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Getaways: The Laurentians on Two Wheels |
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Along Le P'tit Train du Nord Linear Park, you'll want to ride your bicycle
by John M. Smith
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| Photo by John M. Smith |
Many of us are already familiar with the striking beauty of Quebec's Laurentians, just north of Montreal and covering an area of almost 22,000 square kilometres. But if you're looking to get a fresh, new perspective of the region, why not try exploring the area by bicycle. The 200-kilometre P'tit Train du Nord Linear Park provides a wonderful multi-use recreational path, between Mont-Laurier and Saint-Jerome, along the route of the legendary Laurentians railway.
Back in the 1920s and '30s, the actual P'tit Train du Nord played a pivotal role in opening up the Laurentians as a resort area; the so-called "snow trains" brought a great number of avid outdoor enthusiasts into the region. When the trains disappeared (passenger service ended in 1981, freight service in 1987), the rail bed was converted into a magnificent crushed gravel trail that can now take you right through the heart of the Laurentians.
The 200-kilometre P'tit Train du Nord Linear Park provides a multi-use recreational path along the route of the legendary Laurentians railway.
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Photo by Diane Leblond (ATL)
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I recently rode the entire trail, from north to south over the course of a rather relaxed four-day cycling trip. My overnight stops along the route were at Lac Nominingue (Auberge Villa Bellerive), Mont Tremblant (Auberge La Porte Rouge), and Val-David (La Maison de Baviere). The 50 to 60 km/day pace gave me lots of time to enjoy the ride and sights along the way.
Although you're cycling through the mountains of the Laurentians, the actual ascents and descents of the trail are much less severe than those on the area's main highways and roads. Along the well marked route, you'll pass charming little villages, often with train stations that have been converted into trail service centres (with tourist information, washrooms, bike rentals and restaurants). You'll also find lots of picnic tables, scenic outlooks, rest areas; and a great variety of accommodations including campgrounds, B&Bs and hotels. You'll probably meet several trail patrollers along the route, so don't forget to get the $15 trail pass; it's good for the year and Quebec's entire network of trails.
Options if you go
The popularity of the recreational path has led to some intriguing options for trail users. For example, a shuttle service will take you to the trailhead of your choice and carry your luggage to your pre-determined daily destination. If you have a bike problem along the route, you can phone for pickup, or you can continue your ride on a "replacement bicycle" (while your bicycle is being repaired). Another popular service is specialized inn-to-inn dining packages that can even include a massage. These off-trail services are provided by such companies as the Belgian Way (888-688-3420), Domaine Marie-Max (888-686-1323), Nos Belles Auberges d'Autrefois (877-688-6422), Transport du P'tit Train du Nord (888-893-8356), and Vélo du Nord Inc. (888-500-8356).
For more information
Association Touristique des Laurentides:
Get a copy of Laurentides, the official tourist book that provides excellent information and maps of the trail itself.
Tel: (800) 561-6673 or (450) 436-8532
Email:
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Website: www.laurentides.com
Vélo Quebec:
Ask for a copy of La Route Verte, Quebec's network of trails.
Tel: 514-521-8356
Email:
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Website: www.velo.qc.ca |
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| Photo by John M. Smith |
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