Active holidays at Québec's Mont Tremblant

Perhaps more famous for its Canadian ski holiday ideas, Mont Tremblant - in the Laurentians region of Québec - is also a great destination for an active holiday during the summer months.

In a good year the ski season can run from October to the first days of April, but a short drive north from Montréal-Trudeau airport travelbite.co.uk's Chris O'Toole discovers a resort celebrating pistes transformed into verdant green slopes.

Montréal's Backyard

Walking down the Main Street of Mont Tremblant's pedestrianised village the evening is alive with the sound of the blues; stages line the winding avenues as patrons crowd around - jostling to secure a glimpse of the stars. ">

We have arrived during the annual Festival International du Blues de Tremblant - the highlight of the summer social calendar.

While this type of event can instil a slight air of cynicism among weary travellers - occasionally providing a mediocre lineup to a captive audience - the Mont Tremblant experience is of a different calibre entirely. Hosting performances from the legendary Edgar Winter, Jonas and the Power Stroke Blues Band, to name but a few, visitors travel from Montréal and wider Québec simply to sample the atmosphere.

Based on the design of Old Québec, Mont Tremblant has an antique European feel; packed with pristine cobbled streets, manicured lawns and gleaming boutiques. The local population of just 5,000 can double during the high season, with the town alive to the buzz of families enjoying the purpose built holiday village.

All the festivals - with the Rhythms of Tremblant, Tremblant Under the Stars and Grand Prix of Colour all popular - accommodate a visiting family audience. Performances conclude at 22:30 - allowing the little ones to retire to bed - but the bars on and around the main street stay open as long as there is demand. Thus offering the best of both worlds.

Needless to say we enjoyed a few local beers in Le Shack and Bar d'Époque until well after dark. As with much of Québec the local patrons are quick to strike up conversation about the intricacies of blues with visitors - in either French of English.

Active breaks in Canada

Presented with a list of possible activities the following day we elected to climb Mount Tremblant on foot - a potential three hour hike. Numerous routes of differing intensity offer passage to the summit and one hour into a particularly challenging climb - with clouds gathering ominously overhead - I was ruing the decision.

With those electing to take the Panoramic Gondola to the summit sailing merrily overhead I was below cursing my lack of fitness.

However, reaching the 875 metre plateau made the journey worthwhile, with panoramic views over the resort and rolling hills stretching to the horizon. A restaurant at the top - serving ice cold Molson beer - also made the excursion an exhilarating way to spend the morning.

For the less foolhardy there are shorter, one or two kilometre trails around the summit, offering a chance to enjoy the views without breaking a sweat. A falconry display also offers a welcome diversion - particularly for children.

Descending on the gondola - a ten minute ride costing $7 (£3) - we head to the Activity Centre (the hub of entertainment on site) to hire some bicycles. With families ever in mind maps are on hand with clearly marked routes around the surrounding countryside - allowing holidaymakers to travel as far as they desire.

An hour or two proved sufficient - allowing us to explore the landscape so recently seen from the summit of Mount Tremblant. Touring through the surrounding area it is possible to visit the petite village of Tremblant, which gave the resort its name and maintains its rustic charm.

While hiking and cycling are perhaps two of the more energetic activities on offer it is also possible for thrillseekers to take a luge ride down the mountainside or take a horse out into the mountains. A climbing wall, trampolines and (particularly challenging) mini-golf course also all offer great family friendly entertainment.

Tickets for all the attractions can be purchased at the Activity Centre, which also has a wealth of information on available hikes, mountain bike routes and everything else a visiting family on holiday in Mont Tremblant could need.

A Beach in the Mountains

Following the day's exertions we head to Lac Tremblant to enjoy the beach. Surrounded by the green mountains we pick up a couple of Molson beers and sit down to enjoy the ongoing blues festivals.

Those with energy to spare can hire kayaks and take to the water, along with windsurfers, wakeboarders and the slightly more sedate couples in pedalos. During the summer months an artificial iceberg is also floated on the lake, offering a challenge to children daring enough to attempt the climb.

Adult visitors to Mont Tremblant might also like to test their nerve at the new Casino de Mont Tremblant - a short ski lift ride away at Versant Soleil - or head out to either the Le Diable or Le Géant golf courses. However, as my golf swing is remarkably similar to my cricket swing, even an hour of tuition from the course pro Mike Hinze offered little encouragement for a potential change of career.

Heading back from the beach we call in for a beer at the Little Caribou - apparently the hippest joint in town - where a strong exchange rate sees a local beer cost a favourable $4 (£2).

A Little Piece of Paradise

After a long day we head back to the Ermitage Du Lac, sitting between Lac Tremblant and Lac Miroir. With 69 self-catering rooms, each boasting a corner kitchen and equipped with a cosy fireplace and open balcony, the hotel is one of the more intimate in Mont Tremblant.

A year round Jacuzzi offers a welcome treat, while (unusually for Mont Tremblant) a continental breakfast is also included.

Chris O'Toole

More Information

Air Canada flies direct to Montréal-Trudeau airport daily - taking seven hours from London Heathrow. Bonjour Québec and Tourisme Montréal also have a host of information in visiting the city, while there is more information on the Laurentians here.