A weekend getaway from Montreal to the Laurentides is one of the easiest escapes in Quebec. In about an hour you leave the city behind for lakes, mountains and small villages. The challenge is not getting there, it is choosing where to stay and how to organize two short days so you actually relax.
This guide offers a simple two-night plan, with options for winter and summer, plus advice on choosing your hotel base so you spend less time driving and more time enjoying the region.
Step 1: Choose Your Hotel Base
For a two-night weekend, staying in one hotel is better than moving around. Choose your base according to your main interest.
| Your priority | Best base | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Short drive, lively evenings | Saint-Sauveur | Closest resort town to Montreal, restaurants on the main street |
| Spa and lakes | Sainte-Adèle / Estérel | Lakeside resorts and quiet setting |
| Outdoor adventure | Val-David | Cycling, climbing, hiking and artistic village |
| Classic resort experience | Mont-Tremblant | Pedestrian village, mountain, national park nearby |
| Budget | Saint-Jérôme | Gateway town with more affordable rooms |
Compare towns in our guide on where to stay in the Laurentides.
Step 2: Plan Your Arrival on Friday
Friday afternoon traffic on Highway 15 north of Montreal can be heavy, especially in winter and on summer long weekends. If you can, leave before 3 p.m. or after 7 p.m. Check road conditions on Quebec 511 before departure in winter.
Once you arrive, keep the first evening simple: check in, have dinner close to the hotel and enjoy the spa or pool if your hotel has one. Booking dinner in advance is wise on busy weekends.
Step 3: Saturday, the Full Day
Winter Version
- Morning: ski or snowboard at the nearest hill. Arrive at opening for the best snow and shorter lines.
- Lunch: eat at the mountain or in the village.
- Afternoon: try snowshoeing, cross-country skiing on a groomed trail, or a Nordic spa if you are not a skier.
- Evening: a relaxed dinner and an early night.
Summer Version
- Morning: cycle a section of the P’tit Train du Nord linear park, for example around Val-David or Sainte-Agathe.
- Lunch: picnic by a lake or eat in a village.
- Afternoon: swim, paddle or hike. In Mont-Tremblant, the national park offers many trails and beaches.
- Evening: dinner on a terrace and a walk in the village.
Fall Version
- Morning: hike a viewpoint trail before the crowds arrive.
- Afternoon: scenic drive between villages and a stop at a local market or orchard.
- Evening: spa time and dinner.
Step 4: Sunday, Slow Morning and Smart Return
Enjoy a late breakfast and a short activity close to your hotel. Many visitors leave around mid-afternoon, which creates traffic on the way back to Montreal. Two good strategies:
- Leave before noon and have lunch on the way.
- Stay for an early dinner and drive back in the evening when traffic eases.
Ask the hotel about late check-out; some properties offer it for free when they are not full, others charge a fee.
Sample Budget Considerations
The cost of a Laurentides weekend depends mostly on the season, the town and the day of the week. To estimate:
- Two nights of accommodation, including taxes and any resort fees
- Meals: breakfasts, two dinners and lunches
- Activities: lift tickets, spa access, equipment rental, park entry
- Fuel and parking
Use our hotel budget calculator to add it all up, and read our guide on hotel taxes and fees so the final bill does not surprise you.
Tips for a Better Weekend
- Book early for ski weekends, holidays and fall colours.
- Choose a hotel with what you need on site: spa, pool or restaurant, so you can relax without driving.
- Keep the plan light: one main activity per half-day is enough.
- Consider Sunday to Monday if your schedule allows it; prices are often lower and the roads quieter.
- Pack for the weather: temperatures in the mountains can be colder than in Montreal.
Romantic or Family Weekend?
Couples will enjoy spa hotels, lakeside inns and quiet dinners; see our guide to romantic hotels in the Laurentides. Families should look for suites with kitchenettes, pools and easy access to activities; our page on family and pet-friendly hotels lists what to check.
Find your weekend hotel in the Laurentides on Expedia
Three Ready-Made Weekend Ideas
The Spa Weekend
Base yourself in Sainte-Adèle or Estérel. Friday: arrive, dinner at the hotel. Saturday: late breakfast, three or four hours at a Nordic spa, a nap, then a long dinner. Sunday: a walk by the lake and an easy drive home before the afternoon traffic. This plan works in any season and is ideal in November or April when rates are lower.
The Ski Weekend
Base yourself in Saint-Sauveur or Mont-Tremblant. Friday: night skiing in the Saint-Sauveur valley or dinner in the Tremblant village. Saturday: full ski day, après-ski, early night. Sunday: ski the morning, lunch on the mountain and head home. Buy tickets online in advance to save money.
The Active Summer Weekend
Base yourself in Val-David or Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. Saturday: cycle a section of the P’tit Train du Nord in the morning, swim in a lake in the afternoon, dinner on a terrace. Sunday: hike or paddle before returning. Bring a lock if you plan to leave bikes outside restaurants.
Choosing the Right Hotel Features
- Free parking saves money and hassle in winter.
- Breakfast included is convenient for early ski starts.
- Kitchenette helps families and longer stays.
- On-site spa or pool gives you an option for bad weather.
- Walking distance to restaurants avoids driving after dinner.
Weekend Traffic Calendar
The busiest departures from Montreal are Friday afternoons, especially before long weekends and during the ski season. The busiest returns are Sunday afternoons from about 1 to 6 p.m. Leaving on Saturday morning instead of Friday evening, or extending to Monday, can make the drive much more pleasant. In winter, always allow extra time and check road conditions before leaving.
Budget Tips
Choose shoulder seasons, stay one town away from the most popular resort, book refundable rates early and re-check prices, share a suite with friends, and plan one restaurant meal per day instead of two. Small choices add up over a weekend without reducing the pleasure of the trip.
FAQ
How far are the Laurentides from Montreal?
Saint-Sauveur is roughly an hour’s drive north of Montreal in normal traffic; Mont-Tremblant takes longer, often around an hour and a half to two hours.
Can I visit the Laurentides without a car?
It is possible with some bus services and shuttles, but a car makes a weekend much easier, especially to reach lakes and parks.
Which town is best for a first weekend?
Saint-Sauveur for a short, easy trip; Mont-Tremblant for the classic resort experience.
Is one night enough?
One night works for a quick spa break, but two nights let you enjoy a full day without rushing.
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