Lakeside camping near Mont-Laurier

Mont-Laurier is just 155 miles (250 km) from Montreal and 135 (216 km) from Ottawa, yet it feels like it’s a million miles from the nearest city. This lake-filled region is filled with opportunities for camping, cycling, hiking, canoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. But although Mont-Laurier is surrounded by nature, it’s by no means isolated—small galleries, museums, and heritage displays dot the region and, in summertime, Mont-Laurier locals gather for outdoor evening concerts. It might just be the most laid-back place in the province.

Mont-Laurier

Mont-Laurier is a fun, family-friendly destination that’s fantastic to visit year-round. The young and young-at-heart love the 11 winter snow tubing tracks at Glissade Sur Tubes Mont-Laurier (ranging from easy to extreme, but don’t worry—a lift brings you back up the hill). Come summer, Lac des Sources beach offers just as much fun, with ample outdoor games, slides, volleyball courts, and picnic tables. And the P’tit Train du Nord Linear Park’s multi-use pathway stays open for cyclists, hikers, runners, and skiers year-round. 

Lac Nominingue

Just 45 minutes east of Mont-Laurier, Lac Nominigue is one of the top cycling destinations in the area. The Rouge River route is a beginner-friendly 27-mile (43-km) trail, while the more difficult L’Intrepide trail, nearly twice as long at 50 miles (81 km), offers some serious climbs. Campers who like something in the middle will appreciate the Parc Ecologique le Renouveau Rosaire-Senecal, a 400-acre site that offers hiking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. 

Ferme Neuve

About 20 minutes north of Mont-Laurier, Freme Neuve is the gateway to Montagne du Diable Regional Park (Parc Régional Montagne du Diable), a full-service park with eight cabins (including two on stilts!), eight camping sites, six rustic mountain huts, and backcountry camping. Visitors can try out some 50 miles (80 km) of shoeshowing trails and 60 miles (96 km) of cross country skiing paths, or head out to go fat tire biking, hiking, mountain biking, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. A superb destination for birdwatching—eagles, loons, owls, warblers, thrushes, herons, and nuthatches all call the park home.

Winter starts earlier and ends later around Mont-Laurier, where you can expect snow from November to early April. July and August offer the best summer camping conditions, when lakes are warm enough for swimming. Reservations should be made well in advance for Canada Day weekend and Saint-Jean-Baptiste Day (which all of Quebec celebrates on June 24).

• Mont-Laurier has a good selection of outdoor and sporting goods shops. At Re-Cyclo Sports Perrin, you can buy new and used sporting goods and have skis and snowboards serviced. Le Coureur des Bois takes care of most outdoor adventure needs, including hiking boots, tents, and trekking poles.
• You can grab beer for your campsite at Microbrasserie du Lièvre, a small craft brewery in Mont-Laurier that makes 20 kinds of beer.
• While you’re unlikely to see one, there are bears in the area. Keep a clean campsite and secure your food.