling in summer. In warmer months, visitors have multiple hiking trails to choose between; from family-friendly short jaunts to lengthier, more challenging routes. In the La Diable sector, hikers follow the well-maintained La Roche trail on a gentle climb (around two hours round- trip) and are rewarded with an amazing view of the glacial valley of Lake Monroe and the Mont-Tremblant highlands. Extend the hike by taking the La Coulée path to join up with the La Corniche trail. WHERE TO STAY: Choose one of the hundreds of campsites, secluded cabins, or hotels in Mont-Tremblant.
OKA NATIONAL PARK Nestled on the Lake of Two Mountains, Oka Beach is a summertime escape for Montrealers. When autumn paints the maple trees in vibrant reds and oranges though, the surrounding Oka National Park demands further exploration. The 2.5-mile Grand Baie trail includes an accessible stretch of wooden boardwalk that floats above marshland and leads to an observation tower with perfect views of the wetlands, forest and lake. Oka’s wetlands are breeding grounds for great blue herons and often filled with migratory birds. WHERE TO STAY: Stay in a cabin in Le Méandre sector or book a fully equipped tent in Les Dunes campground.
KIAMIKA REGIONAL PARK Spread around a vast reservoir in the northern Laurentians, Kiamika Regional Park is dotted with around 40 islands and islets. Home to a biodiversity reserve, its ancient forest shelters trees that are more than 200 years old. The forest and waterways here provide habitat for deer, divers and bald eagles. For visitors, the park offers all kinds of adventures on both water and land. The looped Giant’s Trail can be completed in under an hour and travels through a hemlock forest to a lookout offering views of the Kiamika Reservoir. WHERE TO STAY: Hop aboard a canoe and set-up your shelter in one of the isolated camps on the golden sands of the park’s islands or book at Ecolodge Kiamika.
MONTAGNE DU DIABLE REGIONAL PARK Hiking trails criss-cross Montagne du Diable Regional Park, including the 782-metre Diable summit. The seven-mile Ruisseaux trail leads hikers to the top by following a path that winds by babbling streams and through a forest of maple trees and yellow birches that are more than 150 years old. Des Ruisseaux Hut day shelter provides a welcome place to rest before continuing onwards to the summit. Time your ascent to catch the sun setting over the Baskatong reservoir. WHERE TO STAY: Book the rustic Ruisseaux Hut (which sleeps up to four people) for an overnight stay or opt for a sleekly designed, well-equipped house in the Windigo Lake and Falls sector. You can also book a cabin at Mekoos Forest Inn, which is just outside the park.
POISSON BLANC REGIONAL PARK At Poisson Blanc Regional Park, life revolves around its 32sq mile reservoir which is dotted with around 100 islands. It’s a prime spot for kayaking, paddleboarding and canoeing, but the park can also be explored on foot via the Montagne du Fort network of hiking trails. The challenging Desjardins Trail is a 6.5-mile round trip that leads hikers on a steady climb to several wide- open lookouts for views of the archipelago. Afterwards, cool off with a swim at a beach in the Rapide-du-Fort sector. WHERE TO STAY: Canoe-campers can get a whole island to themselves while the park’s modern, timber-walled cabins are tucked away in the forest with wood-burning stoves.
PLAN YOUR TRIP
There are daily flights from Heathrow to Montreal–Trudeau International Airport. All of the parks are situated within a three-hour drive from Montréal. For more information, visit
laurentides.com/en
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