6-Day P'tit Train du Nord Quebec's Iconic Rail Trail Bike Tour

The two pick up locations today are Hotel Vermont at 8:30am or Hilton Garden Inn Montreal Airport at 12pm. After a brief introductory meeting, have lunch and then finish the drive to the northern terminus of the trail in Mont-Laurier. There you are fitted to your bike and have time to settle in before heading to dinner at Lémarettes, featuring gourmet cuisine showcasing local Quebec products.
Accommodation: Best Western Plus Mont Laurier
Meals: Dinner

This morning you begin your cycling journey. You bike a short distance from the hotel to the official start of the P’tit Train du Nord route. Make sure to take a photo at the start of the route — it’s a tradition. As you cycle along the trail today, pass through picturesque peat bogs and serene wooded countryside with peek-a-boo views of ponds tucked away in the trees. You can travel back through time, if you wish, by stopping to read the numerous interpretive signs along the route.

Stop for a picnic lunch mid-route to refuel yourself for the rest of the ride. Then continue pedaling until you reach the Le Club et Hôtel du Golf Nominingue. Dinner will be at Restaurant le 2100.
Accommodation: Le Club et Hôtel du Golf Nominingue
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Biking: 39 miles (62 kilometres)
Elevation Gain: 1,370 feet (417 metres)
Terrain: Easier

After a hearty breakfast at the auberge, begin today’s pedal. The first few miles of the morning will take you along the shores of Lac Nominingue. From there, the trail turns to follow the Rivière-Rouge. When you pass through the town that bears the river’s name, stop to explore the train station (“gare,” in French) that was built in 1903. Next you pedal through La Macaza, which was colonized by immigrants who arrived via the same route you are now cycling. Have a group lunch at Le Cheminot, which is located in the old train station at Labelle. Built in 1924, this edifice is one of the most magnificent stations in the province. After lunch, cycle past pastures of lambs, sheepdogs, horses, and Galloway cattle. In your final miles of the day, make sure to stop by the old train station on the east side of Lac Mercier. Consider treating yourself to a relaxing latte or a cold beer and a refreshing dip in the lake.

You end your ride at the village of Mont Tremblant, where you spend the next two nights. You’re on your own for dinner tonight, so enjoy the evening as you wish.
Accommodation: Fairmont Tremblant
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 35 miles (56 kilometres)
Elevation Gain: 1,293 feet (424 metres)
Terrain: Easier

Today is your day to explore Mont Tremblant, known to the local Algonquins as the “trembling mountain.” The area is a popular ski resort in the winter. In other seasons, it’s a gathering place for events such as the Ironman and Formula One. There is so much to do and see today. Consider taking the gondola to the top of the mountain for impressive 360° views. You can then walk down from the top, visiting shops and restaurants along the way. Other things to do include hiking, boating, rafting, horseback riding, ziplining, taking a dune buggy tour, watching a birds of prey show, playing in a virtual reality arcade, or flying in a helicopter or an ultralight aircraft over the area. Of course, biking is an option as well. There’s an optional route that is popular with the locals. Make sure you dedicate at least a little of the day to resting, as tomorrow is a full day of riding on the trail.

You’re on your own for lunch; there are plenty of options for both in the village. Meet in the lobby later this evening to walk to A Mano Trattoria, a popular Italian restaurant.
Accommodation:
Meals: Dinner

Biking: 31 miles (50 kilometres)
Elevation Gain: 1,870 feet (569 metres)
Terrain: Easier

Today begins with a filling on-site breakfast at Le Comptoir. You can either begin your ride from the hotel or allow the shuttle to take you to a starting point further along the route. Consider an optional walk on the Sentier des Cimes Laurentides (aka “The Laurentian Peaks Treetop Trail”). An ecotourism destination for nature lovers, this trail includes a wooden footbridge through the forest to a 130-ft (40-meter) observation tower where you can enjoy a unique panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Once back on your bike, visit the Mont Blanc station, built in 1893, where you find a number of impressive sculptures such as the “Tree of Love.” As you pass through Val-David, you ride along the gorgeous Rivière du Nord, as sounds of the rapids from one of the wildest parts of the river fill your ears. On today’s route, you also pass gardens of herbs used for making teas as well as the Coupe-de-Pierre, which is two large rock walls on either side of the path. You’re on your own for lunch — suggestions are provided along the route. You end your pedaling at the Manoir St Sauveur.

Have a celebration this evening at a local restaurant in honor of our final evening together.
Accommodation: Manoir St Sauveur
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Biking: 51 miles (82 kilometres)
Elevation Gain: 2,180 feet (664 metres)
Terrain: Easier

The final day starts with an early morning breakfast delivered to your room. After filling your belly, pack up your belongings and head out for the final miles of the trail. Today you ride past the cliffs of Prévost. Keep your eyes peeled, as the escarpments are home to many species of birds of prey. Stop at the nearby heritage station dating from 1897, where you can purchase a memento from your trip. Make sure to take your photo at the end of the route under the arch with the trail’s name – it’s a tradition, too. Having seen new landscapes and made new memories, have a final lunch together before making the trek back to where you started in Montreal or Vermont.
Accommodation:
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Biking: 15 miles (24 kilometres)
Elevation Gain: 490 feet (149 metres)
Terrain: Easier