|
Quebec Goes Red, White and Blue!
The Laurentians
The charm of the Laurentians arouse feelings of relaxation,
pleasure and adventure. The area being internationally known
and in total expansion, witnesses more than 2 million people
yearly coming from all over the world. Not surprisingly, several
Montreal Canadiens players chose to establish themselves in
the area for the summer.
Article by Nadia Fezzani
Although the area knows how to please tourists, the Laurentians
also have everything athletes wish for to practice their favourite
sports and pursue their training, as much on the ice as in the
gymnasium. Its proximity to Montreal, within an hour drive from
the metropolitan area, makes it the ideal place for the outdoor
fans as much as for visitors looking for a great meal or a full
body treatment.
For a few years now, the Laurentians have been experiencing
an incredible proliferation of therapeutic centres and spas
where clients have the chance to be pampered while restoring
with energy. The ex-Canadien player Vincent Damphousse is one
of the entrepreneurs who invested in the Laurentians, by opening
Le Scandinave a few years ago, a relaxation spa located a short
distance from Mont-Tremblant.
"It's been a few summers that I go to the Mont-Tremblant
area and I really enjoy it. The golf courses are some of the
most beautiful in Quebec. The climate, especially last summer,
makes it great to practice a numerous amount of sports,"
says Karl Dykhuis, who recently purchased a house in that area.
With the flaming colours of autumn, a snowy white magical winter,
a romantic spring and a warm summer by the water, everyone finds
unique attractions, a revitalising nature, and activities for
each and everyone. The entertainment resources are multiple,
as much for singles, couples, families and groups. The cultural
events are very popular as are other Laurentians attractions,
which are not only skiers' paradise, who profit from multiple
ski resources, as much as cross-country and alpine skiing, but
also for those who are passionate of nature and for bargain
hunters who are looking for older treasures from one antique
store to another.
SO CLOSE, SO BEAUTIFUL
Covering an area of more than 22,000 square km, the activity
ideas never come to an end in the region. We can experience
biking, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling along one of the
longest linear parks in North America. "Le P'tit Train
du Nord", which consists of 200 km of adventure running
along the old railway tracks form St-Jérôme to
Mont-Laurier, is dotted with villages and patrimonial railway
stations.
It has been a few years now that "ex-Glorieux" Murray
Wilson organises a dream camp for a week with the Montreal Canadiens,
where hockey fans can live the day-to-day life alongside the
Canadiens players of today and yesterday.
"It's marvellous! The participants and the players love
coming here. Not only do they have the chance to fraternise
with their heroes, but they also benefit from a unique environment,"
says Murray Wilson. Golf, hockey, the great meals and, of course,
the innkeepers' greatness are welcoming.
The rivers provide us with activities such as fishing, rafting,
boating and scuba diving. The museums and shows offer the dream.
The airplane tours and parachuting are for the adrenaline seekers.
"Au Pays des Merveilles" we can meet with Alice in
Wonderland, Snow White, and Little Red Riding Hood. We can even
visit the village of Santa Claus.
While the skiing attracts winter sports amateurs, the lovers
of water activities are not forgotten during the off-season
with the Laurentians rivers and lakes. The swimming can bring
you to the water slides and aquatic parks as well as the exciting
rapids.
Families may explore strawberry plants, gardens and farms,
while outdoor fanatics have the chance to experience several
activities such as excursions, horseback riding, climbing, and
fishing.
The Laurentians never fall short of resources to literally
seduce its invitees whose numbers increase every year. With
a full range of activities and a unique convivial welcome, how
can we not fall in love with this little part of our beautiful
country!
------------------------------------------------------------
"It's been a few summers that I go to the Mont-Tremblant
area and I really enjoy it. The golf courses are some of the
most beautiful ones in Quebec. The climate makes it great to
practice a numerous amount of sports."
-- Karl Dykhuis
"I've always loved the Laurentians, I find everything
I want. There are gyms and even arenas where I skate with other
NHL players during the summer."
-- Stéphane Quintal
"The hockey season leaves us with little time for weekends
with the family, but we catch up with lost time during the off-season
spending several weeks in the area to take advantage of what
the Laurentians have to offer."
-- Patrice Brisebois
| 
