Ultimate Laurentian Mountains 1 Day Road Trip Itinerary: Montreal to Mont Tremblant

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Nestled in the Southern Laurentian Mountains of Quebec, Canada, lies Mont-Tremblant—a stunning town filled with natural beauty, thrilling outdoor activities, and a rich history. Just a short 90 minute drive away from Montreal, Mont-Tremblant is the perfect day trip from Montreal all year round, whether it be for summer hiking, admiring the fall foliage or winter skiing & snowboarding. The drive from Montreal to Mont Tremblant takes you through many small towns in the Laurentian Mountains, all offering unique breathtaking landscapes and a chance to explore Quebecois cuisine & culture. I recently went on Get Your Guide’s ‘Laurentian Mountain Day Trip’ tour (more on that below), which conveniently took us to each town in the itinerary via air conditioner coach and was an easy & fun way to travel through the mountains, returning us back to downtown Montreal at the end of the day! This post will uncover the ultimate one-day road trip from Montreal to Mont Tremblant which stops at many hidden gems of the Laurentians Mountain along the way. It is the ultimate guide for locals & tourists alike, especially those short on time to maximize your day in the mountains!

Contents:

• Why Visit the Laurentian Mountains
• Stop #1 Montreal to Saint Saver
•  Stop #2 Saint-Sauveur to Lac Saint Joseph
• Stop #3 Lac Saint Joseph to Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
• Stop #4 Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts to Mont-Tremblant
• Getting to Mont Tremblant with Ease 
• Trip Planning
• In Conclusion

Why Visit the Laurentian Mountains

The Laurentian Mountains hold a special place in North America’s outdoor legacy, welcoming adventurers and nature enthusiasts year-round. The Laurentian range is over 22,000 square kilometers and is a diverse landscape characterized by rounded mountaintops, rolling hills and over 9,000 freshwater lakes, reminiscent of Swiss-like towns. In fact, North America’s first ski lift was built in 1931 in Mont-Tremblant. The crown Jewel of the Laurentians, Mont Tremblant is 1,510 square kilometers, making it the second largest national park in Quebec & also the first park created in the province. Tremblant has over 400 pristine lakes, streams, six epic rivers, endless mountains and rich wildlife, including Eastern Wolves, Black Bears, Canadian Beavers, Moose, River Otters & more, it’s no wonder more than 3.5 million tourists flock to Tremblant each year! Here is my ultimate guide to a road trip from Montreal to Mont Tremblant, to help you jam pack as much as possible into 1 epic day in the Laurentians.

Stop #1 Montreal to Saint Saver

Saint-Sauveur is a short 50 minute drive away from Montreal (via Trans-Canada Hwy/Autoroute 15 N), making it the perfect first stop on your Laurentian road trip. It is an idyllic town with a population of just 11,000 & is hard to believe you are just 45 minutes away from the hustle & bustle of montreal! I recommend staying in Saint-Sauveur for 30-45 minutes to fuel up on coffee & breakfast, walk around the gorgeous town and admire St Savior Church.

For breakfast you can’t miss Boulangerie Pagé which offers a huge assortment of fresh baguettes & bread, mouth-watering cakes, pastries & croissants, gourmet chocolates & coffee and hot quiches, sandwiches, soups, lasagne & more. You can even buy vacuum-sealed tarts & quiches to take home. I got their Ham & Cheese French Baguette warmed up with dijon mustard & mayonnaise which was absolutely delicious and kept me full all the way to Mont-Tremblant. 

I also recommend buying food & drink in Saint Sauveur from the local merchants & boulangeries to take for a picnic at Tremblant. Fromagerie Saint-Sauveur has a huge array of local cheeses, raclettes & fondues, Lou’s Smoked Meat is a deli specializing in smoked meat sandwiches and Gio’s Le Marché offers prêt-à-manger (ready to eat) pizzas & pasta as well as wine and other italian market goods to take on a picnic and sample the local cuisine. 

Stop #2 Saint-Sauveur to Lac Saint Joseph

A short 25 minute drive along route 329 from Saint-Sauveur is Lac Saint Joseph in the Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard Municipality. Lac Saint-Joseph covers an area of approximately 1.4938 km²  and is a picturesque spot to take some photos with the stunning lake backdrop, stretch your legs & have a short 15 minute break. Gratton Beach is a local municipal beach open during summer which provides fantastic views of the lush surrounding forests and the Laurentian Mountains, especially during September/ October to view the Fall Foliage.

Stop #3 Lac Saint Joseph to Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts

Continue your journey along Route 329 until you reach the charming town of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, nestled around the magnificent Lac des Sables. This stunning lake serves as the focal point of the town, drawing both residents and tourists throughout the year, and it’s an absolute must-visit on your itinerary. I highly recommend allocating at least 30 minutes of your time here to soak in the serene beauty of the lake and to explore the quaint town before you continue your adventure. As you arrive you’ll notice a tranquil wharf ‘Quai Municipal’ & marina which overlooks the lake and is a fantastic spot to sit and admire the views of the Baie J Albert Cloutier. You can also stroll along the Gaston-Miron boardwalk, renowned for its breathtaking views during the day and its enchanting lit scenery at night, making it an ideal starting point for the town’s heritage circuit. 

If you wish to have a quick bite in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts there are many delicious options to choose from:

• Chez Girard is located in a century-old house turned hotel & restaurant, with a beautiful terrace overlooking the lake, specializing in seafood.
• Boulangerie Pain d’Épi Sainte-Agathe which offers a selection of Boulangerie, pâtisseries, croissants, sandwichs & coffees
• Crêperie L’Agathoise offers authentic, artisanal Bretonne crepes and galettes, cooked on a traditional “billig” griddle.
• Station Lunch serves up homemade sandwiches, soups & pastas using local products. You can also hire E-bikes here!
• Stonehaven Le Manoir – part of the Relais & Châteaux luxury Stonehaven hotel, a gourmet restaurant with a beautiful veranda & terrace. They even offer a Sunday tea service.

Stop #4 Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts to Mont-Tremblant

Finally onto the main event – Mont Tremblant! It takes 25 minutes to get from Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts to Mont-Tremblant and the drive is incredibly picturesque. I recommend staying here at least 3 hours before you return back home. Upon arriving in town, you’ll notice a Cabriolet (an open air gondola) taking pedestrians & skiers from the bottom of the village to the top (the base of the mountain). This unique experience is free and is a great way to maneuver throughout Mont-Tremblant & admire the village.

Here are my picks for the best activities to do at Mont- Tremblant during your Day Trip:

• Hiking the Laurentians: During summer there are 11 trails open ranging from 1km to 11km to accommodate all hiking levels. Admire the local waterfalls, lakes & views of Tremblant and keep an eye out for wildlife along the way. I recommend ‘La Villageoise Loop’ (The Village Loop) which is an easy, 6.6km loop trail that features 127 meters of elevation gain. It is an easy stroll that takes approx 1.30 hours that provides fantastic views of the forests, lakes & Laurentian Mountains. 
• Snow Sports: Tremblant becomes a Winter Wonderland during the colder months and has over 102 runs & 14 ski lifts in the resort to cater to all levels of skiers & snow borders. The last lifts close between 3:30-4:30, so you can sneak in a half day skiing if you wish, or customize your itinerary to stay for a full day! If skiing or boarding isn’t your cup of tea, you can also try snow tubing, dog sledding, ice climbing or snowshoeing to take part in the winter adventures!

• Take a trip on the Panoramic Gondola: Open May to October, the Panoramic Gondola takes you to the summit of Mont Tremblant. During the 10 minute ascent you can enjoy breathtaking views of Lac Tremblant, the Laurentians and the surrounding valleys. Once arrived, there are hiking trails, nature shows, a licensed restaurant & a 360 observation tower to explore. During winter, the gondola transports skiers & snowboarders from the summit of the mountain.
• Go on the Skyline Luge: Originating from New Zealand, the Skyline Luge in Tremblant (the first Luge attraction in North America) is part go-kart, part toboggan and features a 1.4km trail through the Laurentian forest, overlooking Tremblant Resort. You start by taking a chairlift to the top of the Luge track before navigating down 24 corners on the 3 wheeled carts.
• Explore the Pedestrian Village: the European-style pedestrian village at the base of the mountain features cobblestone streets, colorful buildings & a backdrop of the surrounding mountains & lake, exuding alpine charm. The postcard-perfect village has a diverse array of shops & boutiques to indulge in some retail therapy as well as numerous cafes, bars & restaurants. The village is adorned with iconic red Adorondak seats & outdoor fireplaces which is the perfect spot to unwind & watch the world go by.

• Visit the Scandinave Spa: indulge in a rejuvenating digital detox at the Scandinave Spa Mont Tremblant location. Set in the Diable River this tranquil oasis offers both indoor & outdoor installations & relaxation areas. You’ll alternate between hot finnish saunas, eucalyptus steam rooms & whirlpools followed by icy plunges in pools & waterfalls to experience the invigorating benefits of hydrotherapy. Finish each relaxation cycle by lounging on hammocks & recliners in the lush forest setting, all while wrapped up in a plush robe. They even offer massage services & an on-site bistro. For a full review of the Scandinave Spa Montreal, feel free to check out my review here.
• Eat & Drink your Way through the Village: Tremblant has no shortage of restaurants & bars to indulge in & experience authentic Quebecois cuisine during your day trip. I highly recommend Restaurant La Savoie which offers authentic Savoyard cuisine from raclettes to fondue & Le Shack, a resto-bar which is perfect for après-ski & happy hour on their sunny outdoor terraces

Check out my full list of best Mont-Tremblant Activities Here!

Getting to Mont Tremblant with Ease

While many travelers opt for driving, I’d like to share an excellent alternative that ensures you make the most of your time in the mountains: Get Your Guide’s ‘Laurentian Mountains Day Trip‘. Please note this tour is offered during the summer/ fall months. 

I had the pleasure of experiencing this tour personally in late September, 2023, with my parents visiting from Australia. Booking the tour online was a breeze, and on the day of our trip, we were picked at 7:30 am from my parents’ hotel in downtown Montreal. Our meeting point was the Tourist Information Centre, located between Peel Street and Metcalfe Street. Checking in and obtaining our tickets was quick and hassle-free, and by 8 am, we were comfortably settled into the air-conditioned, spacious coach ready for our adventure. 

The coach took us seamlessly from Montreal to Saint Sauveur for our first stop, where we had 45 minutes to explore the gorgeous town and get breakfast. We then moved onto a photo stop at the picturesque Lac Saint Joseph & then onto the St-Agathe-des-Monts, allowing us to visit three beautiful Laurentian towns before noon! Finally, we arrived at Mont-Tremblant at 1pm, where we had 3 hours free time to explore the town at our own pace and partake in one of the many activities on offer. The commentary was in both English & French & our fantastic Tour Guide kept us entertained during the bus trip with interesting facts & anecdotes about each town. At the end of the day, with everyone tired from the day’s activities, we returned to Montreal by coach, being dropped off at our hotels by 6:30pm. 

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, this tour eliminates the hassle of driving yourself and offers ample time to explore each town along the way, including a generous three hours in Mont Tremblant. I highly recommend Get Your Guide to anyone looking for an affordable & convenient way to visit the majestic Laurentian Mountains! It is the Ultimate one-day road trip from Montreal to Mont Tremblant.

Trip Planning

Before you hit the road from Montreal to Mont Tremblant, it’s important to pack smartly to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip, especially as the weather can change quickly in the mountains! Here are some packing tips to keep in mind:

• Weather-Appropriate Clothing: The weather in the Laurentians varies depending on the season, so check the forecast and pack accordingly. During winter, make sure to bring layers, a warm jacket, and gloves for activities like skiing. In warmer seasons, opt for breathable clothing suitable for hiking & outdoor activities. 
• Comfortable Footwear: Whether you plan to hike scenic trails or stroll through Mont Tremblant’s village, comfortable shoes are a must. 
• Sun Protection: Don’t forget essentials like SPF, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat, especially if you’re visiting in the summer when the sun can be unexpectedly intense.
• Snacks and Water: While you’ll find plenty of dining options along the way, it’s a good idea to carry some snacks and a refillable water bottle to quickly refuel during your day.
• Portable Charger: You will no doubt be using your phone to capture photos of the picturesque towns & for GPS, so make sure you bring a portable phone charger.
• Camera and Binoculars: Capture the breathtaking landscapes and wildlife encounters with a camera or smartphone & enhance wildlife watching with binoculars 
• Maps and Navigation: Even with GPS, it’s a smart idea to bring a physical map or navigation app handy, as cell service can be spotty in some remote areas.
• Cash and Cards: Ensure you have some Canadian dollars and credit/debit cards for purchases, as not all places may accept international cards. If you opt for a tour, make sure to bring small amounts of cash to tip your guide. 
• First-Aid Kit: A basic first-aid kit with essentials like bandages, pain medication, insert repellant and any personal medications is a smart addition to your backpack, especially if you plan on hiking or skiing. 
• Respect for Nature: Finally, pack an eco-friendly mindset. The natural beauty of the Laurentians is a treasure to be preserved, so bring reusable containers and dispose of trash responsibly.

What are you Waiting for?

The road trip from Montreal to Mont Tremblant is filled with natural wonders, picturesque towns, adrenaline-fuelled activities and a taste of Quebecois culture. From the charming streets of Saint-Sauveur to the serene beauty of Lac Saint Joseph, and the vibrant Swiss ambiance of Mont-Tremblant itself, this one-day itinerary is perfect for escaping to the heart of the Laurentian Mountains. Whether you’re traveling by car, or going on a convenient tour, this Ultimate one-day road trip from Montreal to Mont Tremblant ensures a day filled with Quebecois adventure for both locals and tourists alike. What are you waiting for? Start planning your road trip today!

Check out more Get Your Guide Mont-Tremblant Tours below!