Four Seasons of Fun: Guide to Saint-Sauveur & the Best Things to Do

Nestled in the heart of the breathtaking Laurentian Mountains in Quebec, Canada lies the postcard perfect town of Saint-Sauveur. It is located just 70-kilometers (43-miles) northwest of Montreal with the journey taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes by car (depending on traffic). Saint-Sauveur is a year-round destination with a population of 11,000, with a diverse array of activities and attractions to captivate visitors in every season. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie partaking in winter sports or prefer to relax at a nordic spa, Saint-Sauveur has something for everyone. The village itself is a blend of quaint boutiques, charming art galleries and exceptional restaurants which make it a popular destination for day trips and weekend escapes from Montreal. I visited the town in Summer 2023 and again during Winter in February 2024 and had an amazing experience during both seasons. Here is my ultimate guide of the best things to do in Saint-Sauveur during each season

In this Article/ Jump Ahead

The Best Time to Visit Saint-Sauveur
Getting to Saint-Sauveur from Montreal
Accommodation in Saint-Sauveur
Best Things to Do in Saint-Sauveur
1. Skiing and Snowboarding at Sommet Saint-Sauveur
2. Relax at Strøm Spa
3. Explore Mont Saint-Sauveur Village
4. Sommet Saint-Sauveur Water Park 
5. Cycling Journey Along Le P’tit Train du Nord
6. Snow Tubing
7. Sample the Local Cuisine
8. Hike in Laurentian Mountains
Conclusion 

The Best Time to Visit Saint-Sauveur

Saint-Sauveur is a year-round destination and each season brings its own unique flair. The winter months from December to February turn the town and the surrounding mountains into a snowy wonderland, making it a haven for winter sports enthusiasts. Fast forward to spring, and you’ll witness the landscape bursting into life with blooming flowers and lush greenery. The warmer summer months are perfect for exploring hiking trails and diving into water activities. Come fall, from September to November, the scenery transforms into a kaleidoscope of vibrant colors as the foliage changes, for those who appreciate nature walks in crisp fall air. Regardless of the season, there is something for every kind of traveler, so plan your trip accordingly. This article covers the best activities for all months of the year

Getting to Saint-Sauveur from Montreal

• By Car: Saint-Sauveur is a breeze to reach by car. If you’re making the journey from Montreal, simply hop onto Highway 15 North. The drive takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes, covering approximately 70 kilometers. If you do not have a car, Montreal offers plenty of car hire options, or you can explore car-sharing services like Communauto for your trip.
• Public Transportation: While bus services between Montreal and Saint-Sauveur are somewhat limited, I found a convenient option through Busbud via Galland’s service during my trip. Choose between two departure times—7:30 AM or 2:30 PM—and expect a journey of 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours and 10 minutes, depending on traffic. The pick-up location at Gare d’Autocars in Montreal is convenient, and the drop-off lands you in the center of Saint-Sauveur, surrounded by shops and restaurants. One-way tickets are a budget-friendly $21 (excluding tax).
• Taxi or Ride-Sharing: For a more personalized journey, you can take an Uber or taxi from Montreal to Saint-Sauveur. I chatted with an Uber driver in Saint-Sauveur who had dropped off a group from Montreal airport that day. Be prepared to budget $130 or more for this option. Keep in mind that finding a ride back from Montreal may be a bit trickier than getting there.

Accommodation in Saint-Sauveur

Accommodation in Saint-Sauveur caters to various preferences, offering a selection of Hotels, Bed and Breakfasts, and Inns. For a luxurious escape, Manoir Saint-Sauveur stands out with 250 newly renovated rooms and an exclusive Nordic spa, starting at $256 per night. Another gem is Relais Saint-Denis, centrally located near rue Principale, featuring its own spa and comfortable rooms starting at $109. I recently enjoyed a fantastic two-night stay at Hotel Saint-Sauveur, opting for a suite at $160 per night, ideal for four people. The suite, complete with a fireplace and well-equipped amenities, included a spacious bath for post-ski relaxation and had stunning views of the Saint-Sauveur mountains and ski hills. It is conveniently located just a 10-minute drive from the mountain and is just a short walk to the heart of Saint-Sauveur. 

Best Things to Do in Saint-Sauveur

1. Skiing and Snowboarding at Sommet Saint-Sauveur

From December to February, Saint-Sauveur transforms into a haven for winter sports enthusiasts, with the crown jewel being Sommet Saint-Sauveur. The mountain is located a 5-minute drive from the center of Saint-Sauveur. The ski resort has two stunning hillsides; Saint-Sauveur and its versant Avila, reaching an elevation of 416 m (1,365 ft above sea level). With 43 trails serviced by 8 lifts, the mountain caters to all skill levels, featuring 21% easy trails, 23% intermediate, 18% difficult, and 12% expert terrain. The resort also offers night skiing which is complemented by weekend events featuring DJs and live performances. Sommet Saint-Sauveur is well equipped with top-notch facilities including boutiques, rental shops, demo areas, tune-up services, lockers, restaurants and cafes. My favorite was the T-Bar 70 Resto, at the base of the mountain—a superb après-ski restaurant and bar adorned with fireplaces and a warm, lively ambiance. 

Adult day passes are priced at $87.99 and night skiing passes available for just $61.99. The mountain opens its slopes from 8:30 am to 10 pm during the regular ski schedule until March 31, and you can even enjoy Spring Skiing until May 20, 2024, from 9 am to 5 pm. I highly recommend spending a day or two at this awesome mountain, whether you’re a seasoned skiing or novice eager to learn.

Best Enjoyed: Winter for best snow conditions with Spring skiing available through to May 
Official Website: https://www.sommets.com/en/ski-mountains/sommet-saint-sauveur/mountain/

2. Relax at Strøm Spa

Located at 930 Des Laurentides Boulevard, Piedmont, just a short 10-minute drive from the heart of Saint-Sauveur, Strøm Spa is a Nordic Spa which follows the age-old Scandinavian tradition of alternating between hot and cold experiences to enhance overall well-being. Positioned along the picturesque rivière à Simon, the Saint-Sauveur location boasts a stunning backdrop, adding to the serene ambiance. 

Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with a fluffy robe to change into and begin your journey through the thermotherapy circuits. Start with unwinding for 10-15 minutes in one of the various spas, finnish sauna or eucalyptus steam room to ease muscle tension. Then, brace yourself for a quick 15-60 second cold plunge, invigorating your senses and triggering endorphin production. Wrap up your experience in the serene relaxation areas, complete with sun loungers and hammocks, for a tranquil 20-30 minute unwinding session to restore your heart rate post-thermal journey. The therapeutic water circuit is then repeated 2 or 3 times, offering a myriad of health and well-being benefits. 

Prices for the Thermal Circuit vary seasonally, with Monday to Thursday Thermal Experience access priced at $64 and Friday to Sunday at $94. Massages and treatments are available at an extra cost, providing an opportunity for even more lavish pampering. Check out my review and guide to other nordic spas in Montreal here & here. 

Best Enjoyed: All seasons! With its year-round availability, Strom Spa in Saint-Sauveur offers a dynamic experience, showcasing the beauty of each season. 
Official Website: https://www.stromspa.com/en/

3. Explore Mont Saint-Sauveur Village

Saint-Sauveur is a shopping haven, celebrated for its charming boutiques and local products. The main street, Rue Principale, is adorned with countless boutiques, vintage stores, cafes, restaurants, and antique shops, alongside well-known retailers. For those seeking bargains, the Factory Outlets in Saint-Sauveur provide fantastic deals on major brands, such as Puma, La Vie en Rose and Rebook. Along Rue Principale, you can also marvel at the magnificent Église de St-Sauveur or stop by the Laurentian Ski Museum, preserving the unique history of skiing in the Laurentides, with over 7500 artifacts providing educational and cultural experiences.

Best Enjoyed: Year round

4. Sommet Saint-Sauveur Water Park 

During the summer months, Saint-Sauveur mountain transforms into the ultimate summer oasis, boasting the largest mountain water park experience in the world. Sommet Saint-Sauveur Water Park includes more than 41 aquatic activities, ranging from exhilarating water slides, mountain rafting, sliding in the dark, lazy rivers and swimming pools. The slides are built into the mountain and include family-friendly options like the wave pool, spa or playground, alongside heart-pounding thrill rides such as the Colorado River, where riders raft through 700,000 liters of water and daring rapids aboard a rafting boat – a one of a kind experience in Canada.

Your ticket also provides you access to Parc F.U.N, an amusement park featuring 9 attractions. Like the water park, there are family friendly attractions such as mini golf and The Dragon, a double zip line with breathtaking views of the Saint-Sauveur valley, to the more thrilling Viking – a four season Alpine Coaster, a toboggan roller coaster journeying down a 1.5km trail on the mountain, where riders can choose their own speed. There are ample dining options available to refuel, from the chic T-Bar 70 terrasse or the warm ambiance of Chez ti Lou, as well as quick service options like the iconic Beaver Tails. Adult day tickets are priced at $51.99. 

Best Enjoyed: Summer – it’s the best place to cool off during June-September
Official Website: https://www.sommets.com/en/water-park-saint-sauveur/

5. Cycling Journey Along Le P’tit Train du Nord

Le P’tit Train du Nord is an iconic 234-kilometer linear park situated in the picturesque Laurentides region, easily accessible from Saint-Sauveur. Originally a railway line, this renowned trail boasts a flat and easily navigable terrain, making it a cyclist’s paradise. As the longest linear park in Canada, it is popular year round, offering a plethora of activities such as biking, rollerblading, cross-country skiing, winter cycling, and snowmobiling.

The trail spans from Bois-des-Filion to Mont-Laurier, taking you through a breathtaking journey amid lush forests, towering mountains, and serene lakes with crystal-clear waters. The park takes you past charming towns and villages along the way, allowing you to stop at heritage train stations, savor local gastronomy, discover art galleries and shop at unique boutiques. For those without their own bikes, a variety of rentals are available, with prices as affordable as $30 per day. Whether you’re tackling the entire trail or just a section, Le P’tit Train du Nord promises a unique and breathtaking experience that is the perfect addition to your Saint-Sauveur trip. I recommend planning your route here.  

Best Enjoyed: Le P’tit Train du Nord is a four-season trail. Spring and summer offer optimal cycling conditions and allow you to stop for refreshing swims in the lakes. During fall, conditions will be colder but you will experience the vibrant fall foliage. In winter, you can rent fat bikes or snowmobiles to explore the snow-covered trail. 

Official Website: https://ptittraindunord.com/

6. Snow Tubing 

Snow tubing is one of the best family-friendly activities during Winter. There are two notable options in Saint-Sauveur to choose from:

Snow Tubing Versant Avila
This tubing park is a part of the Sommet Saint Sauveur group and is located on the Avila side of the mountain. The park features 3 lifts, 21 slides and 3 rafting trails. The park is fitted out with cozy outdoor fireplaces plus a sugar shack & wooden cafeteria to warm up with hot chocolate after gliding down the trails. An adult ticket is $35.99 for 4 hours. 
Best Enjoyed: Winter
Official Website: https://www.sommets.com/en/snow-tubing-sommets/

Glissades Domaine des Pays d’en Haut
Known as the world’s largest snow sliding center, this epic snow park boasts an impressive 61 slopes and 5 unique types of rides. I visited in February 2024, and it was unlike anything I had experienced before; from the variety of rides to the exhilarating intensity of the slides, some with an 80 meter vertical drop!  The ride options include classic Snow Tubes as well as Bobsleighs, Rafts and the Vortex360 and Tornado which are giant tubes that spin you and your friend around during their descent. Each slope is graded from beginner, intermediate or expert, so there is something to cater to all riders. The rides are efficiently serviced by lifts, including chairlifts and magic carpets, offering a front-row seat as you ascend the mountain watching riders glide down the slopes. 

Pricing is flexible, with different tiers based on your preferred rides and time blocks. A 2-hour snow tube pass is priced at $39.99, while a 4 hour-long all-access block that includes Tubing, Rafting, Tornade, Bobsleigh, and Vortex360 is available for $57.99.
 Best Enjoyed: Winter 
Official Website: https://glissade.ca/en/

Sample the Local Cuisine 

Saint-Sauveur is a culinary melting pot, with sensational dining options to try on your visit. The Laurentian region’s rich gastronomic heritage blends classic French-Canadian flavors with farm-fresh innovation. You can explore diverse dining experiences, ranging from cozy local eateries to upscale farm-to-table gems and unique breweries. For restaurants, I recommend: 

• Le St-Sau Pub Gourmand: A gastro-pub that transforms pub favorites into sophisticated dishes. Don’t miss the Tartiflette with house-made charcuterie.
• Lola 45: a bistro-style restaurant which emphasizes local ingredients, supporting regional producers. With a chic-rustic ambiance and a charming terrace, Lola 45 offers a seasonally-inspired menu with an extensive wine collection.
• Restaurant Maestro: A culinary landmark for over three decades, Maestro offers Asian-inflected dishes, Italian pastas, and locally sourced meats. Indulge in highlights like beef tartare, duck leg confit, and foie gras crème brûlée.
• Souvlaki 7: A Modern Greek Restaurant with stunning ski hill views. I recommend sharing the Pikilia platter which includes Spanakopita, Dolmades, Olives, Tzatziki, Tirokafteri, Loukaniko, and Taramasalata with Pita, for a bite of everything! 

There are also countless casual eateries and merchants to check out, such as Boulangerie Pagé & Pascal Le Boulanger for fresh baguettes, pastries and deserts, Fromagerie Saint-Sauveur for local cheeses, Lou’s Smoked Meat for deli sandwiches, and Gio’s Le Marché for ready-to-eat pizzas and pasta.

Pro Tip: Pick up a variety of local delicacies from these vendors and pack a picnic before your day out exploring the town! 

Best Enjoyed: Year round!

Hike in Laurentian Mountains 

Whether you’re an avid hiker, trail runner, or prefer a leisurely stroll, Saint-Sauveur boasts diverse hiking terrain amidst the picturesque Laurentian Mountains. Cape Molson, a 2.3-km moderately challenging loop with a 126-meter elevation gain, treats you to breathtaking views of the Saint-Sauveur valley, especially during sunset. The Summit of Saint Sauveur, a 3.9-km out-and-back trail, is a moderately challenging ascent up the ski hills, taking around 1 hour and 24 minutes to complete. For a more extensive adventure, tackle a section of Le P’tit Train du Nord, a 203.7-km point-to-point trail near Mont-Laurier. Keep an eye out for wildlife along the way!

Best enjoyed: Summer for optimal hiking conditions and Fall to witness the stunning change of fall foliage.

In conclusion, Saint-Sauveur is a year-round haven and the perfect day trip or weekend getaway from Montreal. Whether you’re carving the slopes at Sommet Saint-Sauveur, relaxing at Strøm Spa, exploring the charming boutiques along Rue Principale, or embarking on a cycling journey along Le P’tit Train du Nord, Saint-Sauveur delivers an array of activities for all interests. I highly recommend planning a day trip or weekend getaway to this jewel in the Laurentian mountains. 

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