The Laurentides are more than just Mont-Tremblant. Around Amherst, 20-30 minutes from the cottage, you'll find a real variety of family outings: wildlife safaris, national parks, villages, restaurants. Here are the 10 best to try.
1. Parc Omega (25 min) — the classic wildlife park
In Montebello, Parc Omega is a 12 km drive-through tour across 2,200 acres of nature, where you encounter elk, bison, wolves, bears, and over 20 wild species in their natural habitat. It's the ultimate family activity in the region — accessible summer and winter.
Expect about 4-5 hours for the full route, including photo stops and the walking zone. Bring carrots (sold at the entrance) to feed deer from your car. Kids come out with eyes shining.
Tip: Book your tickets online before arriving, especially on summer weekends. The park limits attendance and can be sold out on arrival.
2. Mont-Tremblant National Park (30 min) — nature at scale
The oldest and largest of Quebec's national parks. 1,510 km² of preserved nature, with dozens of hiking trails, beaches, waterways for canoeing. Ideal for a more demanding adventure day.
Our favorite family trail: La Roche in the Diable sector. 5 km round-trip, moderate elevation, and a spectacular viewpoint at the summit over Lake Monroe. Doable with kids 6+.
3. Amherst village (5 min) — discover the local
The village of Amherst isn't a tourist destination in the classic sense, but that's what makes it pleasant. Café Le Bistro on the main street serves excellent breakfasts. Marché Saint-Rémi gathers local butcher, cheesemaker, and baker under one roof.
Worth seeing: the Saint-Rémi church, a charming old rural church. A good 1-2 hour stop coming or going from the cottage.
4. Mont-Tremblant zipline (20 min) — guaranteed thrills
The Ziptrek zipline at Mont-Tremblant Resort is one of the longest in North America. 4 segments through the forest, up to 100 m high. For kids 6+ (with adult supervision).
Expect about 2 hours on site and $75-95 CAD per person. It's expensive, but it's the kind of experience you don't forget.
5. Lac Tremblant Beach (20 min) — the urban swim
In summer, the public Lac Tremblant Beach is the place to go for supervised swimming. Sand, paddleboard and kayak rentals, snack bar on site. Ideal when you want more structure than swimming at the cottage's private lake.
Free access. Paid parking on weekends. Go mid-week to avoid crowds.
6. Crêperie Catherine (15 min) — the sweet pause
In Mont-Tremblant village (not the resort), Crêperie Catherine is a local institution. Sweet and savory Breton crepes, warm atmosphere, reasonable prices. Perfect for a family meal without breaking the bank.
Reservation recommended on weekends, especially in high season. Expect $12-22 CAD per crepe.
7. Au Diable Vert (45 min, summer) — family adventure park
A bit further out (45 min toward Sutton), Au Diable Vert park offers original activities: zipline, suspended bikes in the canopy, paddleboard on the Missisquoi river. More original than the classics, and less crowded.
It's a full day. Bring your lunch or use the on-site snack bar.
8. Mont-Tremblant Nature Center (25 min) — free nature
For a free activity, the Nature Center offers walking trails along the Diable river. Wooden boardwalks, interpretation panels, picnic area. Perfect for 1-2 hours of fresh air without spending.
Free parking. Open year-round.
9. P'tit Train du Nord (start near the cottage) — family biking
The P'tit Train du Nord is a 234 km bike path on a former railway line, crossing the Laurentides from south to north. The section near Amherst (Saint-Faustin) is flat, paved, ideal for family outings without elevation.
Bike rentals available in several villages along the route. For kids: they can ride safely, with no car traffic.
10. Evening at the cottage — the option often forgotten
After excursion-packed days, the best activity often remains staying at the cottage. Campfire in the yard, board games in the games room, swim in the river in summer, headlamp snowshoeing in winter. This is what creates the most lasting memories: those quiet family evenings, no screens.
"What stuck with us wasn't Parc Omega or the gondola. It was the campfire evening where the kids told us about their whole day, and we finally took the time to listen."
A word on pacing
Over 4-5 days, you can easily do 3-4 major outings without exhausting yourself. The temptation to do it all is strong — but experience shows that the happiest families are those who alternate one outing day + one quiet day at the cottage.
The 150 acres and private lake at Chalet Lac Saint-Thomas are destinations in themselves. Take advantage of those too.
Ready to experience it for real?
Chalet Lac Saint-Thomas is available year-round. Check availability and book in a few clicks.
A question? 819-212-4006