Laurentians
Travel Guide > North America > Canada > Quebec > Laurentians
Introduction
A country with a fascinating history as grand as the wide-open spaces of the Laurentians themselves, it’s a rich territory that has always been coveted. A wealthy land of a thousand different aspects, it unfolds slowly to the visitor and will conquer the heart of the most fervent city-dweller with its broad peaceful lakes set among immense forests of maple and pine. The Laurentians is 22,000 square kilometres of pure delight just north of Montreal. The great diversity of its ecosystems opens up ever-new horizons, providing an outstanding natural experience to suit visitors of every ilk.
The region takes its name from the chain of mountains which runs down its northern side, and is part of the great Canadian Shield, which covers most of Quebec north of the St. Lawrence River. Its lively and picturesque villages offer visitors a warm and lasting welcome.
The Laurentian region is also a meeting place for sports men and women who come to practice their favourite sporting activity all year round. Visitors come from far away to enjoy the many attractions, and over the years the region has forged an enviable reputation to the extent that it has become Quebec’s premier four-season holiday area. Indeed, visitors come from around the world to be charmed by the beauty of its unique landscape and tourist attractions.
Getting There
By Plane
Only an hour of drive from Montreal.
Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (airport code: YUL), formerly called Dorval Airport - a name still in use by many locals, in the City of Dorval serves all international and domestic passenger traffic. Trudeau airport is approximately 20 km from downtown Montreal.
For more information on the airport, check out the Airports of Montreal homepage.
By Car
By Bus
Galland enables passengers to travel across the Laurentians, from Montréal to Mont-Laurier, via Laval, Saint-Jérôme, Piedmont, Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Adèle, Sainte-Agathe, Mont-Tremblant and L’Annonciation. Urban buses (Lower Laurentians) • 450 433-7873
Eat
Fine regional produce and innovation combines with the know-how of Laurentian chefs to bring out the very best in what the region has to offer to gourmets: a simply delightful experience by any standard. A spectacular cuisine, with special dishes concocted by prize-winning chefs using fresh local produce. Or simpler everyday cuisine, offering plain yet delicious meals: the multitude of Laurentian restaurants presents an inspiring range catering to every gourmet’s taste buds. Anyone with a sweet tooth will love the experience of sugaring off time in the spring, when several dozen sugar shacks offer menus inspired by region’s world famous maple syrup.
As a first-class gourmet destination, the Laurentians also offers numerous fine regional products including locally made cheeses, ciders and wines, sausages, maple products, dairy products, honey, fruit and vegetables, as well as a wide range of derivative products. You can purchase fine regional products directly from producers, in specialty boutiques or perhaps in one of the attractive local markets found here and there in the region. Savouring fresh local produce deliciously presented is one of life’s special treats. Families can come and take part in the festivities at harvest time, lovers can come and take their time over a special dinner for two, groups of friends can enjoy a special outing to one of the region’s reputed tables champêtres (for high-quality country dining), and there is also a vineyard tour to be had, where visitors can taste some locally-produced wines. Bon appétit!
Sleep
A stay in the Laurentians is a delight to be sampled in any one of numerous ways. B&Bs, country inns, hotels and motels are all available, and in addition you can go camping, rent a cottage or condo, or stay at a youth hostel – the variety is endless.
Work
Learn
Tourist Information Bureau
Tourisme Laurentides is the official tourism organisation for the region.
They can be found at:
14 142, rue de la Chapelle
Mirabel (Québec) Canada J7J 2C8
Tel: 450 436-8532 or 1 800 561-NORD (6673)
This is version 8. Last edited at 10:52 on Dec 15, 07 by Peter (-266). 2 articles link to this page.
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