We began our weekend at Sentier des cimes Laurentides, the perfect place to ease into a family adventure. The approximately one-kilometer path, with its gentle 6% incline, is accessible even with young children or a stroller. You gradually make your way up, almost without noticing, until you reach an impressive panoramic tower offering breathtaking views over the Laurentian mountains.
The walk takes about an hour and a half to two hours, depending on your pace. During the day, the snowy mountain views are stunning. In the evening, the experience becomes magical thanks to Lumagica, which lights up the trail and transforms the walk into an enchanted journey.
The kids loved discovering the light installations. At the top, a massive suspended net allows you to walk above the open air. My son stepped onto it without hesitation. My daughter felt dizzy at first, but she found the courage to climb. Those are the kinds of moments that stay with you.
At the base of the trail, the restaurant Chez Émile serves comforting dishes that are perfect after a walk. Grilled cheese, homemade chips, and the unforgettable “croque fondu” — absolutely DE-CA-DENT. The kind of simple meal that tastes even better after fresh mountain air (or in our case, before!).
Sentier des cimes Laurentides / Chez Émile
737 rue de la Pisciculture
Mont-Blanc, QC J0T 1J2
https://www.sentierdescimes.ca
We stayed at Hôtel AX Mont-Tremblant, ideally located for exploring the region. The rooms are comfortable, the atmosphere warm, and most importantly, the heated outdoor pool in winter is pure joy. Swimming while snow falls around you is the kind of experience kids never forget.
Hôtel AX Mont-Tremblant
860 rue Lalonde
Mont-Tremblant, QC J8E 1A1
https://hotelax.ca
The next morning, the thermometer read a wind chill of minus thirty. Our ski day was postponed. That’s family travel you adapt.
We started at Aventure Neige, located near the hotel. Seven tubing slopes, a central lift, bright sunshine, and zero complicated logistics. Two hours of pure fun, simple and easy.
Aventure Neige
90 rue de Saint-Jovite
Mont-Tremblant, QC J8E 3J8
https://aventureneige.com
In the afternoon, we headed to the Tremblant Resort pedestrian village. The atmosphere is always charming, with colorful buildings and ski slopes in the background.
We had lunch at Pizzateria, then tried an escape game at Mission Liberté. The “Poseidon” scenario, rated easy, was perfect for our young adventurers. Watching them collaborate to solve puzzles was just as satisfying as racing down the tubing slopes.
Pizzateria Tremblant
3035 chemin de la Chapelle
Mont-Tremblant, QC J8E 1E1
https://pizzateria.ca
Mission Liberté Tremblant
3035 chemin de la Chapelle, Suite 201
Mont-Tremblant, QC J8E 1E1
https://missionliberte.com
In the evening, we ended the day at Le Vieux Four restaurant, just minutes from the hotel. Traditional oven-baked pizzas, smoked salmon pasta, and a cozy atmosphere. There’s even a delicious and affordable kids’ menu, plus coloring booklets — a must if you want a relaxed dinner with children.
The intense cold forced us to adjust our ski plans, but in the Laurentians, there are always alternatives.
Le Vieux Four
852 rue de Saint-Jovite
Mont-Tremblant, QC J8E 3J8
https://levieuxfour.ca
Finally, the long-awaited moment arrived: our first ski lesson at Station Belle Neige. For beginner families looking for a ski resort in the Laurentians that’s truly child-friendly, this center is perfect. The instructors are patient, the slopes accessible, and the atmosphere reassuring.
After picking up our equipment, the staff carefully explained every step to the kids. They were so proud — helmets on, skis clipped in. Watching them practice their first “pizza” wedge turn moved me deeply.
As for me, turning left is still a challenge — but the fear is gone. Only the desire to learn remains.
We were advised to take a few more lessons to gain confidence and eventually ski down together as a family. The key is learning how to stop properly. And most importantly, keeping the fun at the center of the experience.
We ended the day with a BeaverTail pastry and hot chocolate in the chalet. Simple details that turned this getaway into a memory we won’t forget.
We left convinced we would return. Beyond its family-friendly slopes, the Laurentians are filled with ski resorts for all levels. It truly is a destination of choice for experienced families and beginners alike… like us.
Station Belle Neige
6820 Route 117 North
Val-Morin, QC J0T 2R0
https://belleneige.com
The Laurentians are an ideal winter destination in Québec for families who want to combine outdoor adventures, skiing, and diverse activities. Whether you’re learning to ski, hiking through snowy forests, tubing, or exploring Tremblant village, everything is accessible and well organized.
This weekend reminded us that learning together as a family is powerful. You can revisit your fears, discover new passions, and create memories that go far beyond athletic performance.
If you’re looking for things to do in the Laurentians with your family this winter, take inspiration from this itinerary and adapt it to your own pace. Take a ski lesson. Walk in the forest. Let yourself be surprised.
Sometimes, all it takes is the courage to try to turn a simple weekend into a foundational memory.
And me the one who thought she would never love skiing I’m already looking forward to going back.
Photographer, traveler, entrepreneur, content creator and mother, Lisa-Marie never miss an opportunity to go on an Adventure with her 3 kids and then share her discoveries with faventure community
@la_famille_faventure / 