Mont-Tremblant



Mont-Tremblant is a small village in Quebec, Canada, known for the famous Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort. Located in the Laurentian mountain range, Mont-Tremblant ("Trembling mountain" in French) is surrounded by lush boreal forest and breathtaking views, standing at 875 meters (2871 feet).

Despite being a ski resort, Mont-Tremblant has become a popular getaway for tourist and locals alike, whether in winter or in summer.



Understand
Mont-Tremblant is divided into two parts. The original village of Mont-Tremblant now goes by the name of The Village, but these days it's The Resort (aka the Pedestrian Village), some 13 km away directly at the foot of the mountain, where the action is. Built by Intrawest (the company behind Whistler) starting in 1992, the resort is a somewhat Disneyland-y concoction of pretty pastel houses, but it looks improbably idyllic in winter with a light (or, not uncommonly, heavy) dusting of snow, maple logs on the fire and lights twinkling in the windows. Vehicles are strictly prohibited &mdash; hence the name &mdash; and many hotels can be reached directly on ski. A free gondola connects the lower hotels to the ski lifts.

Surrounding the inhabited areas is Mont-Tremblant National Park (Parc national du Mont-Tremblant), the biggest park in the SEPAQ network and the first national park to have been created in Québec.

There are also other areas besides the Village of Mont Tremblant that visitors and locals can live in. Domaine de la Forêt offers direct access to the ski trails and is nestled along the mountainside. Domaine Nansen area is a private, peaceful area that consists of a small cluster of homes hidden in forested south side. Le Domaine du Géant area features luxurious condos in a peaceful setting not too far from the village. The Domaine du Diable area includes luxurious homes featured next to the golf course. Versant Soleil is the newest addition to homeowners settling in Quebec's Laurentian Mountains.

By plane


The nearest major airports are in Montreal and Ottawa.

By car
Mont-Tremblant is on Route 117. Route 117 is part of a lesser travelled branch of the Trans-Canada Highway, that starts from its interchange with Autoroute 40 (Trans-Canada Highway's main route) in Montreal, which becomes Highway 66 in Ontario. Highway 66 ends as part of the Trans-Canada Highway about 14 km west of Kirkland Lake, where Highway 66 intersects with Highway 11, which is another branch of the Trans-Canada Highway.

From Montreal, it is faster to reach Mont-Tremblant by starting on Autoroute 40, a freeway, which travels most of the way before it merges into Highway 117 at Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts for the last 30 km of the trip (still four-laned highway). Take exit 119 (Montée Ryan) to Chemin Duplessis and follow indications for Tremblant Resort. Using Autoroute 40, the trip is 90 minutes.

From the west (Ottawa and Toronto), it's possible to use smaller roads to shave a few kilometers off the journey, but the roads are very small at times and may be snowed in during the winter. Detouring via Montreal is thus, in all likelihood, the faster option.

If you are driving in the winter, snow tires are required by law in Quebec for vehicles registered in Quebec, and advisable for all vehicles.

Car rental really is essential if you're looking to maintain your independence in and out of the resort, but prices vary dramatically between operators, so do your homework on price comparisons.

By bus

 * Operates bus service between Mont-Laurier and Montreal and including stops in Mont-Tremblant, Saint-Jérôme, Mirabel, and Laval. Travel time to Mont-Tremblant from Mont-Laurier is 1.75 hours, from Saint-Jérôme is 1.5-1.75 hours, and from Montreal is 2.75-3.5 hours. Operates several days per week between Mont-Laurier and Montreal. There are additional trips between Mont-Tremblant and Montreal, resulting in daily service along that part of the route.
 * Operates a route between Rouyn-Noranda and Montreal including stops in Val-d'Or, Grand-Remous, Mont-Laurier, Mont-Tremblant, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, Saint-Jérôme, and Laval. Travel time to Mont-Tremblant from Rouyn-Noranda is 7 hours, from Val-d'Or is 5.25 hours, and from Grand-Remous is 2.5 hours. Stops between Mont-Laurier and Montreal are drop off only on the way to Montreal and pick up only on the way to Rouyn-Noranda. Autobus Gatineau, a related company to Autobus Maheux, operates a bus service between Ottawa and Grand-Remous, thus is possible to travel to and from Ottawa via Grand-Remous.

Regional transit bus service is provided by Transport collectif intermunicipal Laurentides. There are eight weekday and three weekend trips that provide service to all points between the St-Jovite section of Mont-Tremblant and Saint-Jérôme. There are also two weekday services to all points between Mont-Tremblant and L'Assomption. At Saint-Jérôme, connections may be made with the rush hour only commuter trains between Saint-Jérôme and Montreal, operated by Agence métropolitaine de transport; and also bus #9 between Saint-Jérôme and the Montmorency Métro station in Laval, operated by CIT Laurentides. Using the regional transit services, it is possible to travel from downtown Montreal to Mont-Tremblant for just $12.25, considerably less that the fare on one of the intercity carriers which are not that much faster, though are more comfortable.

Within Mont-Tremblant, transit service is available between the St-Jovite section and the Mont-Tremblant resort operated by a contractor to the local Chamber of Commerce. 

See
Aside from mildly iconic clocktower in the lower village, there are no historic sights in Mont Tremblant. But the surrounding natural beauty makes up for the village's synthetic feel and what it lacks in history. Mountains, lakes and forests provide an idyllic setting - especially in the more rustic northern side.


 * Mont Tremblant is a part of the Laurentian mountain range. Its elevation is 875 meters (2,871 feet) and has a south side vertical drop of 645 meters (2,116 feet). The ski resort's includes 654 acres of skiable terrain with 465 acres of artificial snow coverage. It has a massive snow system powering 1,037 snow guns that produces snow from November to April. Mont Tremblant contains plenty trails with its total trail length being 78.9 km (49 miles). The mountain is designated to handle 27,230 skiers per hour because of its 14 express ski lifts. The trails cover 17% beginner, 33% intermediate and 50% expert level. This beautiful mountain transports thousands of skiers hourly by their two gondolas, one cabriolet, five high-speed 4-passenger lifts, one 4-passenger chairlift and two 3-passenger chairlifts.

Do
Mont Tremblant is an internationally-renowned and multi award winning ski destination. It doesn't come cheap though: your basic day pass costs $70/day, plus possible high season surcharges. However, this is competitive to European resorts thanks to favorable exchange rates.

If you visit in the summer, the resort on the south side of the mountain is a great starting point for activities. As well as mountain activities there is cycle hire and an indoor pool, ‘Aqua Club de Source'. Try mini-golf or walk down to the shore of Lac Tremblant for water sports. At the top of the resort there is an ‘Activity Centre’ where you can book a huge variety of activities. 

Nearby, Parc de Mont Tremblant is one of the major parks listed in the Parcs Quebec network and features camping, canoe-camping, well-maintained hiking trails, canoe rental. See the SEPAQ website (in French and English) for more information and rates.

If you are looking for a more convenient ski experience try the north side of the resort - not only does it have the best runs, but also an abundance of free parking that makes your walk to the ski lifts both shorter and easier. The north side also benefits from catering and equipment rental - great if you simply want to focus on what you came for and maximise your time on the slopes.

It's nice to soak your bones in a hot tub after hitting the slopes all day, either in a locally rented home (if you're lucky enough) or in one of the half dozen or so spas in Mont-Tremblant.



Winter activities
Mont Tremblant Resort gives you free unlimited access to sliding activities. They also give you the opportunity to experience First Tracks, which allows one to be on the slopes 30 minutes before anyone else. Casino de Mont-Tremblant is a new friendly casino that is open 7 days a week. It is accessible via gondola running between Versant Soleil and the Versant Sud. Ice Skating is available at the exterior rink right next to the chapel and guests who stay at the hotels can receive free rentals. The Snow Parks attract experienced snowboarders and skiers with 18 acres of extreme park. Cross Country Skiing in 65 km of fresh powder and ice climbing are available with no experience necessary. Many spa and massages allow guests to relax in the dry sauna, Norwegian steam bath, outdoor hot baths and thermal and Nordic waterfalls. Experience pampering in the two spas in the resort for massages, body treatment, esthetic treatment or special spa packages. They also have helicopter rides which is a unique way to discover Tremblant. Ten and twenty minute panoramic flights are offered seeing the Diable River and Village, Lake Quimet, Gray Rockers, St-Jovite village and Iroquois falls. If you don't ski or snowboard, there is a snow tubing park that consists of 8 trails and the activity is included in lodging. There are many other activities to get involved in during the winter at your stay in Tremblant such as snowshoeing, dog sledding, paint balling, snowmobiling and horse back riding through the snow covered fields. If a guest gets sick of the cold weather, they can engage in the only golf simulator in the region.

Summer activities
Mont Tremblant offers just as many activities during the warmer months, being known as the Most Animated 4 Seasons Resort in Canada. Gondola rides offer a spectacular view of the Laurentians. Kids of all ages can enjoy themselves at Pirates Water Park experiencing organized games. Families can play mini-golf at the Mini-golf Le Petit Géant or try Alpine Luge, which is a gravity ride on a 3-wheel cart. This resort has tons of outdoor activities such as bicycling, mountain biking, rafting down the Rouge River and horseback riding through the Laurentian Mountains. With 10 different paintball playgrounds and Eurobungy-Trampolines, there is always something exhilarating going on at Mont Tremblant. Mont Tremblant offers an aerial forest adventure, Acrobranche, that includes zip lines, Tarzan ropes, monkey bridges and many other challenges. Mont-Tremblant National Park allows one to experience the stunning beauty by foot. If one loves the water, Centre Nautique Pierre Plouffe has plenty of water sports available or aboard The Grand Manitou for a 70-minute cruise. Adventurous people can participate in Dune Buggy Tours or ATV rides through the backcountry trails. Helicopter, airplane and Caleche rides are available for people to explore and admire this beautiful area. For a different perspective of Mont Tremblant, experience The Diable Via Ferratta, a walking and climbing course built onto the face of one of the Parks most magnificent cliff faces.

Golf
For the most famous and well-known reason to visit Mont Tremblant during the summer, this resort gives you an incomparable golfing experience. These two courses make you choose between what they called, The Devil or The Giant.

Le Diable This 7,056-yard course was designed by Master Architects Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry with a par of 71 and an 18-hole championship course.

Le Géant This 6,838-yard course designed by Thomas McBroom in 1995 has an amazing view of the Laurentians.

Buy


The pedestrian village has a good selection of stores, with a predictable emphasis on high-end winter clothing, winter sports goods and maple syrup-themed souvenirs. There is also one smallish supermarket and several convenience stores for daily necessities. Prices for such convenience can be on the high side though, and you may be able to save quite a bit by visiting the original village or stocking up at nearby St Jovite instead.

Mont Tremblant offers plenty of shops for guests to enjoy. From sporting goods stores to get the latest gear to art galleries, there is always something fun to do.

Clothing and sporting goods
 * Boutique Adrénaline: Vieux Tremblant, Inn +1 819 681-5501
 * Boutique Burton@Tremblant: Place Saint-Bernard +1 819 681-5802
 * Columbia@Tremblant: Rue des Remparts +1 819 681-3000 #46729
 * Boutique Salomon: Rue des Remparts +1 819 681-5502

Clothing
 * Boutique Chamonix: Place Saint-Bernard +1 819 681-5715
 * Roots: Rue des Remparts +1 819 681-4505

Gift shops
 * Le Studio Créatif: Place des Voyageurs +1 819 429-5599
 * Univers Toutou / Plush Factory: Place Saint-Bernard +1 819 681-4881

Grocery, liquor store and speciality shops
 * Magasin Général: Vieux-Tremblant +1 819 681-3000 # 46735
 * Maison de la Presse: Place Saint-Bernard +1 819 681-4614
 * Société des Alcools du Québec: Promenade Deslauriers +1 819 681-4548

Art galleries
 * Galerie Côté Créations: Promenade Deslauriers +1 819 421-1888 and +1 819 425-3660

Eat
There are plenty of delicious places to eat in Mont Tremblant. From international dishes to rich fondue, there is something for everyone’s taste buds.



Bistros & cafés


 * Au Grain de Café: Promenade Deslauriers +1 819 681-4567
 * Fluide Juice Bar: Rue des Remparts +1 819 681-4681
 * Lounge du Westin: Le Westin Resort & Spa +1 819 681-4144
 * La Chouquetterie: Rue des Remparts +1 819 681-4509

Sweet shops & crêperies


 * Sugar Shack: Place des Voyageurs +1 819 681-4995
 * Chocolate Factory: Place Saint-Bernard +1 819 681-4545

Asian cuisine


 * Ô-wok: Vieux-Tremblant +1 819 681-4455

Continental cuisine & local


 * Le Shack: Le Saint-Bernard +1 819 681-4700

French cuisine

International cuisine


 * Fat Mardi's: Place St-Bernard +1 819 681-2439
 * Pita Express: Place des Voyageurs +1 819 681-4949

Italian cuisine


 * Coco Pazzo: Promenade Deslauriers +1 819 681-4774
 * Pizzatéria: Rue des Remparts +1 819 681-4522
 * Ya'oooo Pizza Bar: Vieux-Tremblant +1 819 681-4616

Fondue & raclette


 * La Savoie: Vieux-Tremblant +1 819 681-4573

Grill


 * Bullseye Bar & Steak House: Place Saint-Bernard +1 819 681-2855
 * La Forge Bar & Grill: Place Saint-Bernard +1 819 681-4900

Resto-pubs


 * Microbrasserie La Diable: Vieux-Tremblant +1 819 681-4546

Cafeterias

There are a number of places to eat while on the mountain during your ski days.


 * Café Johannsen: Located at the Base Télécabine. Enjoy coffee, baked good and sandwiches. Internet service is available.
 * Grand Manitou : Located at the Summit allowing yourself to eat with a 360 degree view of the entire region.
 * Chalet de Voyageurs : Located at the Chalet des Voyageurs with easy access at the entry of the village.
 * Fourchette du Diable : Located at the Versant Nord, it offers a various menu for the whole family. Direct access to the slopes.

Drink

 * Le Diable. Popular local microbrewery with half a dozen of their own brews, plus hearty portions of fare like ribs and sausages.
 * Le P'tit Caribou. Dancing and mingling! A great party place.
 * Le Shack. Right at the foot of the ski-lifts and a popular spot for apres-ski.

Sleep
Accommodation prices in Mont-Tremblant are highly seasonal: the same room that goes for under $100 on a rainy weekday in the fall may shoot up to over $400 on a holiday weekend in the winter. Book early!