Mont-Tremblant a cool outdoor experience

Vacay.ca has teamed with Choice Hotels Canada to create a series of articles highlighting the best bargain hotel travel experiences in the country. Today we explain why you Mont-Tremblant is a great outdoor experience, no matter what the season.

Story by Rod Charles
Vacay.ca Deputy Editor

MONT-TREMBLANT, QUEBEC — No one is saying the hotels in this picturesque town aren’t lovely – they are. No one is suggesting Mont-Tremblant doesn’t do the indoor experience well – they do. It’s just they do the outdoor experience so much better and for that reason no one in their right mind will want to spend a lot of time in their hotel when visiting Mont-Tremblant, no matter how nice the room may be.

There are a wide range of hotels to choose from when visiting Mont-Tremblant. These range from Five Star luxurious hotels to quaint bed and breakfasts, so travellers can be forgiven for being unsure when trying to choose.

Comfort Inn & Suites Mont-Tremblant is a nice hotel to stay when visiting this beautiful location in the heart of Quebec. With one-to-three bedroom suites all equipped with a full kitchen, living room with a fireplace and private balcony with some guest rooms, Comfort Inn & Suites – Hotel Mont-Tremblant is more than ideal to relax before hitting the slopes. This hotel also offers free wireless high speed Internet access, free outdoor parking, guest laundry facilities and a babysitting service (extra cost). Without question though, one of the best amenities in Comfort Inn & Suites – Hotel Mont-Tremblant is the indoor pool.

While these amenities are good, most of you are going to want to get outside as quickly as possible. Mont-Tremblant, a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, is easy to reach and inexpensive to enjoy.

Skiing: It goes without saying the number one reason you will want to get outside in Mont-Tremblant is to ski. Mont-Tremblant mountain — considered the highest peak in the Laurentians – has been a major tourist draw for more than 75 years. Located about 132 kilometres north of Montreal, Mont-Tremblant has several trails that cater to skiers of all skill levels. When you’re on top of the mountain warm up at the Grand Manitou, the summit lodge where you can visit the café, ask questions at the customer service centre or stop by the boutique for souvenirs.

Unsure of yourself? Fear not. Helpful guides will take you up on the famous Panoramic Gondola, show you the ropes and help you feel right at home. Mont-Tremblant also offers outstanding opportunities to go cross-country skiing and snowboarding.

Mountain Activities: You may be surprised to hear this, but Mont-Tremblant isn’t only a winter destination. That gondola we spoke about earlier operates all season long and the views during the warm months are even more spectacular when the glass isn’t fogged over with ice and snow. Hiking trails can be found throughout the area but be warned – depending on your level of fitness some of those trails will leave you wishing you had listened to that tiny, quiet voice inside your head and stayed in bed. One of my favourite trails is a calorie-busting trek that takes you underneath the gondola past a beautiful waterfall.

Family-Friendly Activities: Speaking of family-friendly fun for all ages, Mont-Tremblant has several activities that will entertain, challenge and educate.

Head for the top of the mountain in summer months and watch the family friendly Birds Of Prey show. Another fun option is a private session with a falconer and a trained hawk. I had the pleasure of seeing one of those falconers in action with a group of children during a hike and trust me — I didn’t hear one of those children say ‘can we go home now’ to a parent.

Another stop I loved was the 360-degree Observation Tower, a ten minute walk down the trail is one of the best places to get a spectacular view of the entire area. You should be able to see a sign as you get closer, but if you’re unsure the customer service centre in the summit lodge will direct you. The bad news is the structure was closed after being struck by lightning in the fall, but renovations should be complete by summer.

From the Akropark to biking, the beach and tennis club, rock climbing, and horseback riding there is something in Mont-Tremblant for everyone. Visitors can also enjoy canoeing and kayaking, as well as the Captains’ Harbour. For bigger kids there’s Casino Mont-Tremblant, sailing, Ziptrek Ecotours and paintball.

Festivals and Concerts: Mont-Tremblant has no shortage of events. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Wanderlust Tremblant, a four-day celebration of mindful living. It was a wonderful event that is right at home in fitness-mad Mont-Tremblant, although I should warn you it’s a good idea to enrol in a yoga class or two before taking part in this event. With several interesting meditation and intermediate classes, Wanderlust is an awesome event but most of the sessions are for people who have at least a basic understanding of yoga. To be honest, a couple of the classes I participated in would have been a handful for members of Cirque de Soleil. Don’t let that scare you though – Wanderlust rocks.

Other outstanding events to check out are the Subaru IRONMAN 5150 (June 25, 2016) and the Tremblant International Blues Festival (July 8 to July 17).

Join the Village People: These activities are wonderful, but in my opinion one of the best outdoor activities in Mont-Tremblant – besides skiing – is the pedestrian village.

In winter, hit the pond and go for a skate with your friends before heading out for a coffee.

Day or night, summer or winter, Mont-Tremblant village is a great place to walk around, buy souvenirs, enjoy great restaurants like Bullseye Saloon & Grill, La Forge Bistro-Bar & Grill, La Maison de la Crêpe and Pizzatéria.

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Comfort Inn & Suites Mont-Tremblant
Website: www.choicehotels.ca/en/comfort-suites-downtown-montreal-hotel-cn139
Address: 860 rue LaLonde, Mont-Tremblant, QC
Phone: 1-819-429-6000
Click here to sign up for Choice Privileges Loyalty program for free nights!

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