Dive into the heart of the 2024-2025 winter season in the magnificent Laurentian region, where innovation and excellence meet to offer unforgettable experiences. Here’s a look at the latest innovations and distinctions that put the region on the map. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a lover of local gastronomy or looking for a magical getaway, let yourself be seduced by the authentic charms of our companies and the new features that will make your winter even more magical.
New for Fall/Winter 2024–2025
Hôtel Mont Gabriel – $20M Investment
Hôtel Mont Gabriel, with its mountaintop location, has joined the Tidan Hospitality and Real Estate Group’s Tribute Portfolio family. Thanks to an investment of over $20M, the hotel underwent substantial renovations following a fire in December 2022. It is officially scheduled to reopen in late fall 2024. This reopening will unveil a brand-new design, showcasing elements of nature, an organic atmosphere, and a modern, rustic decor. What’s more, other major renovations are in progress to brighten up the terrace and outdoor amenities, not to mention the 136 rooms and new building extension. The renovations will also include an additional 4,000 ft² of meeting spaces.
New Accommodation at Les Toits du Monde
A unique and ecological accommodation enterprise, Les Toits du Monde has unveiled its new safe haven: Eventyr, the Viking House. Nestled in the heart of the majestic Laurentians, this new creation invites explorers from near and far to fully immerse themselves in the fascinating world of the Vikings. With its large central table made from raw wood, its stone fireplace, and its tree trunks which form the corners of the building, the Viking-inspired house is the ideal place to meet up with friends and raise a toast with its horn-shaped glasses. This new cabin can comfortably host six people.
New Zero Latency Virtual Reality Arena at Tag E-Karting
Move through a video game as a character, interact with other players while facing life-sized enemies. In short, dive headfirst into an exciting, realistic science fiction adventure using immersive virtual reality. That’s what Zero Latency’s “Free-roam Virtual Reality” technology has to offer. Its VR gaming platform has been developed in collaboration with industry giants HP, Microsoft, and Intel to provide you with the ultimate immersive and realistic experience. With its superior wireless equipment and state-of-the-art motion tracking tools, Tag E-Karting guarantees stunning VR games!
New Cabin at Parc régional du Poisson Blanc
Like its winged namesake, the Grand-Héron (great blue heron) stretches skyward. A unique offering among the cabins at Parc régional du Poisson Blanc, it features a bold architecture that appeals to lovers of expansive landscapes. Winter or summer, its private access to Poisson Blanc reservoir becomes the gateway to your next playground. A windowed mezzanine facing west offers comfort, relaxation, and an exclusive panorama of the sunset. Accessible only by foot or snowshoe with a cart or sled to transport your luggage to its destination.
Shuttle Between Montréal-Trudeau and Mont-Tremblant
Starting November 23, 2024, a shuttle connecting Montréal-Trudeau International Airport and Mont-Tremblant will make it easier to access the mountain, thanks to a partnership between Mont-Tremblant, Station Mont-Tremblant, and KEOLIS. Like other internationally-renowned holiday resort destinations, this new high-end transportation service is a response to the growing needs of several emerging markets that require fast and straightforward transportation to Mont-Tremblant in the comfort of a coach. Public transportation with Orléans Express will be geared towards single or multi-night stays in Mont-Tremblant, offering two round trips per day, Thursday through Sunday in winter.
2nd Edition of the Tremblant World Cup
Building on the success of the first Tremblant World Cup in winter 2023, the event will return December 7 and 8, 2024. It’s a gathering where the best female skiers in the world will compete for the top step of the podium in two giant slalom courses on the World Cup circuit. For the 2nd edition, Tremblant is promising even more entertainment and surprises for spectators all weekend long. Make sure to put this thrilling event in your calendar again this year so you don’t miss out!
New Snow Maze in Tremblant
Guests staying in downtown Tremblant are in for a treat this winter! The chapel grounds will be the site of a brand-new, 60 x 40 x 5 ft. high snow maze. Starting December 22, 2024, families are invited to come and discover its secret hideaways and passageways, for an even greater challenge. And that’s not all: borrow some skates and get out on the skating rink, or check out the sledding hill with smaller children. To top it all off, all guests receive a small marshmallow skewer to toast over the fire, while snow sculptures and shimmering decorations embellish the grounds.
Sommet Morin Heights
One of this year’s big novelties is the new Élevation chairlift at Sommet Morin Heights. This installation completes the replacement of all mechanical chairlifts started in 2019, bringing the number of new chairlifts in the group to seven. Other improvements include the installation of a new section of the snow line, as well as the addition of a three-phase power line on the Après Vous trail, to allow for the use of snow guns. What’s more, an amount of $1,470,000 has been allocated to renovating the main chalet.
Sommet Saint-Sauveur
To improve the quality of its slopes, Sommet Saint-Sauveur renovated its snow-making systems for the Red Bird trail in 2019 and Express trail in 2022. This year, it’s the 70’s turn for a new automatic system, in an effort to expand the skiable terrain at the start of the season.
Sommet Saint-Sauveur – Versant Avila
There’s a brand-new family restaurant at Sommet Saint-Sauveur’s Versant Avila, Jack Rabbit, which promises to satiate skiers’ taste buds with the same quality as the T-Bar 70 restaurant. Warm and welcoming, it’s the perfect place to gather with family and friends for some quality time after a day on the slopes.
New Snowmobiling Trail Between Outaouais and the Laurentians
The trail network at Club Motoneige Piteman, based in Sainte-Anne-du-Lac in the Laurentians, looks different this year. More specifically, trail 235, which departed south from Sainte-Anne-du-Lac to connect with regional trail 322, is now closed, in order to open a new trail between Club Notawissi and the Chute César bridge (Club Gatineau). This project to connect the Outaouais region to the Laurentians is a realization of Club Motoneige Piteman, Club de motoneige Les Ours Blancs, the FCMQ, and Mr. Normand Béchard, administrator of the Laurentians.
Pourvoirie Mitchinamecus Is Opening Its Doors This Winter!
Ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing are all directly accessible from rustic cabins. The snowmobile trail is private and maintained; it links up with the TQ33. Pourvoirie Mitchinamecus is located in the Upper Laurentians, about a 4.5-hour drive from Montréal. Traversed by the scenic Mitchinamecus river, its 182.5 km² comprise approximately 50 lakes.
Parc régional Montagne du Diable
Upgrades to Nature Cabins
Parc régional Montagne du Diable’s nature cabins at site 2 of the Village des Bâtisseurs sector, Saint-Pierre, Piché, and Leblanc have been upgraded to improve visitor comfort with the addition of a full bathroom. Built at the foot of Diable mountain, only steps from the Léopold-Papineau Pavilion, they are ideal for hiking novices, young families, or even hiking groups. In addition to a kitchen and recent bathrooms, they also feature three closed bedrooms.
Sleep in a Wall Tent
From January to April, spend the night in a wall tent at Parc régional Montagne du Diable for a memorable experience, and discover a unique way to connect with nature during an immersive winter getaway. A wood stove inside the tent keeps the place toasty all night long. Two bags of woods are provided upon arrival to heat your tent. In the Village des Bâtisseurs sectors, there are two wall tents located near the welcome building at rustic campsites 1 and 2.
Les Routes Blanches in the Laurentians
Les Routes Blanches, a project of the Société de plein air des Pays-d’en-Haut (SOPAIR) and several other partners, namely equipment rental and outdoor expedition company Locapaq, is a winter flagship product connecting villages throughout the Laurentians via multi-day Nordic skiing itineraries. Discover the backcountry of the P’tit Train du Nord and its history in the closest possible image of the pioneers of Nordic skiing in the Laurentians, like the famous Herman Smith-Johannsen, a.k.a. Jackrabbit.
There are three possible itineraries: East sector – the P’tit Train backcountry: three days of Nordic skiing from Val-David to Prévost. North sector – in the footsteps of Jackrabbit: two days of Nordic skiing in Mont-Tremblant and West sector – a route in the countryside of Saint-Adolphe-d’Howard’s Morin-Heights sector.
Winter Specials at Aventures Kiamika
Aventures Kiamika wants you to adventure outside this winter! Expect a breathtaking winter scenery with an energetic pack of dogs. Package deals include meals, accommodation, and adventure for travelers on a quest for one-of-a-kind exploration. The company is proud of its commitment to minimize its carbon footprint through the use of eco-friendly waste management, renewable energy, and the promotion of sustainable practices.
New Tourist Shuttle at D-Tour Tremblant
D-Tour Tremblant offers a tourist shuttle service departing from Montreal and accommodations in the Mont-Tremblant region. The company offers private tour guide services, personalized activities, and guided tours. Head out for a hike or snowshoe in the heart of the Laurentian forest, hop on the shuttle for a day out in the fresh air of Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, or explore the captivating scenery of Domaine Saint-Bernard by cross-country ski.
New Terrasse Après-Ski at Fairmont Tremblant
The new Terrasse at Fairmont Tremblant is the perfect place to fully immerse yourself in nature and extend the day’s fun in a festive atmosphere. Well-known for its prime location near the trails, with ski-in ski-out access and an incredible view of the meeting point between the ski hill and the pedestrian village, the new Terrasse Après-Ski is the place to be for hangouts with friends after a day on the slopes. This terrace features a private dome and several outdoor fireplaces, making for a warm and friendly atmosphere for outdoor gatherings. For hotel guests, the renovated Nordic-inspired bath, the centrepiece of the outdoor hot-cold cycle, invites relaxation in the heart of the action. The large hot tub, overlooking an exquisite landscape, adds a touch of sophistication to this sensory experience.
Discover Chalets Lac-à-la-Truite
Located in the heart of the Laurentians, between Saint-Sauveur and Mont-Tremblant, Chalets Lac-à-la-Truite rent cottages with a magnificent view of the lake and the mountains. There are 20 unique cottages, including the Ežeras cottage, for 2 to 4 people, and the Žiema cottage, for groups of 8 to 12 people. Both of these cottages come with private, direct access to Le Soleil wellness centre and its indoor pool, hammam, spa, and gym.
Night Skiing at Ski Mont Blanc
Starting in December 2024, energy-efficient LEDs will light up the slopes at Ski Mont Blanc. Night skiing will be offered three days a week until 8 p.m. on the slopes of the Versant Blanc: the Yodel, Boulevard, Moustache, Mambo, Dufour, Giant Slalom, Chemin Philip, and Grandma. Finally, younger children will marvel at the special lighting on the Robert trail. This represents an investment of $1.5M.
Indigenous Winter Market at Parc national d’Oka
The 2nd edition of the Indigenous Winter Market will take place at Parc national d’Oka, a collaboration between Tourisme Kanehsatà:ke and the Parc national d’Oka. Discover and take home the work of approximately forty First Nations artists. The Market will take place at Centre de service Le Littoral on December 6, 7, and 8, 2024. Admission to the park is free for the event.
Flow Yoga Festival in Winter in Sainte-Adèle
Building on the summertime Flow Yoga & Sound Festival, Flow Fest’Hiver keeps the magic going with an in-depth study of the practice of yoga. The festival is a semi-annual event that brings together aspects of wellbeing, personal development, art, human connection, community building, and solidarity. During the winter edition, look out for unifying, exciting activities: musicians, DJs, painters, dancers, yoga teachers with expertise in sound therapy, and Acro Yoga artists.
The New Microtel Boisbriand Is Now Open
Located 28 kilometres from Montréal-Trudeau International Airport, the Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham Boisbriand is now open and offers breakfast, Wi-Fi, free parking, a heated indoor pool, and a gym. The modern, pet-friendly, 76-room hotel is located at Faubourg Boisbriand, near Mirabel’s Premium Outlets Montreal.
Verger Richard Legault and Its New Plaza Rive Nord
Verger Richard Legault, located in the Lower Laurentians, is home to the brand-new Plaza Rive Nord, featuring three event spaces with a capacity of 300 people. In the Salon Makintosh and Vieux Pommier room, as well as in the Gala Tent, the atmosphere is rustic and festive! The pastoral orchard is an invitation to discover its delicious homemade products and products from the region. What better way to appreciate the producers’ passion than with a visit of the farm?
Sainte-Adèle’s Parc de la rivière Doncaster Is Growing!
The City of Sainte-Adèle has announced the purchase of land to expand the Parc de la Rivière Doncaster. This acquisition will allow for park upgrades, like a gazebo and picnic tables, for a more comfortable family experience. What’s more, trail #2 will gain about 1 km to the east, on the shores of the river, creating a loop in the forest that leads to a rocky headland with a new viewpoint. The city has entrusted park management to the Chambre de commerce et de tourisme de Sainte-Adèle (CCTSA).
New Hot-Cold Facility at Hôtel Manoir Saint-Sauveur
The Hôtel Manoir Saint-Sauveur has built a second hot-cold facility at its spa. The new Nordic-inspired spa features outdoor hot tubs and cold baths. Meanwhile, inside, there’s a new dry sauna with a 15-person capacity, not to mention the new relaxation room. The Spa du Manoir welcomes its guests to a clean, nature-inspired ambiance with European design elements.
Relaxation Area at Le Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant
Le Grand Lodge Mont Tremblant has two new amenities to offer its guests this winter: a relaxation area and skating trail. With its two barrel saunas, outdoor fireplace, hanging chairs, and Adirondack chairs, the new Zen space is tucked away behind the hotel. It offers a view of the large windows of the hotel complex’s indoor pool.
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Waste Triage Station at Val-David’s Marchés d’ici
Val-David’s Marchés d’ici has implemented a waste triage station during market opening hours. It’s an initiative to raise awareness among exhibitors and suppliers and encourage them to use compostable or recyclable containers. In fact, most are already doing so. This action falls under the market’s commitment to the Slow Food movement. Slow Food, an international organization that protects artisanal farming and fights to preserve the environment, has certified the NPO Marchés d’ici as an Earth Market. This makes Val-David’s Marchés d’ici the first Earth Market in Quebec and the second in Canada after Bouctouche, in New Brunswick.
AX Hôtel Mont-Tremblant: Small Deeds That Make a Big Difference
At AX Hôtel Mont-Tremblant, both employees and managers are striving to reduce the establishment’s carbon footprint and operate under a vision of sustainable development. For the past five years, all hygiene products in the rooms have been reusable and made in Quebec. What’s more, a new check-in kiosk at reception makes your arrival and departure faster and more efficient. Pre-register online and get a text when your room is ready!
DISTINCTION
Restaurant La Quintessence Again Receives a Prestigious Wine Spectator Award
Restaurant Quintessence and its blend of French and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, combined with the styles and flavours of traditional Laurentian cooking, is again the laureate of a prestigious Wine Spectator Restaurant Award, in recognition of its exceptional wine list. Located on the shores of Tremblant lake, Restaurant La Quintessence has received two awards since 2016. Fewer than 4,000 restaurants worldwide are awarded this honour each year. Opened in 2003, at the same time as the Hôtel Quintessence, Restaurant La Quintessence is a quintessential element of the Mont-Tremblant experience!
DarkSky International Recognizes Parc national du Mont-Tremblant
DarkSky International has recognized the commitment of Parc national du Mont-Tremblant to protect its exceptional nocturnal environment, awarding it the coveted International Dark Sky Place certification. Combined with the Parc’s efforts to include protecting the night sky in its conservation and educational programs, this international recognition will benefit tourism and the natural environment. It’s an important certification for local, regional, national, and international tourists.
Choux Gras Has Received OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice Award
Fairmont Tremblant’s Choux Gras restaurant has received OpenTable’s Diners’ Choice award! With its exceptional location overlooking Tremblant pedestrian village and the ski slopes, Choux Gras is a leading establishment in the Laurentians. This culinary brewery, in the image of popular Montréal eateries, proposes a varied menu with meals to share for which it is already well renowned.
Les Sommets Certified EcoLeader
Les Sommets received three prestigious awards during the Prix d’excellence de l’Association des Stations de Ski du Québec! New Skier Development Program award, Security and Prevention award, and Leader of the Future awarded to Mathieu Brosseau, Manager, Sommet Saint-Sauveur and Customer Service, Les Sommets Snow School and Rentals. These achievements highlight the company’s commitment to the promotion of skiing, proactive risk management, and its standout team.
Kéroul Certification for Sommet Saint-Sauveur’s Water Park
Sommet Saint-Sauveur’s Water Park is now Kéroul-certified, with its partially accessible facilities. To provide an ever-inclusive experience, the company hopes to continue to develop its facilities. Kéroul is a nonprofit organization which aims to make tourism and culture accessible to all.
Shawbridge brewery distinguishes itself at the Canada Beer Cup 2024
The microbrewery located in Prévost has just won one of the most prestigious awards in Canada for its most popular beer in the region, IPA 117. The latter ranks in the Top 3 of the best IPAs in the country and was named best American IPA in Quebec during the Canada Beer Cup 2024. With more than 1,500 registrations for the Canada Beer Cup this year, including more than 150 from Quebec, this recognition testifies to the exceptional quality of IPA 117 beer, available everywhere in the Laurentians.
Standout Products From the Distillerie Côte des Saints
The prestigious International Whisky Competition has awarded Mirabel’s Distillerie Côte des Saints medals for three of its popular whiskeys. Gold medal for the Prestige Oloroso Single Cask Strength Single Malt, silver medal for the Premium Single Malt, and bronze medal for the Prestige Pedro Ximenez Single Cask Strength Single Malt.