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North from Montreal, Encountering the Leisure & Poetry of the Laurentian Foothills

2 days

Craving a quick escape from urban clamor to embrace nature's embrace, without sacrificing a refined leisure experience? Heading north from Montreal, you can easily reach the gateway to the Laurentian Mountains, often hailed as "Quebec's Resort Paradise." This area not only boasts charming natural scenery but also numerous French-style resort towns offering diverse options like shopping, dining, relaxation, and light outdoor activities. 

The following meticulously planned two-day itinerary will let you experience the unique charm of the Laurentian foothills. Suitable for all seasons, with summer and autumn offering the richest scenery and activities.

Day 1

Day's Itinerary: Montreal → Saint-Sauveur → Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts

Depart from Montreal, and an approximately one-hour drive will bring you to the gateway town of the Laurentians – Saint-Sauveur. This vibrant town is famous for its numerous boutiques, outlet shopping centers, diverse restaurants, and all-season outdoor activities (like skiing and water parks). Upon arrival in the morning, you can indulge in shopping удовольствие or stroll along the town's main street, soaking in the rich resort atmosphere.

In the afternoon, drive further north for about 30-40 minutes to reach Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, nestled on the shores of the majestic Lac des Sables. This historic town is one of the main centers of the Laurentians. After checking in, take a leisurely walk by the lake in the evening, admiring the tranquil lake views and beautiful sunset, or enjoy dinner at a lakeside restaurant – all excellent experiences.

Day 2

Day's Itinerary: Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts → (Optional) Nearby Activities (Cycling/Hiking) → (Optional) Art Towns like Val-David → Return to Montreal

In the morning, you can continue your leisure time in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. You might choose some water activities on Lac des Sables (like boat tours or kayaking, depending on the season), cycle along the lakeside bike path, or take a light hike on nearby trails, breathing in the fresh mountain air.

After finishing your activities in Sainte-Agathe, on your way back to Montreal, it's highly recommended to make a stop in art towns like Val-David. Val-David is known for its numerous artist studios, galleries, craft shops, and unique cultural atmosphere, making it a great place to discover local artistic charm. Here, you can find unique souvenirs or chat with local artists.

In the afternoon, return to Montreal, filled with leisure and artistic inspiration. This Laurentian foothills leisure trip perfectly combines shopping, natural scenery, lakeside relaxation, and artistic cultural experiences, making it an ideal choice for a short resort getaway from Montreal.

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