Visiting Mont-Tremblant, Quebec On A Shore Excursion
On a recent Regent Seven Seas Grandeur cruise, we booked a shore excursion via bus from the port of Montreal to Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, about 80 miles away. Mont-Tremblant is set in the scenic Laurentian Mountains outside Montreal.
The city is most famous for the Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort, which opens in mid-November. But it is also a great four-season destination to immerse yourself in nature for a day trip or longer. We traveled in autumn and saw spectacular foliage along the way, but photos suggest it is just as picturesque at any other time of year.
At 2,871 feet, the Mont-Tremblant peak is one of the tallest in the Laurentians. Eleven trails lead to the mountain, surrounded by waterfalls, streams, and lakes.
An Outdoor Playground in the Laurentian Mountains
Endless choices of activities geared to visitors of all ages. Depending on the season and one’s interests, these include hiking, biking, ziplining, fishing, rafting, canoeing, kayaking, horseback riding, rock climbing, ATV rides, snowshoeing, laser tag, mini-golf, paintball, lake cruises, and more.
Recognized for its exceptional ski and outdoor experiences, Mont-Tremblant was named the “#1 Ski Resort in the North America East” an impressive 20 times by Ski Magazine. It has also been named the most expensive ski resort in Canada. It is reminiscent of the ski resorts in the Alps, France.
Although closed in summer, the Panoramic Gondola is one of the most popular attractions. Chairlifts take visitors to the summit of the Tremblant ski slopes, displaying breathtaking views of the Laurentian mountains and valleys below.
The Old Tremblant Village
The Pedestrian Village at the foot of the mountain looks like a scene from a picture book. Although it was only built in 1991, it is sometimes affectionately called the “old village.” The winding street up the hill is lined with dozens of snack bars, cafes, restaurants, art galleries, and shops selling outdoor sportswear, gear, souvenirs, and specialty foods.
Many shops are branded with familiar names (Columbia, Roots, etc.), but the town still has the ambiance of an old-fashioned Main Street. We stopped in the Helly Hansen shop to purchase a few gifts. The staff was more than helpful in finding the correct sizes and recommending nearby restaurants.
We couldn’t resist peeking in the Maison Fayard shop, which sells French delicacies like charcuterie, foie gras, and caviar. We bought sausages to take home in our suitcases, wondering if they would make it through Customs in New York.
If visitors have loonies (one-dollar Canadian coins) or toonies (two-dollar coins) left after visiting the shops, they can hop on a free shuttle bus that runs every 30 minutes to the Casino de Mont-Tremblant located on the Versant Soleil.
We had a magnificent lunch experience at Lucille’s in the Pedestrian Village and highly recommend it. The menu features excellent oysters and seafood classics, as well as dry-aged and charcoal-grilled steaks. Outdoor seating in the sun offers a perfect vantage point for people-watching with views.
Where To Stay in Mont-Tremblant
With some 1,900 lodging units and 13 hotels, accommodations are abundant, from those on the mountainside to others in the heart of the Pedestrian Village.
Well-known hospitality brands such as Fairmont, Holiday Inn Express & Suites, Hilton Grand Vacations, Homewood Suites, Marriott, and Westin offer properties across different price points.
Club Med has announced that it will be opening a ski-in/ski-out property at Mount-Tremblant in time for the 2028-2029 ski season. The second Club Med all-inclusive mountain resort in Canada, the 300-room Club Med Tremblant property will include lift tickets, group ski and snowboard lessons, gourmet dining, an open bar, and children’s clubs.
Getting there
Our visit to Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, coincided with the Thanksgiving holiday in Canada, so the roads were crowded with hordes of leaf-peeping visitors. A two-hour bus ride turned into more than three. Ordinarily. access to the resort is far more accessible.
Starting November 23, a luxury bus service (with reclining seats and electrical seat outlets) will shuttle visitors from Montreal-Pierre-Elliott Trudeau International Airport. During the winter season, the buses will make two round-trips per day from Thursdays to Sundays. The trip should take about 1.5 to 2 hours and feature breathtaking scenery much of the way.
An Eye-Opening Shore Excursion
One of the most rewarding parts of cruising is being introduced to new-to-you places. Even a relatively brief visit to picturesque Mont-Tremblant will whet your appetite to return and stay longer, either for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.
IF YOU GO
For additional information and a calendar of four-season events, see the Tremblant website.
This previously published post was reviewed and updated on 1/2/26.
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