Laurentides Hotels and Resorts

Tag: Laurentides

  • Where to Stay in the Laurentides: Choosing the Best Town for Your Trip

    Choosing where to stay in the Laurentides can feel overwhelming. The region north of Montreal stretches across dozens of towns, lakes and mountains, and each area offers a different experience. The good news: once you know what kind of trip you want, the right base becomes obvious.

    This guide compares the most popular towns to stay in, who each one suits, and how to choose the right type of hotel.

    Where to Stay in the Laurentides: Town-by-Town Comparison

    Saint-Sauveur: Close to Montreal and Lively

    Saint-Sauveur is one of the closest Laurentides towns to Montreal. Its main street is full of restaurants and boutiques, and the ski hills are just minutes away. It is ideal for short weekends and couples. Read our detailed guide on where to stay in Saint-Sauveur.

    Sainte-Adèle: Lakes and Easy Access

    Sainte-Adèle combines lakes, a small downtown and easy highway access. It is a good compromise between activity and calm, with options for families and couples.

    Val-David: Artistic and Outdoorsy

    Val-David appeals to cyclists, climbers and art lovers. Accommodation is often small-scale: inns, B&Bs and rental chalets. It suits travellers who prefer a relaxed village to a large resort.

    Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts: Central and Lakeside

    Set on Lac des Sables, Sainte-Agathe is perfect for summer stays and works as a central base. See where to stay in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts.

    Mont-Tremblant: The Resort Experience

    Mont-Tremblant is the region’s best-known destination, with a pedestrian village at the foot of the mountain and a national park nearby. It offers the widest choice of hotels, from condo-style suites to full-service resorts. Our guide to where to stay in Mont-Tremblant compares each area.

    Which Town Fits Your Trip?

    • Quick weekend from Montreal: Saint-Sauveur or Sainte-Adèle
    • Ski holiday: Mont-Tremblant or Saint-Sauveur
    • Summer lake vacation: Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
    • Cycling the linear park: Val-David or Sainte-Agathe
    • Spa and relaxation: almost any town; see our spa hotel guide

    Types of Accommodation in the Laurentides

    Resort Hotels

    Larger properties with restaurants, pools and on-site activities. Convenient for families and those who want everything in one place.

    Condo-Hotels and Suites

    Units with kitchens and living areas. Great for ski trips and longer stays.

    Inns and B&Bs

    Smaller, often charming properties with a personal touch. Popular with couples.

    Chalets

    Private homes for groups and families. For tips, see our sister site on chalet rentals in the Laurentides.

    Tips for Booking a Hotel in the Laurentides

    1. Book early for winter holidays, ski weekends and fall foliage season.
    2. Check winter access, parking and whether a vehicle with winter tires is needed.
    3. Compare cancellation policies, since weather can affect plans.
    4. Read recent reviews for cleanliness, noise and accuracy of photos.
    5. Consider midweek stays for quieter settings.

    FAQ

    What is the best town to stay in the Laurentides?

    It depends on your trip: Mont-Tremblant for a resort experience, Saint-Sauveur for a short weekend, Sainte-Agathe for lake vacations.

    Is the Laurentides far from Montreal?

    No. The southern towns are a short drive north of Montreal, while Mont-Tremblant takes longer.

    When is the busiest season?

    Winter weekends, holidays and the fall colour season are typically the busiest.

    Do I need a car?

    A car is strongly recommended to move between towns, parks and lakes.

  • Spa Hotels in the Laurentides: How to Choose the Perfect Wellness Getaway

    The Laurentides are one of the best regions in Quebec for a spa getaway. Lakes, forests and mountains create the perfect backdrop for the Nordic thermal experience, and many hotels in the region have built their reputation on wellness. Whether you want a romantic escape, a girls’ weekend or simply a quiet break from city life, a spa hotel can turn a short trip into a real recharge.

    This guide explains what to look for in a Laurentides spa hotel, how the Nordic experience works and how to plan the ideal wellness stay.

    What is a spa hotel?

    A spa hotel combines accommodation with wellness facilities on site or nearby. In the Laurentides, this can take several forms:

    • A hotel with its own indoor spa, offering massages and body treatments
    • A resort with a Nordic area that includes hot baths, cold plunges, saunas and relaxation spaces
    • A hotel that partners with a nearby Nordic spa and offers packages that include access
    • An inn or boutique hotel with a smaller wellness space, such as a sauna and outdoor hot tub

    Knowing which type you want is the first step. Some travellers want a full day of treatments, while others simply want a sauna and a hot tub after a day of skiing or hiking.

    Understanding the Nordic thermal experience

    The Nordic experience, also called thermotherapy, is extremely popular in Quebec. It is based on a simple cycle that is repeated several times:

    • Heat: a few minutes in a sauna, steam bath or hot pool
    • Cold: a brief cold plunge, cold shower or cold waterfall
    • Rest: a period of relaxation, indoors or outdoors, wrapped in a warm robe

    The cycle is usually repeated three or four times. The experience is especially magical in winter, when you relax outdoors in the snow, but it is enjoyable in every season.

    If you have a heart condition, high blood pressure, are pregnant or have any health concern, ask your doctor before trying thermotherapy and inform the spa staff.

    How to choose your spa hotel

    Define the purpose of your trip

    A romantic weekend calls for a quiet setting, an adult atmosphere and a good restaurant. A trip with friends may favour a lively spa and group packages. A solo wellness retreat may focus on yoga, healthy food and nature.

    Check what is included

    Spa packages vary a lot. Before booking, verify:

    • Whether access to the thermal experience is included or extra
    • Whether massages and treatments must be booked separately
    • Whether robes, towels and sandals are provided
    • Whether the spa is reserved for hotel guests or open to the public
    • The minimum age for access to the spa

    Look at the setting

    In the Laurentides, many spas are set on a lake, a river or a mountainside. The view from the hot pools and relaxation areas makes a huge difference to the experience. Photos and descriptions of the outdoor spaces are worth a close look.

    Think about location

    Spa hotels near Saint-Sauveur and Sainte-Adèle are convenient for a short getaway from Montreal. Those around Mont-Tremblant allow you to combine wellness with skiing, hiking or golf. For a list of the region’s thermal spas, see our guide to the best spas in the Laurentides.

    Spa etiquette to know before you go

    Many Nordic spas in Quebec promote silence or quiet conversation to preserve a calm atmosphere. Here are the main rules you will usually find:

    • Respect the quiet zones and speak softly
    • Shower before entering the pools
    • Bring a swimsuit, as nudity is usually not permitted
    • Leave your phone in your locker or use it only in designated areas
    • Hydrate often and avoid alcohol between heat sessions

    The best seasons for a spa getaway

    Winter

    Winter is the signature season for Nordic spas in the Laurentides. Steam rising from the hot pools, snow-covered trees and fireplaces create an unforgettable setting. Combine your stay with skiing or snowshoeing for the full experience. See also what to do in the Laurentides in winter.

    Autumn

    Autumn is perfect for a spa weekend. The fall colours surrounding the outdoor pools are spectacular, and cool evenings make the hot baths even more pleasant.

    Spring and summer

    In warmer months, spas are often quieter, and outdoor relaxation areas, hammocks and lakes take centre stage. It can be a great time to find more availability.

    Booking tips

    • Book in advance for weekends, holidays and Valentine’s Day, which are very popular.
    • Reserve your massage at the same time as your room, since treatment slots fill quickly.
    • Consider a weekday stay for a calmer atmosphere.
    • Read the cancellation policy, especially for packages that include treatments.
    • Check for extra fees such as parking or resort fees in the booking details.

    FAQ: spa hotels in the Laurentides

    What should I bring to a spa hotel in the Laurentides?

    Bring a swimsuit, sandals, a water bottle and warm clothes for outdoor areas in cold weather. Many spa hotels provide robes and towels, but it is worth confirming when you book.

    Is the Nordic spa experience good in summer?

    Yes. While winter is the most iconic season, summer offers relaxing outdoor areas, lake views and a quieter atmosphere. The hot-cold-rest cycle remains just as refreshing.

    Can children go to spa hotels?

    It depends on the establishment. Many Nordic spas have a minimum age for the thermal experience, while some hotels offer family-friendly pools. Always check the policy before booking.

    How long should a Nordic spa session last?

    Plan for at least two to three hours to complete several cycles of heat, cold and rest without rushing. Many visitors spend half a day or more.

    Where are the spa hotels located in the Laurentides?

    You will find spa hotels throughout the region, notably around Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Adèle, Val-David, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and Mont-Tremblant.