Why This Quebec Region Should Be Your Next Culinary Road Trip – The Laurentians Travel Guide

Why should The Laurentians be your next culinary road trip destination? In this guide, I’m dishing out all the delicious reasons this stunning Quebec region needs to be on your foodie bucket list.

The Laurentians (Laurentides) is a vast 22,000-square-kilometre playground just north of Montreal, named after the Laurentian Mountains.

When you think of the region, you probably picture its vast land perfect for skiing, outdoors, nature, and resorts, and you’d be right.

But there’s so much more to The Laurentians, including fantastic food with amazing local producers and artisans, and locally-owned restaurants from award-winning chefs.

A road trip to The Laurentians means you get to experience a culinary scene that’s deeply connected to the land, an often-overlooked gem that is booming with talent.

And of course, Michelin took notice as well with restaurants and hotels in The Laurentians featured in the Michelin Guide Quebec. As someone who loves trying Michelin experiences in my travels, I was excited!

In a culinary project with Tourism Laurentians, I did a 3-day road trip through the region to explore the food, drinks, and fun in Mont Tremblant, Oka and beyond.

I can’t wait to share my guide on where to eat, drink and stay in The Laurentians, plus some of the best things to do in the region.

Getting to The Laurentians, Quebec

One of the best parts about The Laurentians is how easy it is to get to. It feels like a world away, but it’s surprisingly close to major cities.

• From Montreal: The drive is a breeze. You can get to the heart of the region at Mont-Tremblant in about 90 minutes to two hours, depending on traffic.
• From Quebec City: It’s a scenic drive that takes around four hours to reach the Mont-Tremblant area, making it a perfect long weekend escape.
• From Toronto: If you’re up for a longer road trip, the drive from Toronto is about five to six hours (5.5 hours when I did the road trip), which you can easily break up with cool stops along the way.

What Makes The Laurentians Culinary Scene So Special

So, what’s the secret ingredient? The terroir, and it’s the foundation of The Laurentians’ identity.

The Laurentians culinary scene is built on a deep respect for local, seasonal ingredients, creating a real connection between the landscape and what ends up on your plate, a farm-to-table ethos.

Chefs here work hand-in-hand with local farmers, cheesemakers, and artisans.

You’ll find farms producing everything from organic grass-fed beef and artisanal veal to duck and wild boar, supplying the kitchens of the best Laurentians restaurants.

A meal here feels like you’re supporting an entire community, and that makes every bite taste even better.

Culinary Road Trip: Best Restaurants and Hotels in The Laurentians

Stay at a Historic Abbey where a Popular Cheese Originated

The Auberge de l’Abbaye d’Oka (or Oka Abbey) is a top choice for where to stay in The Laurentians. It was my first time staying at an abbey and it was such a unique experience.

Founded in 1881 by Cistercian monks, this former monastery has been beautifully transformed into a hotel, offering a distinctive architectural concept on the local flavor trail in the Lower Laurentians.

Staying here feels special, like you’re sleeping inside a piece of Quebec’s history.

I remember that monks love making cheeses when I visited my first abbey in Quebec at Abbaye De St-Benoit-Du-Lac in the Eastern Townships.

While I wasn’t familiar with the cheeses at the Saint Benedict Abbey, I definitely knew and have had Oka cheese even before visiting Oka Abbey.

The famous Oka cheese was first created here by the monks in 1893, and you can enjoy the cheese at the the complimentary breakfast.

Taste Terroir-Driven Culinary Delights in a Formerly Hallowed Building

Right on the abbey grounds is Le Sacré Bistro, a quaint and charming spot with a beautiful terrace perfect for a delicious meal.

The menu, crafted by chef and owner Redha Khoufache, who has extensive culinary experience working in Montreal, focuses on in-house food using local products from the region.

They even grow many of their own fruits, vegetables, and herbs in a garden on-site, and the freshness of the food and ingredients shines on the menu.

The burrata dish was vibrant, fresh and fantastic with the grilled focaccia, and I even got to try the luxurious Montreal Melon, which had a great twist with a simple touch of chili-infused maple syrup.

Their craft cocktails are amazing too, especially the Espresso Martini.

Experience Farm-To-Table Dining at a Michelin Guide Recommended Restaurant in a Historic House

In the historic quarter of Vieux-Saint-Eustache, you’ll find Le Géraldine, a restaurant that has become a true culinary destination.

It’s located inside the Plessis-Bélair residence, built in 1880, so you’re surrounded by history in a very intimate setting.  

As one of the Michelin Guide recommended restaurants in The Laurentians, Le Géraldine is a farm-to-table restaurant by chef Benoit Brunet focused on regional Quebecois cuisine.

They source many ingredients from small-scale producers in the Lower Laurentians and even have their own garden.

I did the five-course tasting menu, which changes monthly, and it was incredible. I highly recommend the tasting menu because you get special courses that aren’t on the regular menu.

A highlight was their signature appetizer that has been on the menu for over 8 years: an onion soup dumpling. It’s crispy and explodes in your mouth. So unique and delicious.

Another standout was the main course, a tender and juicy elk New York strip with a rich foie gras and caramelized onion sauce.

My favourite dish of the night was the pan-seared scallop, served with a sweet corn cream and topped with crispy kale chips and roasted pancetta for a perfect contrast of textures and flavours.

Plus, Le Géraldine has a “bring your own bottle” policy, a beloved Quebec dining tradition.

Drink at the Temple of Quebec Craft Beer

No trip exploring The Laurentians drink scene is complete without a stop at Brasserie Dieu du Ciel in Saint-Jérôme.

It’s a local hot spot and a popular gathering hole for people taking the train or doing the cycling trails.

While the brewery first opened in Montreal in 1998, its Saint-Jérôme pub, which opened in 2008 and moved to a new, larger space in 2021, is a must-visit for any beer lover.  

The atmosphere is always buzzing, and with about twenty beers on tap, there’s something for everyone. Highly recommend the rich Aphrodite stout with notes of cacao and vanilla.

The bistro-style menu is designed to pair perfectly with their brews, featuring delicious comfort food and local ingredients. The Chicken Karaage was juicy and crispy, and the Smash Burger really hits the spot.

Stay and Dine at a Michelin Guide Recommended Hotel on a Mountain with an Award-Winning Restaurant

For a truly special experience and one of the best luxury hotels in The Laurentians, I recommend the Fairmont Tremblant located at the Mont Tremblant Pedestrian Village.

This Michelin Guide recommended hotel is nestled at the foot of Mont-Tremblant Mountain, offering incredible convenience and luxury.

The amenities are fantastic, with indoor and outdoor pools, hot tubs, steam and sauna, and even heated floors by the outdoor pool.

Breakfast is a massive buffet at Le Comptoir, with everything you could want to start your day from cheese and charcuterie, to pastries and crepes, to made-to-order omelettes.

For dinner, Choux Gras Brasserie Culinaire inside Fairmont Tremblant is an award-winning restaurant (2024 Diner’s Choice Award by OpenTable and the Wine Spectator 2025 Award of Excellence) and one of the best Mont Tremblant restaurants.

This spot opened in 2017 and has a chic, vintage vibe with views of the village. With Chef Mathieu Cloutier at the helm, the kitchen serves up reimagined Quebecois dishes.

I loved the suckling pig with scallop and the fresh oysters to start. Their cocktails are really good: try the Whiskey Business for something fruity or the Maple Old Whiskey for a punch.

For the main, the veal chop was incredibly tender, and I highly recommend adding the pan-seared foie gras. For dessert, the layered mango was a special treat.

Taste the World at a Michelin Guide Recommended Restaurant from a Community-Focused Chef

Tucked in historic downtown Mont-Tremblant, sEb L’Artisan Culinaire is a gem and one of the best restaurants in The Laurentians. It’s very intimate, perfect for a date night.

Chef Sébastien Houle is a pillar of the community, not only for his incredible food but also as the co-founder of the food security charity Chefs à la Rescousse.  

His menu is inspired by his travels, creating a harmony between local products and international flavours.

This style has earned sEb L’Artisan Culinaire accolades from theWine Spectator, a 4-Diamond rating from CAA/AAA, and being the only Tremblant restaurant recommended in the Michelin Guide Quebec.

I did the four-course tasting menu with wine pairing. The meal included surprises like a lobster tortellini amuse-bouche, seared scallops with Asian flavours, and a tender rabbit and foie gras croquette.

For the main course, we got to try both the perfectly cooked halibut and a fall-off-the-bone lamb shank. The dessert was a refreshing peaches panna cotta

The wine pairings, curated by the sommelier Alex, were special and often changes weekly, making the experience even more unique.  

Enjoy Authentic Italian with a View in the Heart of Mont-Tremblant Resort

When you’re craving fresh pasta and authentic pizza, head to A Mano Trattoria. “A Mano” means “by hand,” and they live up to the name by crafting fresh pasta daily right next door.

This spot opened in 2023 right in the heart of Tremblant’s pedestrian village and quickly became a local favourite for Italian food, known for their handmade pastas and Neapolitan-style pizzas.

The atmosphere is warm and relaxed, with an open kitchen that adds to the energy. Highly recommend sitting at the patio for beautiful views of the village.

The Spaghetti Carbonara was rich and addicting. I love that they had separate sections for red and white pizzas. For pizza lovers, the Pizza Al Tartufo was a flavour explosion on a perfectly crusted dough.

Best Things To Do in The Laurentians on Your Foodie Road Trip

You’ll need to work up an appetite for all that amazing food. When you’re not eating and drinking, here are some fun activities in The Laurentians to add to your itinerary.

Walk Among the Treetops for Breathtaking 360° Views

For some of the best views of the region, especially for fall foliage, check out the Sentier des cimes Laurentides.

This treetop walk features a 1,350-meter-long wooden walkway that gently rises through the forest to a spectacular 40-meter-high panoramic tower.

The walk towards the main structure is nice, with areas for learning and even little obstacle courses.

The 360-degree views of the Laurentian mountains and forests are absolutely breathtaking.

Race Down the Mountain on a Gravity-Powered Cart

If you’re looking for a bit of a thrill, the Skyline Luge Mont Tremblant is so much fun. It was the very first luge track to open in North America back in 2003.

You ride a three-wheeled cart down a 1.4 km track that twists and turns through the mountain, controlling your own speed as you go.

Since a ticket let’s you ride twice, my strategy was to go slow the first time to take it all in, then went for speed on the second run.

Soar to the Summit for Breathtaking Vistas

A ride on Mont-Tremblant’s Panoramic Gondola is a must. It glides to the top of the mountain, offering incredible views of Lac Tremblant and the colourful pedestrian village below.

Once you’re at the summit, there are different trails you can explore. I highly recommend the 360-degree observation tower, which is a short and easy elevated hike.

Glide Over the Mont Tremblant Village for Free

A fun way to get around the pedestrian village is the Cabriolet. This is an open-air, standing gondola that connects the lower part of the village to the upper part, right at the base of the main Panoramic Gondola.

It offers a really cool view of the village below, and the best part is that it’s completely free to ride and saves you from all the walking.

Get Immersed and Hike Through an Enchanted Forest at Night

Tonga Lumina is a magical and immersive experience you won’t forget. It’s a 1.5 km illuminated night walk and a great hike through the forest at Mont-Tremblant Mountain.

The walk is based on a local legend about a sleeping giant, and it uses light, sound, and projections to bring the story to life in a truly fun way to explore at night.

Step Back in Time at a Historic Abbey

You can’t visit Oka without exploring the grounds of the historic Oka Abbey (l’Abbaye d’Oka).

A guided tour is a must, as you get access to areas that aren’t accessible to the public, including the underground tunnels if you’re lucky.

I learned so much about its history, how an abbey operates, and how it differs from a monastery, church, and other religious buildings.

The abbey was founded in 1881 by Trappist monks from France, and its beautiful stone architecture is a sight to behold.

Stock Up on Quebec’s Most Famous Cheese and Local Goodies

Before you leave Oka, make sure to stop at the Magasin de l’Abbaye d’Oka.

This shop is a great way to get gourmet food and drinks to bring home like various Oka Cheeses, Trappist beers, and other local products from The Laurentians.

Video: Michelin Guide Quebec Restaurants and Hotel in The Laurentians

Ready for Your Culinary Road Trip in The Laurentians?

And that’s a wrap on my 3-day culinary road trip itinerary through The Laurentians!

From tasting menus at Michelin Guide recommended restaurants to the perfect craft beer and comfort food, this Quebec region is so much more than just a pretty place for skiing in Mont Tremblant.

It’s where every dining experience tells a story of the land, culture and people.

So, if you’re looking for a culinary getaway in Quebec, I can’t recommend The Laurentians enough. It’s a road trip that’s complete with good food and drinks, beautiful nature, historic charms, unique stays and fun adventures.

Have you explored the culinary scene in The Laurentians? I’d love to hear about your favourite restaurants and discoveries in the comments below.

As always, happy travels and eating!