Mont Tremblant and the Laurentians

A Montreal Morning

Our adventure began in the vibrant center of Montreal, a city where historic cobblestone paths and towering skyscrapers merge together beautifully. We made our temporary home at the luxurious downtown Fairmont the Queen Elizabeth, a place as rich in history as it is in splendor. As the morning light breathed life into the city, our excitement grew, guiding us towards the short 5-minute walk to the Grayline bus station, intrigued by what the day might hold.

Gray Line Tours

9-hour bus tour to: Mont Tremblant and the Laurentians
Gray Line Tours, 1001 Dorchester Square, Montreal, QC H3B 1N1, Canada

After grabbing a quick Canadian to-go breakfast from Tim Horton’s, which was conveniently located just around the corner from Gray Line, we settled on a Dorchester Park bench across from the station. There, we enjoyed our meal while eagerly waiting for our transport to arrive. Now, with the soothing swirls of coffee steam around us, we struck up several conversations with fellow travelers.

Journey Through Changing Landscapes

Once we boarded our transport, the bustling scenes of Montreal faded into the distance. Our route followed the A15 before merging onto the scenic 117, leading us through the heart of Quebec’s countryside. Along this journey, we were charmed by the sight of quaint villages and the majestic Mont Raoul Blanchard, the highest peak in the Laurentian Mountains, rising impressively in the distance. The Laurentian Mountains, celebrated for their rich skiing heritage and affectionately known as Quebec’s “White Gold,” promised a thrilling blend of adventure and exploration.

Mont Saint-Sauveur

As we ventured into the heart of the Laurentian Mountains, just 60 kilometers north of Montreal, Mont Saint-Sauveur welcomed us with its picturesque charm. This enchanting town, celebrated for its vibrant ski culture and the warmth of its community, seamlessly blends natural beauty with a rich tapestry of history.

Our exploration led us to the Saint-Sauveur church, a beacon of spirituality and history since 1905. Its eclectic façade, designed by Casimir Saint-Jean, marries various historical styles into a landmark that is as awe-inspiring as it is inviting.

The story of Mont Saint-Sauveur, the cradle of Quebec’s ski industry, unfolds with the installation of the first permanent chairlift on Côte 70 by Frederick Pabst Jr. in 1934. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of the area’s transformation into a premier skiing destination, an evolution that continued as several ski hills amalgamated under the Mont Saint-Sauveur banner.

A conversation with a local further enriched our understanding, revealing Saint-Sauveur’s significant role during the fur trading era and its strategic importance as a hub for traders and pioneers. The introduction of “snow trains” in the 1920s by major railway companies epitomized the town’s adaptability and foresight, encapsulating the communal spirit that has propelled Saint-Sauveur into prominence. This blend of natural allure, historical significance, and a deep-rooted skiing culture makes Mont Saint-Sauveur a captivating chapter in our journey.

Lac Saint-Joseph

Our journey to St-Adolphe-d’Howard unveiled the tranquil allure of Lac Saint-Joseph, a gem entwined with the area’s rich cultural and historical tapestry. Amidst a landscape celebrated for its breathtaking beauty and dotted with over 80 lakes, Lac Saint-Joseph emerges as a heart of recreation and tourism, offering year-round outdoor adventures.

The story of St-Adolphe-d’Howard unfolds from its roots, initially named in honor of Sir Frederick Howard and later recognizing Curé Adolphe Jodoin for establishing the first Catholic mission. From its civil establishment in 1883, the community has blossomed from a fledgling agricultural settlement into a sought-after resort and vacation spot.

Yet, the essence of Lac Saint-Joseph transcends its natural splendor, holding a profound spiritual importance for the First Nations. The lake’s legacy is rich with stories and legends, lending it an air of mystique and reverence.

Opposite the lake, a wooden church stands quietly, marking the area’s evolution from its early days to a flourishing community. Although we couldn’t venture inside, the church’s stoic presence eloquently narrates the growth of St-Adolphe-d’Howard.

Joseph-Albert Cloutier Bay

By mid-morning, we had arrived in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, where the calm of nature meets a vibrant community life, creating an atmosphere unique to this bustling town. Our introduction to the town was marked by an encounter with a local artist, fully engrossed in capturing the serenity of Joseph-Albert Cloutier Bay. This moment served as a testament to the town’s magnetic pull on artists and dreamers alike, underscoring its status as a cradle of creativity within a rich cultural fabric, where relaxation and inspiration have historically converged.

The transformative impact of the railway’s arrival in 1892 propelled Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts into prominence as a haven for wellness and a sought-after summer retreat. Its reputation for restorative mountain air drew affluent families from Montreal and the Northern United States to its shores, especially along Lac des Sables. The early 20th century saw the rise of tuberculosis hospitals and spas, cementing the town’s reputation as a sanctuary of health and leisure, a heritage that endures in today’s spas and resorts.

With the old railway reborn as “Le Petit Train Du Nord” bike path, linking the town with Montreal, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts has flourished into a destination for all seasons. This pathway fosters a connection with nature through activities like cross-country skiing, skating, and hiking. Despite its evolution, the town retains its quaint village charm, expertly weaving together its historical allure with contemporary comforts.

Saint Jovite

As noon embraced us, we found ourselves in the heart of Saint Jovite, now known as Downtown Mont-Tremblant, a name synonymous with skiing enthusiasts and mountain adventure aficionados. This area, rich in history and vibrant in spirit, became part of the City of Mont-Tremblant in 2000, further enriching its tapestry with over 100 years of cultural and economic development​​.

Saint Jovite’s square, alive with the hum of daily activity, offered an array of scents from the local eateries. Our stop at Ca Me Dit for a classic Ham & Cheese sandwich and a uniquely delightful Chai Latte was just the beginning of our exploration. The town’s streets, lined with charming architecture, led us to a bustling farmers market in the main square, where the collective joy of the community was palpable​​.

The region’s journey from its settlement in 1872, through the establishment of the Mont-Tremblant ski resort in 1939, to its transformation into a year-round tourist destination, showcases a vibrant community set against the backdrop of the beautiful Laurentian Mountains. Today, Mont-Tremblant thrives with activities ranging from hiking and cycling to kayaking and skiing, celebrating its rich heritage while embracing the thrill of outdoor adventures.

Mont-Tremblant

Our trek into the afternoon led us straight to the heart of Mont-Tremblant, a picturesque ski village that promised an exhilarating gondola ride to the mountain’s peak. Fresh off the bus, we eagerly made our way to the gondola station, only to realize a ticket purchase was in order. A brief 15-minute wait at the ticket office was a small hurdle; soon, with tickets in hand at $27 apiece, we were poised for ascent.

Our climb unfolded in stages. Initially, an open-air gondola lifted us to the vibrant pedestrian village, offering a refreshing glimpse of our surroundings. Subsequently, a switch to an enclosed gondola propelled us the final 2,871 feet to the summit. This journey, from ticket queue to mountain crest, unfolded as an adventure in itself, setting the stage for what lay ahead.

The summit greeted us with an array of attractions: ski paths, a zip line, and a mountaintop diner beckoned for exploration. Despite our desire to immerse fully in the mountaintop’s offerings, time constraints nudged us back towards the descent, though not before capturing a few lasting memories with our cameras.

A Festive Descent

Returning to the bustling pedestrian village of Mont-Tremblant, we were greeted by a celebratory atmosphere, with Labor Day festivities in full swing. The air was filled with music from a live concert, adding to the vibrant scene that makes the village a perfect spot for relaxation and enjoyment. Despite the allure to linger amidst the festivities, we proceeded on a pleasant stroll toward the lower village, absorbing the festive ambiance en route. This leisurely stroll to our bus marked the final moments of a day teeming with memorable adventures.

Our Final Moments

In our final stop at the Mont-Tremblant Cruise Docks during the late afternoon, the scenery offered a breathtaking moment of reflection. Mont-Tremblant, majestic and serene, stood prominently against the horizon, overseeing the town with a protective grace. Though our visit was short, it left a lasting impression, providing a serene and picturesque conclusion to our day’s adventures.

Return Journey

As we returned to the Gray Line facility across from Dorchester Park, we took a relaxed stroll towards the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel. Along the way, the grandeur of the Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral caught our attention, standing majestically as a beacon of architectural beauty.

Mary, Queen of the World Cathedral

As we witnessed the conclusion of a wedding ceremony, the splendor of the cathedral was undeniable. Established in 1875 and dedicated as Saint James Cathedral in 1894, it stands as Quebec’s third-largest church. Inspired by the grandeur of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, albeit on a smaller scale, this edifice reflects Monsignor Ignace Bourget’s vision to underscore the Catholic Church’s significance in Montreal’s predominantly Anglo-Protestant milieu.

Within its walls, the cathedral shelters an array of artistic treasures: a neo-baroque ciborium beneath its grand dome, a wedding chapel graced with works by a Spanish monk, and a collection of paintings narrating Montreal’s foundational stories. Since March 28, 2000, when it was declared a National Historic Site of Canada, the cathedral has continued to awe visitors with its rich history and stunning beauty.

Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth

After our cathedral visit, we made our way back to the Fairmont Queen Elizabeth Hotel, nestled right beside the cathedral, pausing there briefly to gather ourselves for the next phase of our Montreal journey. The stroll to Reuben’s Deli & Steakhouse, merely a few blocks away, marked a gentle shift from the cathedral’s serene grandeur to the vibrant energy of St. Catherine Street.

Reuben’s Deli and Steakhouse

At Reuben’s Deli & Steakhouse, the heart of Montreal’s dining scene came alive. Savoring the French Dip sandwich, we were engulfed by the lively atmosphere, the buzz of the street filtering in through the restaurant’s windows.

This experience beautifully captured Montreal’s spirit, blending historical depth with the vibrancy of modern life, igniting a desire within us to claim a piece of this city for ourselves.

Cruise Port: Montreal, Canada

Tour Name: Mont Tremblant and the Laurentians

Tour Operator: Grayline Tours

Duration: Approx. 9 hours

© OceansAfoot