The Laurentian Mountains Canada

Located 24 kilometers north of Saint-Pierre Lake and confined to the foothills of the Laurentian Mountains, the municipality of Charette boasts magnificent rural landscapes.
Source : Municipalité de Charette

Welcome in the Laurentians region. 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.   In each season, nature transports the traveller into a unique universe, so much so that the Laurentians is a place to rediscovered over and over again: it’s always a pleasure to return. So come and find your special corner of the Laurentians to which we are sure you’ll want to keep coming back: it’s one of North America’s true natural paradises.
Source: Tourisme Laurentides

Nestled in the heart of the Laurentian Mountains, in a fantastic natural setting where more than 200 lakes are beautifully sparkled, Rivière-à-Pierre has developed on both side of the river that bears its name. Occupying a vast territory, the town took advantage of the surrounding forests and of the important reserves of granite. This granite was used to build the walls of the Québec Citadel, the pillars of the Québec Bridge as well as several buildings and monuments (the Saint-Bernardin-de-Sienne church built in 1909, the rectory, a replica of the Gaspé cross, etc.). Known as the gateway to the Portneuf Wildlife Reserve, Rivière-à-Pierre provides access to this vast territory, once a stronghold of wealthy private clubs. North of the village, the Marmite Falls site represent an interesting geological phenomenon dug into the rock by the swirling waters of the à-Pierre River.
Source: MRC de Portneuf

The heritage village of Saint-Ambroise-de-Kildare welcomes you in a country setting, located near major urban centers. The heart of the Village is filled with great historical riches: a church, a rectory and several old houses, some of which proudly display their 150 year history.
Source : Municipalité de Saint-Ambroise-de-Kildare

Traditionally, the town of Saint-Alban was link with forestry and agriculture but, thanks to its fabulous natural setting, the area also became a renowned nature oriented resort over the years. The region indeed features numerous lakes and rivers. The Long and Montauban Lakes Regional Park is especially popular among nature enthusiasts. Downstream of the Saint-Alban hydroelectric dam, a spectacular canyon carved by the Sainte-Anne River also represents a remarkable natural phenomenon.
Source: MRC de Portneuf

80 km to the north of Montreal, midway between Saint-Sauveur and Mont-Tremblant, Val-David is one of the prettiest villages in the Laurentians.   Val-David is also a paradise for Quebec outdoors enthusiasts in general, one of the oldest and best known rock-climbing sites in Canada and a creative environment for numerous artists and craftspersons.   A delightful village setting with its background formed by Mounts Césaire, Condor and King, with the Rivière du Nord and its tributaries running through the middle, Le P’tit train du Nord linear park also a central feature, Val-David is a true four-season destination.    Recognized by both outdoors enthusiasts and art lovers as a destination of choice, people come here to relax, enjoy sporting activities, discover the work of our artists and craftspersons, and enjoy some of the major events held each year.    The Dufresne Regional Park provides a magnificent site for outdoors enthusiasts, dedicated to ecotourism. This park, which was largely created thanks to the participation of local citizens, is devoted to the protection and conservation of our natural and recreo-touristic heritage and is the fruit of more than 25 years of concerted efforts.   This protected zone is criss-crossed by nearly one hundred kilometres of trails, which are used by hikers and cross-country skiers. Anyone who loves taking a forest walk can do so in the peace and tranquility of any one of the numerous trails of varying degrees of difficulty. There are scenic viewpoints, belvederes and huts to make your visit even more pleasant.   For those who like more exciting activities, several kilometres of trails are set aside for mountain biking. Steepish climbs and descents take you through a truly remarkable natural landscape. These trails are used by cross-country skiers in wintertime.   Did you know that Val-David is also the site where the first organized rock-climbing took place in Québec, and that the rock walls on which this popular sport is still practiced are within the Dufresne Regional Park?   For some years now, climbers from all over the place come to practise their sport and enjoy the beauty of our natural surroundings. Mounts Césaire, Condor and King, all of which are within the Park, provide more than 500 routes which have been categorized and rated. From the beginner’s walls to the more advanced climbs of all kinds, Val-David offers a veritable rock-climbing garden with something for climbers of every level.
Source: Municipalité de Val-David

In early 19th century, the first visitors were so impressed by the region’s thick forests and beautiful scenery that they dubbed it “Vallée du Bois” (Wood Valley). In 1885, the territory of the municipality was already extending over 224 square kilometers. Val-des-Bois’ natural setting offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts (numerous lakes, the Lièvre River, the Albatross trail, etc.). The town is also renowned as one of the gateway to the famous Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve.   The reserve, which boasts a rich and varied wildlife population, is a great setting for numerous outdoor recreational activities and is an ideal location for observing wildlife. Along with designated sport hunting and fishing areas, certain sectors are also set aside for observation purposes. The rich and varied vegetation provides excellent habitats for many birds and animals, including large populations of white-tailed deer, moose and beaver. The many lakes and rivers are home mainly to speckled and lake trout. A visit to the land of Louis-Joseph Papineau is your gateway to a world of tranquillity and beauty where the word "nature" takes on its full meaning.
Sources: Municipalité de Val-des-Bois and SEPAQ

Divided between the Lanaudière and Laurentides regions, Réserve faunique Rouge-Matawin is characterized by a well-defined duality. Two watersheds supply water to this reserve next to Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, giving it two distinct characters: to the west, the sometimes spirited and sometimes lazy Rivière Rouge and its tributaries, where speckled trout thrive, and to the east, the winding and mysterious Rivière Matawin and its tributaries teeming with Northern pike.  

Source: SEPAQ