An Amazing Autumn Experience in Mont Tremblant, Quebec
Published September 28th, 2023
All photos by Jay Kana unless otherwise noted
Autumn in Canada is a magical time of year, regardless of where you experience it. Living in southern Ontario, there’s a plethora of places a couple of hours north to bask in the beauty of fall. However, one of my favourite places to absorb autumn is next door in Quebec, specifically Mont Tremblant after spending a few days there in late September.
I’ve been to Tremblant a few times prior but always during winter, which is stunning in itself.
If you’re looking for a picturesque Canadian destination, complete with outdoor activities, divine dining options and bathed in charm and beauty throughout, put Mont Tremblant on your short list for a fabulous fall experience.
Here’s how I spent a few days in and around Mont Tremblant as the seasons changed from summer to autumn.
Panoramic Gondola & Hiking
From the upper section of the Pedestrian Village, take the Panoramic Gondola ride up the mountain and enjoy the stunning views as you ascent. Explore your creativity by creating a time-lapse video on your smartphone or simply enjoy the beauty around you.
Once at the top, turn right and take a picture of the massive Muskoka chair, or keep walking and relax on the provided seating areas.
If you turn left once off the gondola, take the under-ten minute hike to the observation tower and enjoy the 360 degree views of the Laurentians. Note that the last half of the hike is uphill to reach the tower.
If you want to get your steps in, you can hike all the way up the mountain instead of taking the gondola.
Kayaking on Lac Tremblant
On the property and only a 10-ish minute walk away brings you to Centre Nautique Pierre Plouffe, located near the Beach and tennis club.
It’s here where you’ll rent your kayak, canoe, pedal-boat or standup paddle board as you soak in the different perspective to Tremblant. There are only sit-on kayaks opposed to sit-in, and the team will provide you a safety whistle in case of an emergency. As you paddle on Lac Tremblant, you can explore the entire lake or parts of it; whatever suits your comfort zone.
After spending a couple of hours on the water, I will suggest you stay close to the shore as there are powerboats that traverse the waterway here and less experienced water-goers may be uncomfortable with the wake.
As an avid kayaker, I had a wonderful time and captured some unique pictures of Mont Tremblant from the water. The staff was quite friendly and helpful and made sure I was fully and safely decked out before sliding into the water.
Tonga Lumina
Instead of the gondola you took for the hike, turn left off the free gondola and take the short Flying Mile ski/chair lift ride to become immersed in this truly astounding light and sound show.
It’s described as “a sensory experience in the forest created by Moment Factory. This 1.5-km night walk takes place through an illuminated pathway at the heart of nature. The trail slowly weaves its way down the hill through the woods, crosses streams and clearings.”
There are enchanting sounds to accompany the brilliance delivered by the sea of lights. There’s even an interactive aspect where you place your hand on an illuminated display and a projection appears on the rock face.
There are two bathroom options; one around the halfway and the other near the exit. Keep in mind it’s a 10-ish minute walk from the end of the exhibit show back to the upper level. From there, it’ll be a walk back down to the main level of the pedestrian village as the free gondola stops running around sunset. Before you start your experience, turn around once you’re off the chair lift and some stunning shots of the village from high up.
Summer Skiing
New for 2023 is summer skiing, situated by the Flying Mile chair lift/learning area of the Équilibre slope.
How does summer skiing work at Mont Tremblant with no snow?
It utilizes a synthetic surface designed for a similar (but not the same) feel as snow, and it’s meant as an introduction to snow sports.
Equipment rental is included with the price (skiis or snowboards, boots, poles, helmets) and ski and snowboard assistants are available to guide and give lessons to participants. If you’re more comfortable using your own gear, that’s totally allowed and you get a reduced rate.
There’s no chairlift to bring you up the small hill. Instead, there’s a “magic carpet” (think a flat moving piece of rubber at department stores) that brings you back to the top.
After doing a few runs, I can say that it certainly has familiar aspects to snow but is definitely different. Not in a bad way; rather, a matter of fact way. I found it a bit challenging at times to slide my inside left so that was parallel to my outside leg. Once I got the hang of it, it became easier, as is the case with almost everything.
There are small jumps and two types of slopes. First is a mat with long fibers for a softer feel (Upper Equilibre section) and the other with short fibres for a firmer surface (Lower Equilibre section.)
Luge
It may have a name that makes you think of the winter sport but this is one of my favourite activities at Mont Tremblant.
It’s kinda like a go kart thing but non-motorized but just as fun, if not more!.
Pick up your helmet just before taking the same Flying Mile chair lift that you did for Tonga Lumina. You’ll get a quick lesson on how this three-wheel cart works. You pull back toward your chest to apply the brakes and then gently, gently, gently release by pushing forward to start moving forward.
If you simply let go from the braking position, you’ll barely move, if you move at all. It’s all about finesse here. Turning left and right are easy and with three wheels and a wide body, there’s a heightened sense of stability.
Now onto the fun stuff!
You’ll twist and turn through the 24 cool corners as you descend the 1.4-km-long track. There are some hairpin turns so remember this safe method: Brake, Release, Turn. If you go full tilt into sharper turns, you’re gonna have a bad time. While I didn’t get an official speed reading, I’m safely guessing I hit 25 km/h.
Most importantly, please be aware of others on the route.
Go for a Scenic Drive
If you want to immerse yourself in the elegance of autumns colours in this magical part of the world, get in your car and take a scenic drive along Duplesiss road. There are a few spots to safely stop at and take pictures and once you hit the end of the road, turn right for even more fabulous fall colours.
Dining at Mont Tremblant
There are oh-so many dining options in Mont Tremblant, whether you want steak, a pub, sushi and plenty of others. Here’s where I opted to eat and highly recommend:
Yama-No-Kami Pub Japonais - Photos by Steph Wallcraft
To quote Steph Wallcraft, owner of Gluten Free Galore, who I went with and has celiac disease so no gluten allowed: Vegetarian and spicy tuna rolls, kicked off with gluten-free miso soup and edamame. They started off by warning us about potential for cross-contamination, but the kitchen was pretty quiet when we arrived and we asked them to please be cautious, and we had zero issues. Beautiful and tasty!
Microbrasserie La Diable
A good variety of food here and a strong selection of craft beers brewed on-site.
Fair sized portions are ideal for sharing and what came to our table were the nachos, wings (with sauce on the side) and a Philly Cheesesteak sandwich with fries. All my items were hot, fresh and tastes exactly as I expected, which is a good thing.
There are a select few gluten-free menu items here; make sure you clearly tell your server if you have food allergies and they’ll do their best to accommodate you.
We sat on the patio in late September where it cools down pretty quickly so if you do want a patio seat, bring a sweater or jacket for dinner service. Alternatively, you can sit inside.
La Savoie - Photos by Steph Wallcraft
Immerse yourself in an authentic Savoyard experience and enjoy a remarkable culinary experience here, complete with fondues, raclettes and stone-grilled meats.
We opted to get our meats with broth for boiling opposed to oil and you can see by the pictures just how beautiful the presentation is and while I can’t show you how delicious it was, we finished everything put in front of us. Definitely a must-try resto in Mont Tremblant.
Chocolato
As someone who is quite fond(ue) of chocolate, this was heaven with four walls and a roof.
I went for the delicious and creamy two-scoop waffle cone with maple ice cream and chocolate ice cream. 10/10. In fact, 11/10.
They’ve also got royal sundaes and gelatos, numerous chocolate dips to customize your hot chocolate, famous exclusive Greek donuts and other delightful treats.
Cabane à sucre de la montagne
A small maple shop at the midway point between the lower and upper level of the pedestrian village that’s next to the free gondola, pop in for some sweet treats and make sure to try the maple on crushed ice. Fun fact: they’ve got a timer set for 45 seconds because if you pick up the popsicle stick with the chilling-in-progreess maple syrup, it won’t set properly and you’ll have a dripping gob of cold syrup.
Dinner at the place with Nissan cook your own food.
If you want something quick, there’s a General Store on the upper level that has essential options and alcohol.
Where to Stay at Mont Tremblant - Photos by Steph Wallcraft
Ermitage du Lac is a lovely, quaint and upscale hotel that’s in the heart of the village. They call themselves the most intimate hotel in Tremblant. They go on to describe their lodging as “contemporary urban chic decor, where you will have plenty of space to relax. Surrender to this romantic stay, in the refinement of a boutique hotel surrounded by nature.”
There’s underground parking and breakfast is cold items and a variety of breads and the rooms themselves are inviting, elegantly decked out and definitely premium.
Pro Tips for Your Stay at Mont Tremblant
Wear the right shoes - there’s lots of walking to be done up hill and down hill across the village, let alone if you go hiking.
Bring water with you in a reusable bottle.
Dress in layers as the daytime can get quite warm and the nights cool down significantly.
Don’t rush through things. Yes, there’s plenty to see and do but don’t go so fast that you miss the experience.
Something I was drawn to, even though I’ve been a few times before, is the free gondola ride. There’s always something cool to look at and the colours burst against the mountain back drop. Know that strangers can sometimes come in your gondola thing as it holds six people and when it’s busier, it’s the efficient way.
Click here to start planning your Mont Tremblant experience.
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