Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Tremblant in summer is a sensory treasure chest. Crisp mountain air perfumed by freshly baked bread and mighty coffee wafts throughout the colourful pedestrian village-the greens of nature the ideal backdrop for the village’s lipstick-red and powder-blue roofs. The small contemporary French Canadian resort connects Parc du Mont-Tremblant’s wilderness with a string of quintessentially Quebecois villages that stretches 75 miles south of Montreal.
Because Tremblant is built on an incline, exploring the town’s cobblestone streets requires strong legs and lungs. After guests tire of meandering the town’s 70 shops, restaurants and galleries, the Cabriolet, a people mover, kindly shuttles them uphill to the slopeside place, St. Bernard, where visitors and local congregate on weekends to enjoy the sounds of jamming musicians.
In the early morning stroll to Vieux-Tremblant, a section in the middle of the village filled with 1940s cottages that were relocated here and turned into restaurants and shops. Why not sit among the locals at Cafe Bistro Ryan, the only cottage on its original site, and nibble away at a croissant while laying out the days plans or simply watch the world go by. The cool morning air makes the hours before noon the perfect time to explore Trremblant’s ski slopes, which are located within the Par du Mont-Tremblant. Why not ride the gondola into the resorts ecozone, a mountaintop area where you can walk with a naturalist or stroll along a self-interpretation trail to learn more about the regions ecosystem. For those who want a heartier does of exercise, why not have ago at the Les Somments trail. It’s set in the pines, but as you ascend three peaks, the views expand to include lakes, rivers and forests deep in the provincial Parc. Then there’s the option of the easy 6 mile bike ride on the linear park to the neighbouring village of St-Jovite.
This takes you through the forests and past golfers on the Grey Rocks’ new La Bete Course.
When your appetite gets the better of you, grab a table at Antipasto and melt into the street scene. To burn off what you have eaten take a bike ride back to Tremblant to laze on the beach or go sailing or play nine on Le Geant. The names hint at each of the area’s four courses personalities. Tremblant own the award winning Le Geant and Le Diable whilst nearby Grey Rock Resort owns La Bella, a beautiful course and La Bete which is truly a “beast”.
If you have never been to Canada before you will certainly be in for a treat. Give it ago, it will be a visit that will not disappoint.
Chateau Morritt
This charming, family run boutique Inn is located in the Chemin Du Village of Mont Trembelant, by a lake. The accommodation is furnished to a good standard and is spacious.
