5-Day Laurentians Road Trip: La Route des Belles-Histoires
If you’re looking for one of the best road trips in Canada then I have a hidden gem of one you’re going to want to know about. I love road trips that combine a mix of history, cute small towns and unique stays. If you’re the same then I highly recommend planning a Laurentians road trip along La Route des Belles-Histories.
After spending 5 days in the Laurentians, exploring stops along the La Route des Belles-Histories, I couldn’t believe more people didn’t know about this incredible road trip. The route, that roughly translates to the ‘Road of Beautiful Stories’ is a unique way to learn more about the region’s history and explore its small towns.
I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan your 5-day Laurentians trip! With an itinerary of the best stops between Saint-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier, as well as where to eat and stay along the way.
So, pack your suitcases, gas up the car and get ready for one memorable road trip!
Disclaimer: This post was written in partnership with Tourisme Laurentides but all opinions expressed are my own. It also contains affiliate links, by booking through these I may receive small commission at no extra cost to you.
Where is the Laurentians?
The Laurentians is a vast region of Quebec that’s located less than an hour north of downtown Montreal. Best know for Mont-Tremblant, a popular ski resort, the region is great for those seeking outdoor adventures and small town charm.
It’s a great road trip destination from Ontario, as it’s a short 2-hour drive east of Ottawa or roughly 6-hour drive northeast of Toronto.
About La Route des Belles-Histoires
La Route des Belle-Histoires is a 284 km route through the Laurentians. Travelling from Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier, it features over 60 points of interest.
The route, that translates to Road of Beautiful Stories is just that! Following where the P’tit Train du Nord used to stop, it highlights the people, the places and the history of how the region was settled.
With most road trips stops along or just off Route 117, the Trans Canada Highway’s northern route, it makes for an easy road trip. But the best part is that it has a companion app to be your digital tour guide. The Balado Discover App takes you from stop to stop while sharing the stories behind each place.
You can take as long as you’d like for this road trip. I think the optimal timing is 5 days, giving you plenty of time to see most of the stops. So, if you’re looking for one of the best road trips in Quebec, I’ve got the perfect 5-day Laurentians road trip itinerary for you!
Day 1 – Arrive in the Laurentians
The perfect place to start the Route des Belles-Histoires is in Saint-Jérôme. So, depending on where you are travelling from, you’ll likely arrive in the afternoon like me. I hit the ground running to start exploring some of the many things to do in Saint-Jérôme.
Insider tip: For parking in downtown Saint-Jérôme, there is free parking available at the new train station. (map) But there are also a number of paid lots throughout downtown.
Saint-Jérôme
Head to Place de la Gare, an open-air square that has the gate for the start of Le P’tit Train du Nord route as well as the old train station. Built in 1897 by the Canadian Pacific, the Vieille Gare de Saint-Jérôme is the first stop on the Route des Belles-Histories.
Insider tip: If you want to cycle part of the route, you can rent bikes from Autobus Le Petit Train du Nord in the caboose in the square.
Next, take a wander over to the Cathedral, but don’t miss the Le P’tit Train du Nord mural on the way. This grand cathedral really left me in awe! I couldn’t believe that it was built over 125 years ago, its silver roof sparkled in the sunshine.
The grandeur continues inside and its also home to a small exhibit about priest François-Xavier Antoine Labelle, an historic figure in Quebec. Nicknamed ‘the King of the North,’ the exhibit shares the history of Labelle, his work colonizing the Laurentians and features some artifacts from his life, including a suitcase.
Across the street is the Maison de la Culture, the largest museum north of Montreal and is free to visit. Set in the old courthouse, it now has a variety of exhibits. One of which is dedicated to Claude-Henri-Grignon.
This well-known author is considered the man who popularized the Laurentians with this book “Un homme et son péché (A Man and His Sin).” This literary classic went on to be adapted for radio and became a TV show, “Les Pays d’en Haut (The Northern Townships).”
Another must-visit spot on the Route des Belles-Histoires in Saint-Jérôme is the Promenade de la Rivière-du-Nord. This scenic boardwalk stretches for less than one kilometre along the river, steps from downtown. And there’s even a lovely little waterfall!
Where to Eat in Saint-Jérôme
There are a number of different restaurants in Saint-Jérôme. If you’re looking for a light bite and a coffee, I recommend Café La Petite Voisine. This plant filled, dog friendly café has various teas, lattes, and a little hidden gem of a patio.
For dinner, I highly recommend Brasserie Dieu du Ciel! This brewery, with it’s first location in Montreal, now has a fabulous pub here in the Laurentians. Along with a selection of craft beers, they have a great menu with a number of appetizers and mains.
I ordered the smash burger and everyone at my table thoroughly enjoyed their food. In addition to the tasty food, I loved the vibe of Brasserie Dieu du Ciel!. The dining room is full of plants, and has an open, airy, yet soft industrial style. With an open concept space that has the dining room flowing onto the patio, with sails for cover, there wasn’t a bad seat in the restaurant.
Where to Stay in Saint-Jérôme
An easy choice for a place to stay is the Comfort Inn & Suites. Located close to the highway, it’s a short drive from downtown. Rooms are spacious and there’s an indoor pool with spa. Plus, breakfast is complimentary.
Day 2 – Saint-Jérôme to Val-David
After a good night’s sleep, it’s time to jump into day 2 of our Laurentians road trip! Day 2 is filled with a couple of off the beaten path stops and a couple of fabulous small towns. Distance is roughly 40 km, from start to end and leaves plenty of time for exploring.
Prévost
The next small town after Saint-Jérôme is Prévost. It has a number of restaurants, a cute little mini golf course, and a couple of stops on the Route des Belles-Histoires.
First stop is the old train station, Gare de Prévost, also known as Shawbridge Station. Built in 1898, after the last train went through, the community rallied to raise money to restore it. The beloved landmark is a popular stop for cyclists for coffee or to relax. Plus, there’s a little museum in part of it that showcases the history of the station, the people and town.
Another place to visit in Prévost is Shaw’s Bridge. Originally built in the mid-19th century of wood, the current iron structure took its place in 1923. This was an interesting stop on the Route des Belles-Histoires. I learned that it was the first bridge to connect both shores of the Rivière du Nord.
Insider Tip: There is no ideal place to park close to the bridge. However, I found space along Rue Victor, beside the mailboxes. But please remember to respect those who live in this small neighbourhood.
Saint-Sauveur
My favourite of all the small towns along the Route des Belles-Histoires that we visited was Saint-Sauveur! Its charming downtown was lined with adorable and colourful shops and buildings. You can seriously spend the whole day wandering around town.
If you need a bite to eat before you explore head over to Restaurant Le Saint-Sau Pub Gourmand. With the ideal location along the main street, you can people watch from the patio or enjoy the dining room. Their menu has something for everyone’s appetite, from small plates to burgers as well as fish and salads. I went with their famous poutine, which had a light sauce and the perfect amount of cheese curds.
After you’ve fueled up, visit the Saint-Sauveur church. I loved the contrasting bright red doors against the pale limestone building. Completed in 1905, the church is one of the stops on the Route des Belles-Histories. It was built with stones from Montreal and its three bells were imported from Normandy.
It’s also a great starting point for the Saint-Sauveur Heritage Trail. This separate trail, that also has a virtual guide in the Balado Discovery App, features a number of historic buildings in town and shares the stories of each.
One of the best things to do in Saint-Sauveur is to visit Pascal Le Boulanger. This pastry shop had my friend and I in awe, jaws sagging wide. It’s filled with the most stunning desserts, pastries and fresh baked goods that ALMOST look to pretty to eat. But they won the Baking Cup of Canada’s best croissant in 2025, so we had to try them out. Delicious!! We tried the classic, strawberry and chocolate.
Sainte-Adèle
Before you arrive in town, stop at Usine Rolland. This old building was a paper factory and is now used by artisans to showcase their work. Plus, I loved that it was right beside the Rivière du Nord with a set of rapids.
Next, stop at the Mont-Rolland Station. The first train that pulled up to the station arrived in 1891. Sadly, Labelle never got to see all of his hard work pay off as he sadly passed a few months before.
The station is at roughly the halfway point of Le P’tit Train du Nord. It’s the perfect stop to learn about the history of the station, via the app, and to pop in to the café inside.
Once you arrive in the town of Sainte-Adèle you’ll find a number of restaurants and cafes. One of my favourite things to do in Sainte-Adèle is explore the downtown murals. As a big street art fan, I loved seeing the pieces that share the area’s history as well as its people.
There are 16 murals, on buildings, walls, or mounts. I loved all of the winter themed ones, and appreciated that there was one dedicated author Claude-Henri-Grignon. However, the one highlighting the cinema struck a chord.
We learned from popping in to The Pine cinema, the first built in 1948, all about its history and how it is still family owned. They showcase both French and English movies. So, if you’re looking for something to do inside on a rainy day, this is the perfect spot.
Val-David
Day 2 wraps in Val-David. An outdoor lover’s paradise, surrounded by parks and ski hills. But don’t miss out on exploring the adorable little village.
In the heart of the village is the train station. Unlike the other train stations we visited along the Route des Belles-Histoires, the one in Val-David is new. Built in 1997, it’s based off the original Bélisle’s Mill Station from 1891.
After checking out the train station, take a wander along Le P’tit Train du Nord trail. Along the trail there are a number of interesting pieces of art. This guide (in French) shares where they are and more about each.
There were a couple that stood out to me. One was ‘La Porte’ (which translates to door), there was something mystical about it, like it would transport me to another world. The other was ‘Le Draveur’ (which translates to log driver), I loved that it was the backdrop for a bench and the details on the man were exceptional.
Along with a number of cafes and an art gallery, there’s one place that is a must-visit – MacTaverne Pub! It offers the perfect place to eat in Val-David. Owned and operated by a family that has a passion for good food and impeccable service.
Enjoy dinner inside or like me, out on the patio. I love that their menu is short and sweet, with Mike the man behind every dish, you are guaranteed fresh and fantastic food. Tugging on my heartstrings as well, is the fact that they try and use as many local ingredients in their dishes as possible.
After dinner, I recommend a stroll along the Rivière du Nord across the street from the pub. From the gazebo overlooking the river, there’s a lovely little trail that follows the river, taking you over a bridge with rapids bubbling below.
Where to Stay
Look no further than MacTaverne for a place to stay! With the pub downstairs, upstairs you’ll find a charming boutique inn with 7 rooms, each with their own private bathroom. Each are cozy, with incredibly comfortable beds. I left my window open to enjoy the sounds of the river at night and birds chirping in the morning.
Breakfast is served downstairs, with fresh coffee and a couple of options for your meal to choose from. I went with the yogurt parfait with fresh Quebec strawberries and local maple syrup. While my friend ordered the breakfast sandwich. Both the perfect way to start our day.
Day 3 – Val-David to Mont-Tremblant
Today is all about unique places to visit in the Laurentians! You’ll cover 40 km, that will be broken up into a number of stops that range from incredible accommodations to one of the coolest attractions in the Laurentians.
Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
First stop in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is at the old train station. I absolutely loved this one, with its witch’s hat. Cyclists whizzed past us as we learned more about the station with our Balado Discovery App. Outside there are beautiful garden beds and inside is a tourist office.
Next, head down to Place Lagny. This beautiful park along Lac des Sables offers a scenic view of the lake from the dock. It’s also a great place for families with kids, as there’s a shaded playground.
Downtown Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is worth a wander too. You’ll find a number of shops and cafes. I loved Couleur Café Signature. It was full of plants, a fun tea wall, and has a variety of baked goods and drinks.
To dig more into the town’s history, I recommend checking out the self-guided Sainte‑Agathe‑des‑Monts Heritage Tour. A number of the historic buildings are within walking distance, right downtown. Two of my favourite stops include the old post office, built in 1916, it’s now a library, and Préfontaine Street that’s lined with beautiful houses.
Interesting fact: I learned that the solariums, covered porches, were once called “cure porches,” and used for tuberculosis patients to aid in their recovery.
StoneHaven Le Manoir
One of the best places to visit in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is StoneHaven Le Manoir Relais & Châteaux. It’s a short, and scenic, 10-minute drive from downtown.
This grand mansion offers a luxury experience like no other. As one of the stops on the Route des Belles-Histoires, the building has a long history from Montreal tycoon to home for aging priests.
Built in 1908, StoneHaven is now a luxury accommodation with over 50 rooms and suites, a restaurant, bar, and views of Lac des Sables. There’s also a wonderful outdoor pool and thermal spa circuit, as well as stunning Italianate gardens.
Stepping through its doors, I felt like I was stepping back in time and into the pages of the Great Gatsby! And for good reason, it’s decorated with period pieces from the 1920’s and 30’s. Everything I walked by had me wishing it was in my own home, from the brass dragon light fixtures to library wall filled with books.
While we didn’t stay at the grand manor, we did do a tour of the building. They offer a number of activities at StoneHaven, from afternoon tea on Sundays to guided tours. Guided tours run Tuesday through Sunday at 12:30pm but for an English tour please contact them directly. (Please note that the schedule for guided tours could change seasonally)
Sentier des Cimes
From a grand mansion to a grand view, the next stop, and a must on any Laurentians road trip, is Sentier des cimes!
Located in Mont-Blanc, this is a great spot to enjoy lunch before you explore. There are two options, we ate at Chez Émile. The onsite restaurant is located in a heritage building that was the old Saint-Faustin fish farm. In front of the stone building are beautiful gardens and a nearly 100-year-old pond.
After lunch take in the incredible treetop walk! I absolutely loved the elevated boardwalk trail that leads to the tower. It’s roughly 60 feet above the ground and feels like you’re walking through a forest full of birds.
The Sentier des cimes tower itself is an impressive 40-metre-high (131 feet). As someone who’s afraid of heights, I was nervous. But as soon as we set out, I really appreciated the wide pathways that gradually wound up to the top. And the 360-degree views of the Laurentians from the top were worth it!
This is such a must stop! You could easily spend a few hours here, exploring the grounds, enjoying a bite to eat, and experiencing the tower.
Mont-Tremblant
When most think of Mont-Tremblant they think of the resort and ski village. But there’s so much more to discover! While there are a few stops on the Route des Belles-Histories in the village, I focused more on visiting the off the beaten path places.
First, was a wander through Saint-Jovite, downtown Mont-Tremblant. It’s full of shops, murals, and an old train station that’s now an Italian restaurant (Restaurant Antipasto).
One of the highlights for me was Le Petit Hameau. This adorable little shopping centre was full of colourful shops, including a bookstore and ice cream parlor. There was even an English phonebooth, that added to the feeling like I was walking through the pages of a storybook.
Another must-stop is the Mont-Tremblant Station in the Old Village of Mont-Tremblant. Set on Lake Mercier, the station standing today is a replica of the original. Inside I was delighted to see that it’s being used for showcasing local artists’ work. During my visit, Marie Tetrault had her paintings hanging inside. I loved her landscapes, and would have loved to purchase one as a souvenir of my road trip.
For dinner, I highly recommend making a reservation at Le Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant. The dining room is like a giant log cabin, with large wood beams, a fireplace and views of Lake Ouimet. They have an a la carte menu as well as a prix fixe menu, which is what we enjoyed. They also have an array of cocktails and mocktails to add to your meal.
Where to Stay in Mont-Tremblant?
The best part about dining at Le Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant, is that if you’re staying there, you have a short walk to bed after!
Honestly, if you’re looking for one of the best places to stay in Mont-Tremblant, this is the place! Set on over 13 acres, the lodge looks like something you’d see in the Alps, with its massive wood-beams and perched at the edge of a tranquil lake.
There are a variety of rooms and suites to choose from. I loved my spacious suite that had a massive private king bed room, an open concept kitchen, dining and living room, and two full bathrooms. But it was my patio that was the winning feature! Stepping out, I had incredible views of the lake that I enjoyed in the morning with my cup of coffee.
Before breakfast, I wandered the grounds. There are forest trails, a spa, and private beach with canoes and kayaks. If you’re looking for a relaxing getaway in Quebec, this is the place you need!
Day 4 – Mont-Tremblant to Mont-Laurier
Your last full day of this Laurentians road trip is an ambitious one that covers around 100 km. Taking you from Mont-Tremblant to Mont-Laurier, you can choose to visit all the stops or a few. If you don’t have time to explore Mont-Laurier today, there’s time tomorrow morning too.
Labelle
After the arrival of the train, the settlers renamed the village to Labelle, in honour of the priest and his push for the railway development. This is one of the many things you’ll learn at the Labelle Railway Station.
I loved this station! It’s a fun road trip stop as there’s a playground for kids, a caboose that’s perfect for photo-ops. Plus, there’s a small museum inside the station. The museum has a variety of items and photos that share the history of the area and Le P’tit Train du Nord.
On our way to the next stop, I stumbled upon a gem of a lookout over the Rivière-Rouge. This was a special stop as it shared about the First Nations people who lived here before settlers. And there’s a couple of panels where you can learn how to say various words in French, English and the local First Nations language.
Another stop on the Route des Belles-Histoires is Zothique-David House. A short and scenic (hello waterfall!) walk from the train station, this is one of the best preserved log homes in the Laurentians.
La Macaza
Blink and you might drive through it and not realize. But I highly recommend making a few stops in La Macaza. This village is small but features some really incredible places.
Your first stop is La Macaza Covered Bridge. Built in 1904, this beautiful red bridge spans the Rivière Rouge, and is roughly 130 feet long. I loved that it was such a quiet spot and had a couple of picnic tables, perfect for a road trip stop or picnic.
In the village, there’s Maison de la culture de La Macaza, which was the village’s first school. Spanning two stories, built 100 years ago, it’s now a museum. However, it was sadly closed during my visit.
One of the stops is a literal hidden gem! Thankfully, a couple of locals helped us find it. The historic mural is located in the town hall, which is also the library. In the basement, covering the back of a small community stage is a large mural that depicts the village’s history.
L’Annonciation
Home to another lovely old train station that dates to 1903, the L’Annonciation Station had a cool feature. The paving stones leading to the station were laid out like a train track. I love details like this!
There are a couple of places to eat in town, but drawn by a line up, we heading to Patate de la Rouge. Newly opened in the spring of 2026, as soon as we received our food I could see why the locals love this small food stand. Along with prices that felt like it was the 1990’s, the food was fantastic! We shared a poutine, chicken popcorn, and it was the perfect lunch spot.
Nominingue
The Nominingue Station was another highlight for me! I was surprised to learn about its history via the Balado Discover App. Dating to 1904, the station was moved, not once, but twice. Now in its original location, the station houses a visitor’s centre in the old luggage room.
What I loved was that in the other portion of the station they let local artisans sell their products. During our visit was a lovely artisan, Francine Dainel, who creates a variety of beautiful pieces of Indigenous crafts under her brand Topasannah. I bought a stunning pair of feather earrings from her.
We also lucked out and there was an outdoor market going on. Items included local honey, fresh produce and we couldn’t leave without buying some tasty cookies from Biscuiterie Julie.
Lac-Saguay
A beautiful stop along Route 117 is Georges-Painchaud Park in Lac-Saguay. The park features a statue called Le grand six pieds (The six-foot giant) that is part of the Route des Belles-Histoires.
The statue is based on the legendary character created by Claude Gauthier, a Quebec singer-songwriter. It depicts a towering lumberjack and is part of Circuit des Légendes (or Trail of Legends).
Insider tip: There are also public washrooms available here.
Mont-Laurier
You’ve arrived in your last town on this Laurentians road trip – Mont-Laurier. Known as the capital of the Upper Laurentians, there are a number of places to visit in Mont-Laurier.
Note: If you’ve had a full day, move your sightseeing in Mont-Laurier to the following morning.
A great first stop on the Route des Belles-Histoires is the façade of Mont-Laurier Cathedral. Completed in 1919, it sadly was destroyed by fire in 1982. All that remains is the façade. A few years later a new church was built behind it. Standing in the entryway, all I could think of how grand this cathedral was.
A few steps down the hill from the remains of the cathedral is another must-visit stop. Next to the gushing waterfall is the old power plant that supplied power to the area for 10 years near the early part of the 20th century. It now looks like something you’d see in a movie!
Behind it is another stop on the Route des Belles-Histoires – Maison Alix-Bail. Built in 1889, it was the first home in the village. It’s a great example of what the early colonial buildings would look like during the late 19th century.
The final stop on the Route des Belles-Histoires is the Mont-Laurier Station, which was the last stop of the Canadian Pacific line. It’s also kilometre 200 of Le P’tit Train du Nord.
Completed in 1909, the station has seen plenty in its day. Sadly, it is not currently being used but we heard during our visit that it was just saved and saved by the Quebec government.
Where to Eat?
I was delighted with the variety of restaurants in Mont-Laurier to choose from. One recommendation was to try Microbrasserie Du Lievre. This microbrewery is conveniently located across the street from the hotel. Along with a selection of beers, their menu includes an assortment of appetizers, burgers, poutines and more.
When talking with the gentleman at the front desk of the hotel, he suggested (with vigor!) that we try Restaurant Le Rapide. He gushed about how fantastic the chicken was, calling it, ‘the best in Quebec!’ So, we opted to eat at Restaurant Le Rapide. It was a winning choice. We tried their fried chicken and pasta dish along with their chicken wings and house pizza. I agree, it was some of the best chicken I’ve ever eaten!
Where to Stay in Mont-Laurier?
For your last night on the Route des Belles-Histoires in the Laurentians book your stay at the Super 8 in Mont-Laurier. Built in 2016, and run by a family that has been in the hospitality business since the 1940s, it offers spacious modern rooms.
Ideally located along Route 117 (the northern Trans Canada Highway route), it’s a short drive to many of the stops in town. You can enjoy one of their two outdoor hot tubs, set along the Lièvre River at night. And in the morning, they offer a solid breakfast, with a waffle station, a hot station and a variety of other options.
Day 5 – Mont-Laurier & Return Home
With the last day of the road trip finally here, there are a number of options for what to do on the fifth and final day.
You can grab breakfast at the hotel. This Super 8 has a great spread that includes easy grab and go items, cereal, hot items (like eggs and bacon) as well as two different coffee options. Or you can head back into downtown Mont-Laurier to enjoy a local breakfast and explore some more.
If you’re looking for a great coffee shop or bakery, I highly recommend Ben Bagel. It’s set in the cutest little Parisan bricked building with yellow chairs on the patio. Inside you’ll find an array of baked goods, from pastries to fresh bread. I really enjoyed their espresso too! They use a local Quebec roaster – Lenoir & Lacroix.
If you’re day 4 was too busy and you didn’t have enough time to see Mont-Laurier, spend your morning exploring the last stops on the Route des Belles-Histoires.
Laurentian Road Trip Tips
Best time to go – I recommend doing this road trip in the summer. Weather is optimal as are the road conditions and everything is open. However, you can do it in the fall.
How many days are enough? – I think that 5 days is the perfect number of days for this road trip, so that you aren’t rushing. But you can do a shorter version of it in 4 days or extend it to 7 days to go at a more relaxed pace or see everything.
Will it be difficult for English speakers? – No, while it is nice to know the pleasantries of hello, please and thank you, I found everyone was very bilingual and friendly. I didn’t have a problem not speaking French.
PIN IMAGE FOR LATER REFERENCE!
