Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada! Another surprise. Most of us have heard about the mountain – the Mount Tremblant Ski Hill – but did you know that there was a massive National Park and two other small villages also. The region of Mount Tremblant is so much more than a world famous ski and snowboard hill in the winter. In the summer it is outdoor patios, biking, sandy beaches, restaurants, hiking, mountains, canoeing, kayaking, birdwatching, swimming, sailing, boating, wildlife, camping and wilderness backpacking.
The region includes over 400 lakes! It is one of Quebec’s most popular year round destinations. And being I have been indulged in cement cities for some time now, I figured I would take in some wilderness quality time and stay a few days in the Mount Tremblant National Park. From the park I could scout out the region and get in some hikes and maybe a canoe. Hope the weather cooperates?
Centre Village Pier at Beach
I began researching in the Centre Village. It is located between the mountain resort and the highway village of Saint Joviet. All are connected by biking trails. In the village is one main street lined with restaurants and unique shops. Just down the road is a marina and some private beaches.
On the outskirts of the village is a public sandy beach and a sitting shelter. The shelter is a stop for bikers and houses an art gallery. The beach is paid admission. Surprising since it is so small. In the beach area is a pier for viewing, washrooms and a concession. I continued to walked the town, poking around taking pictures.
The mountain was a treat. It was like crossing into a time warp and being dropped off in a small European village. The buildings were dressed in vibrant colors – row after row of yellows, reds, blues, oranges, pinks, etc. I walked the streets (pedestrian only streets), passing by various accommodations, attractions, patios, rental shops, gift shops, restaurants and some gardens. All the time the ski lifts overhead were coming and going.
Ski lift and Fountain in Lower Village on Mountain
At the bottom village were more shops and stores plus a centre rock garden with a fountain and some cascades. In the bottom village was the base of the lift shuttling people from the bottom village to the upper village. From the upper village there was another lift taking crowds to the peak. For a moment I closed my eyes and I envisioned me and my snowboard and the snow blanketing the hill. It was too much to take – plus it only July. Too early to excited about boarding.
Next was Saint Joviet Village. It is the first sign of civilization in the Mount Tremblant region when traveling Highway 117. In the village on main street are many unique shops, galleries and retail gift stores including a good selection of outdoor patios. There was one on every block. It is the section of Mount Tremblant with the most shopping, especially if you are in need of supplies. I was, so I stocked up on food and headed back to the National Park. Next I was going to hunker down in the park and explore. Should be tough sleeping as I am excited, like a little boy at Xmas.