In search of ideas for your next outdoor escape?
With its vast natural spaces, countless lakes and rivers, breathtaking waterfalls, scenic trails, and sandy beaches, Lanaudière is truly a dream destination for nature and adventure lovers. Whether you’re hiking through forested paths, paddling across calm waters, or relaxing by a lake, this region offers the perfect mix of fresh air, freedom, and unforgettable landscapes.
Here are 10 great ways to explore and fully enjoy this incredible outdoor playground in the heart of Quebec.
🥾 1. Hike the Trails of Montagne Noire, Saint-Donat
Did you know that the Saint-Donat area is home to over 200 km of hiking trails and stunning viewpoints overlooking crystal-clear lakes?
All trails are free and open year-round, offering a diverse landscape that transitions from lush hardwood forests to fragrant conifer stands — a true haven for hikers and nature lovers alike.
⛰️ Montagne Noire Trail
This trail takes you to the highest peak in Saint-Donat (875 m) and rewards you with one of the most spectacular panoramas in the region.
Along the way, don’t miss the Liberator Harry historical site (more on that below) and the Mirador lookout at the summit — a breathtaking viewpoint built in 2017 by the local snowmobile club, offering a sweeping 360° view from the 892-metre-high summit.
Trail info: 12 km (round trip) • 6 hours • Difficult • Linear • Elevation gain: 875 m
🏕️ Le Mésangeai Shelter
Located near Crystal Lake, the Le Mésangeai Shelter offers what I consider to be the most beautiful view of all.
Families can also take a shorter 1.5 km hike from the trailhead to reach a new lookout point on Montagne Noire, with a magnificent view of Lac Archambault, the surrounding mountains, and the village of Saint-Donat.
Trail info: 8 km (loop) or 14 km (loop) • 6 hours • Difficult • Linear • Elevation gain: 850 m
🕊️ 2. Discover Local History at the Liberator Harry Memorial, Saint-Donat
Montagne Noire is also home to the Liberator Harry site, where a tragic plane crash took place in October 1943.
A Royal Canadian Air Force aircraft carrying 24 crew members struck the mountainside, marking the worst aviation disaster in RCAF history.
The wreckage of the Consolidated B-24 Liberator (known as the Liberator III in the Canadian Army) remained hidden deep in the forest for nearly three years before it was discovered.
Today, visitors can still see remnants of the aircraft, including parts of the fuselage, one of the doors, and other metal fragments.
A small cemetery and several commemorative plaques have been installed to honor the victims and preserve their memory.
Visiting the site offers a deeply moving blend of history, remembrance, and connection to nature — a powerful experience for anyone exploring Montagne Noire.
There’s truly nothing like staying in a cozy cottage to make the most of your visit to this historic region. Before your next getaway, take a moment to browse our selection of cottage rentals in Saint-Donat and plan your stay in the heart of nature.
🚵♀️ 3. Explore the “Tournée des Cantons” Fatbike Trail in Rawdon
What a fantastic way to discover the area from a fresh perspective — and, of course, to fully enjoy nature along the way!
As you might guess, fatbikes are designed for perfect traction on snow, making them ideal for winter exploration.
In Rawdon, the Tournée des Cantons offers 17 km of dedicated fatbike trails and 35 km of mountain biking routes, with a mix of singletrack and doubletrack paths weaving through the forest.
Keep an eye out for animal tracks in the snow as you ride — it’s all part of the fun and wonder of cycling in the heart of nature.
You can rent fatbikes directly at the trailhead from the Rawdon Golf Resort, which also provides access to snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails for those who want to mix up their winter adventures.
🌲 4. Explore the Forest from the Treetops in Rawdon
At Arbraska Rawdon, you can test your limits with aerial obstacle courses ranging from child-friendly to extreme levels — from beginner climbing challenges to a thrilling Via Ferrata route that scales a rock wall all the way to the summit of Mount Pontbriand.
Each season brings its own set of challenges and spectacular views:
❄️ Winter for sparkling snow-covered trees,
🌸 Spring for new life in the forest,
☀️ Summer for lush greenery, and
🍁 Autumn for jaw-dropping colors.
So, grab your helmet and get ready to leap into adventure among the treetops!
Families will also love the Arbre-en-Ciel Village, a magical treehouse village designed especially for younger children, where play and discovery go hand in hand.
Planning to stay a few days?
Browse our selection of cottage rentals in Rawdon — the perfect way to unplug, recharge, and make your Lanaudière adventure last a little longer.
🥾 5. Hike a Section of the National Trail, Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci
The National Trail of Quebec stretches over an impressive 1,650 kilometers, weaving its way through nine of the province’s most scenic tourist regions.
Dedicated entirely to hiking, the trail crosses the Lanaudière region for more than 170 kilometers, making it a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.
In Lanaudière’s Matawinie area, hikers will find trails that offer peaceful forests, panoramic lookouts, and serene lakeside paths — the perfect mix of challenge and tranquility.
A highlight of this section is the Inter-Centre network, a 28-kilometer segment that connects the Lanaudière and Laurentians regions.
This route includes two cozy shelters along the way, making it ideal for a multi-day hike in summer or a Nordic skiing adventure in winter.
No matter the season, this stretch of the National Trail invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and reconnect with nature — just a few hours’ drive from Ontario.
❄️ 6. Strap On Your Snowshoes in Saint-Zénon
In the northern part of Lanaudière, you’ll find some of the region’s most spectacular snowshoeing terrain.
The Parc régional des Sept-Chutes in Saint-Zénon offers 12 kilometers of forest trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints atop Mount Brassard and Mount Barrière (700 m). From up there, you’ll enjoy sweeping panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness — and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the local wildlife.
The park’s welcome pavilion provides a range of services, including snowshoe rentals, making it easy to plan a perfect winter day outdoors.
🥾 More Snowshoeing Spots in Lanaudière
If you want to explore even more snowy trails, the region offers plenty of options:
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Saint-Côme – Parc régional de la Chute-à-Bull and Municipal Trails of Saint-Côme
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L’Épiphanie – Chez Ti-Jean Cross-Country Ski Centre
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Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon – Les Sentiers de Brandon
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Saint-Jean-de-Matha – Ski Montagne Coupée
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Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci – National Trail and Parc régional de la Forêt Ouareau
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Rawdon – Tournée des Cantons de Rawdon
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Sainte-Béatrix – Havre Familial Outdoor Centre
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Saint-Donat – Municipal Trails, Cap de la Fée Trail, and Mont-Tremblant National Park
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Chertsey – Camp Familial St-Urbain
Each of these destinations offers well-maintained snowshoeing trails through forests, rivers, and mountain landscapes — ideal for anyone seeking fresh air and tranquility.
🌿 Year-Round Adventure
When the snow melts, don’t miss the chance to hike through the Parc régional des Chutes Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles, accessible from the villages of Sainte-Béatrix, Saint-Jean-de-Matha, and Sainte-Mélanie. The trails here are spectacular in spring, summer, and fall, offering waterfalls, lush forests, and peaceful riverside paths.
🎿 7. Ski Through the Forest in Saint-Félix-de-Valois
Looking to get off the beaten path?
In Saint-Félix-de-Valois, you can glide through peaceful forest trails surrounded by nature — a hidden gem for winter sports lovers.
Here, on the grounds of the old sand pit along Chemin de la Pointe-à-Roméo (990, Chemin de la Pointe-à-Roméo), you’ll find well-marked trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and fatbiking.
This quiet, wooded area is perfect for anyone who wants to escape the crowds and enjoy a true winter experience in the heart of Lanaudière.
⛷️ More Cross-Country Skiing Spots in Lanaudière
The region is full of beautiful trails for every level:
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Saint-Côme – Municipal Trails of Saint-Côme
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L’Épiphanie – Chez Ti-Jean Cross-Country Ski Centre
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Saint-Gabriel-de-Brandon – Les Sentiers de Brandon
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Saint-Jean-de-Matha – Ski Montagne Coupée
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Notre-Dame-de-la-Merci – Forêt Ouareau Regional Park
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Rawdon – Ski Montcalm and Tournée des Cantons de Rawdon
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Sainte-Béatrix – Havre Familial Outdoor Centre
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Saint-Donat – Municipal Trails and Mont-Tremblant National Park
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Terrebonne – Groupe Plein Air Terrebonne
Each destination offers well-groomed trails, forest scenery, and a calm winter atmosphere — perfect for cross-country skiing enthusiasts of all levels.
So whether you’re looking for a peaceful solo glide through the woods or a family-friendly adventure in the snow, Lanaudière’s trails promise an unforgettable winter escape.
🎢 8. Slide, Laugh, and Have Fun in Saint-Jean-de-Matha
For a day packed with thrills and laughter, it’s hard to resist the call of snow tubing!
The Super Glissades Saint-Jean-de-Matha are a must-visit attraction in Lanaudière — and one of the most exciting ways to embrace winter fun in Quebec.
With three different zones — the Family Slope, the Adrenaline Slope, and the Mini Monde de Lilou for little ones — there’s something for everyone in the family to enjoy.
Whether you’re speeding down the hill, giggling all the way, or simply soaking in the winter atmosphere, this spot promises pure joy for kids and adults alike.
Tip: Pair your day on the slopes with a cozy night in one of our Saint-Jean-de-Matha cottage rentals — the perfect way to relax after a day of winter fun!
⛷️ 9. Hit the Slopes in Saint-Côme
If you love skiing, Val Saint-Côme is the place to be!
With 61 trails, including 12 open for night skiing, a 300-metre vertical drop, and four snow parks, this resort offers an exceptional playground for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
What makes Val Saint-Côme truly stand out is its Freestyle Skiing Excellence Centre, which hosts world-class competitions, including World Cup mogul events. Watching elite athletes perform on these slopes is as thrilling as skiing them yourself!
Whether you’re carving turns on a crisp winter morning or gliding under the lights at night, Val Saint-Côme delivers everything you could ask for in a Quebec ski getaway.
Tip: Extend your ski trip with a stay in one of our cozy Saint-Côme cottage rentals — the perfect way to unwind after a day of adrenaline on the slopes.
⛸️ 10. Glide Freely on the Ice
In Lanaudière, winter magic comes alive on the ice.
The region is home to some of Quebec’s most picturesque skating rinks and trails, where every glide feels like a scene from a winter postcard.
- In Vieux-Terrebonne, the Île-des-Moulins rink enchants visitors with its historic setting and festive atmosphere, perfect for a family outing or a romantic evening under the stars.
- In Repentigny, the Île-Lebel Park rink offers a spacious skating area along the river, where you can skate freely beneath the wide winter sky.
- And for a truly immersive experience in nature, head to Rawdon, where the skating trail at Dorwin Falls Park winds through the forest in a fairy-tale-like setting of trees, snow, and gentle light.
Whether you’re an avid skater or just looking for a unique winter experience, these Lanaudière skating spots are sure to make you fall in love with the season.
Keep the fun going with a cozy cottage stay
After a full day of outdoor adventures, what could be better than unwinding in the warmth of a cozy cottage?
Our portal gives you access to dozens of beautiful cottage rentals across Lanaudière, each one offering its own charm and comfort.
Whether you’re dreaming of a waterfront cottage with a stunning view, a spa-equipped getaway for total relaxation, a rustic log cabin, a tiny chalet, or a unique off-the-grid stay, you’ll find the perfect spot to match your style.
Bringing your four-legged friend along? Explore our selection of pet-friendly cottages where everyone in the family is welcome — paws included! 🐾
💡 Psst! When you become a Cottage Discount member, you’ll enjoy exclusive savings on cottages (including last-minute offers) as well as discounts on local attractions.
It’s the perfect way to save on your next Lanaudière getaway while making the most of every moment in Quebec’s great outdoors.