Mont-Tremblant
Mont-Tremblant [1] 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, in recent years, Mont-Tremblant has become a popular getaway for tourist and locals alike, whether in winter or in summer.
UnderstandMont-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 — hence the name — 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. Domaine du Diable area include luxurious homes featured next to the golf course. Versant Soleil is the newest addition to homeowners settling in Quebec's Laurentian Mountains.
Get inBy planeMont Tremblant International Airport (IATA: YTM) [2] has seasonal direct flights to and from several US cities, such as Philadelphia and Dallas. Continental Airlines operates scheduled service to Mont Tremblant airport from Newark, and Porter Airlines from Toronto. The nearest major airport is in Montreal. By carMont-Tremblant is most easily reached via Autoroute 15 North from Montreal to Sainte-Agathe, where it merges with 117 for the last 30 km (still four-laned highway). Take exit 119 (Montée Ryan) to Chemin Duplessis and follow indications for Tremblant Resort. The trip takes about 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 remember Snow Tyres are now Law in Quebec! (Only mandatory for vehicles registered in Quebec.) Car Rental really is essential if your 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 busTwo intercity bus lines provide service into Mont-Tremblant. The primary service is operated by Groupe Galland [3] between Montreal, Mont-Tremblant, and Mont-Laurier. There are generally six trips daily between Montreal and the St-Jovite section of Mont-Tremblant; some trips provide direct or connecting service to the Mont-Tremblant resort. Two of the trips continue beyond Mont-Tremblant to Mont-Laurier. Autobus Maheux [4] also provides service to the St-Jovite section of Mont-Tremblant, but the service is restricted to carrying passengers only to points north of Mont-Laurier (local transportation to points between Montreal and Mont-Laurier is provided exclusively by Groupe Galland). During the winter ski season, Skyport [5] provides direct service between the Montréal-Trudeau airport and the Mont-Tremblant resort. Most bus travelers from Ontario and points west travel first to Montreal, then to Mont-Tremblant. However, it may be possible to save some travel time by going through Ottawa instead of Montreal. Voyageur [6] operates one bus daily (two buses on Fridays and Sundays) between Ottawa and Grand-Remous, with a connection in Grand-Remous to Autobus Maheux [7] for service to and from Mont-Tremblant. Check schedules carefully before travel. Regional transit bus service is provided by Transport collectif intermunicipal Laurentides [8]. 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 [9]; and also bus #9 between Saint-Jérôme and the Montmorency Métro [10] station in Laval, operated by C.I.T. Laurentides [11]. 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, daily transit bus service is operated between the St-Jovite section and the Mont-Tremblant resort by a contractor to the local Chamber of Commerce. [12] SeeAside from mildly iconic clocktower in the lower village, there are no historic sights in Mont Tremblant. But what it lacks in history it makes up for in the surrounding natural beauty. Mountains, lakes and forests provide an idylic setting - especially in the more rustic northern side.
DoMont 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. [13] 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) [14] 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 your lucky enough) or in one of the half dozen or so spas in Mont-Tremblant.
Winter activitiesMont 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, Iroquois falls and much more. 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 ActivitiesMont 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. GolfFor 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 designed by Master Architects Michael Hurdzan and Dana Fry will make you drive for your passion. With a par of 71 and an 18-hole championship course, there is no question why it was rated the Best Golf Destination outside of Ontario in 2008 by Toronto Sun. Le Géant This 6,838-yard course designed by Thomas McBroom in 1995 makes it hard to concentrate by the aesthetic view of the Laurentians. After one experiences this course, he or she will realize why it was rated Best Golf Resort in Canada by ScoreGolf magazine in 2005. BuyThe 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 (819) 681-5501 Boutique Aventure: Promenade Deslauriers (819) 681-4535 Boutique Burton@Tremblant: Place Saint-Bernard (819) 681-5802 Columbia@Tremblant: Rue des Remparts (819) 681-3000 #46729 Boutique Salomon™: Rue des Remparts (819) 681-5502 Clothing Boutique Rodin: Rue des Remparts (819) 425-2121 Boutique Chamonix: Place Saint-Bernard (819) 681-5715 Boutique Hors-Piste: Base of the Gondola (819) 681-3000 #46728 Les Saisons de Tremblant: Place Saint-Bernard (819) 681-4504 Roots: Rue des Remparts (819) 681-4505 Tremblant Etc: Rue des Remparts (819) 681-3000 #45518 Gift Shops Le Studio Créatif: Place des Voyageurs 819-429-5599 Univers Toutou / Plush Factory: Place Saint-Bernard 819-681-4881 Les Trésors sur le Lac: Place Saint-Bernard 819-681-4599 Accessories & Perfume Shops Joaillerie St-Onge: Promenade Deslauriers (819) 681-4646 Les Cuirs Tour Eiffel: Rue des Remparts (819) 681-4646 Grocery, Liquor Store and Speciality Shops Magasin Général: Vieux-Tremblant(819) 681-3000 # 46735 Maison de la Presse: Place Saint-Bernard (819) 681-4614 Société des Alcools du Québec: Promenade Deslauriers(819) 681-4548 Photo Center Le Photo Shoppe: Promenade Deslauriers (819) 681-4999 Art Galleries Galerie Côté Créations: Promenade Deslauriers (819) 421-1888 and (819) 425-3660 Galerie Soutana: Rue des Remparts (819) 681-4550 EatThere 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
Sweet Shops & Crêperies
Asian Cusine
Continental Cuisine & Local
French Cuisine
International Cuisine
Italian Cuisine
Fondue & Rachlette
Grill
Resto-Pubs
Cafeterias There are a number of places to eat while on the mountain during your exciting ski days.
Drink
SleepAccommodation 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!
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