Detailed road map area of Upper Laurentians, Quebec Canada

Upper Laurentians      

The Upper Laurentians cover over 15,000 km2 of the great  outdoors, embracing dense maple groves, winding rivers, and charming  villages. A real paradise for nature lovers, the region boasts over  4,500 lakes and rivers, three large reservoirs, and lush wildlife  reserves where flora and fauna abound. In winter, visitors flock to the  region for its unparalleled snowmobiling, dog sledding, and ice fishing.  In summer, hop on a bicycle in Mont-Laurier, the regional capital, and  tour the area by following the "P'tit Train du Nord" linear park that  runs 200 km along old railway tracks down to Saint-Jerome in the Lower  Laurentians. For a truly spectacular view, climb the 783 m Mont Sir  Wilfrid Laurier (better known as Devil's Mountain, and the  second-highest mountain in the Laurentians) for a look of the massive  Baskatong Reservoir, a virtual inland sea.      

Chute-Saint-Philippe [C4] For a small village,  Chute-Saint-Philippe offers an extraordinary choice of sports and  outdoor activities, including swimming, fishing, cross-country skiing,  canoeing, snowmobiling, cycling, mountain biking, hiking, skating, and  camping. It's also an ideal observation site for a substantial herd of  white-tailed deer. The Gramp-Jalac Pisciculture offers great speckled  char and rainbow trout fishing.

Nominingue is said to come from the Algonquin for "a land to  which one must return." People come back to this sleepy town sandwiched  between two dazzling lakes for the charms of village life. Visit the  historic train station, the Sisters of Sainte-Croix Convent, or take a  hike to the top of Bondy Mountain.      

Mont-Laurier [C4]      

A major snowmobile center and capital of the Upper  Laurentians, Mont-Laurier was originally named Rapide-de-I'Orignal  (Moose Rapids) from an old legend that said a moose was startled by the  Riviere du Lievre falls and jumped 30 m over the river. Attractions in  Mont-Laurier include a Benedictine monastery, horseback riding,  canoeing, golfing, and the start of the P'tit Train du Nord Linear Park.      

Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve [D4-E4] Covering 1,628 km2  of territory and sporting 773 waterways, Papineau-Labelle's woods are  home to diverse wildlife, including moose, white-tailed deer, wolf, and  beaver. Depending on the season, you can hunt, fish, snowmobile, or go  skiing. Cottages, cabins, and campgrounds are open to the public.      

Saint-Donat [D7] Nicknamed the "Switzerland of the  Laurentians" because of its high elevation, Saint-Donat has a  long-established reputation as one of the best resort centers in the  province. A stone's throw from Mont-Tremblant Park, its two vast lakes,  Lac Ouareau and Lac Archambault, offer a full range of outdoor pastimes  for every season.      

SPECIAL INTEREST      

Memories of Stone      

The strikingly original works of Quebec sculptors Roger  Langevin and Daniel Poulin draw on local techniques and materials, and  their sculptures speak of their relationship to local history and  people. Some of their works you can see in the Upper Laurentians include  Grand 6 pieds (Six-foot Giant) in Lac-Saguay [C5]; Draveur (Log Driver)  in Mont-Laurier [C4]; Lieu/Lien (Place-Link) in the train station in  L'Annonciation [D5]; and Memoirc du temps (Remember the Past) in  Lac-Nominingue [D5].      

Teepee Village      

Looking for an unusual and relaxing place to visit? The  Bourgade Teepee Village at Lac-Saint-Paul [C4] specializes in overnight  stays in traditional Sioux teepees, which measure 6.4 m in diameter. The  Sioux believe their teepees release a special energy that's synonymous  with tranquillity. Info: (819) 587-4355.      

Riding the Rapids      

The Upper Laurentians abound with bold river names like  Riviere du Diable (Devil's River) and Riviere Rouge (Red River). The  latter is famed among rafters for a stretch of rapids known as the  "21-miles." For those looking for a more tranquil river journey,  beginners can rent kayaks in Mont-Laurier on the shores of Riviere du  Lievre, and canoe excursions are offered in Mont-Tremblant Park; for  information, call 1-877-688-2289.