There are regions where you can explore different trails every day starting from the same base. The Upper Laurentians are one of them. This vast area offers a little bit of everything. Forest trails, gravel roads, quiet country lanes, and beautiful viewpoints. You can ride for hours without ever feeling like you’re repeating the same route.
For this trip, our base camp was at a hotel in Mont-Laurier. We left our luggage at the hotel and set out each morning to explore a new area.
Our group came from all over Quebec. Some had a drive of more than 8 hours to get there. Despite the distance, everyone was smiling at the start. The forecast called for great conditions, and the trails were open.
What I particularly love about the Upper Laurentians is the diversity of the terrain. You can go from a fast trail to a narrow, rocky path through the forest in just a few minutes.
Day 1 – Mountains, Waterfalls, and an Improvised Adventure
For this first day, we chose a route that combined part of the Tour de la Montagne du Diable loop and part of the Tour des Chutes loop. These are the trails offered by Sentiers Coureur des Bois, which allow you to discover many of the beautiful spots in the Upper Laurentians.
Right from the first few kilometers, the fun began. The trails were pleasant to hike, alternating between forest sections and more open paths. Our first stop took us to the Montagne du Diable lookout. Today, an observation tower stands there, having replaced the old fire tower that was once used to monitor the area. After climbing the steps, we were treated to a 360-degree panoramic view.
From up there, the forest stretches as far as the eye can see, interspersed with numerous bodies of water, including the Baskatong Reservoir. No matter how well-taken they are, photos simply cannot capture the feeling that such a panorama evokes. After this break, we set off again toward the falls.
First, we explored Windigo Falls. A few dozen minutes later, it was time to visit César Falls and Serpent Falls. Two different spots, but equally impressive. The water plunges forcefully between the rocks, and you can hear the roar of the rapids. These stops provide a welcome break from the rhythm of the hike.
When the Trail Becomes an Adventure
The combination of mountains, waterfalls, and rapids really gives you the feeling of exploring several regions in a single day. Afterward, we headed further north. That’s when the usual rhythm of our hike changed.
I’d heard about an old trail. It had been described to me as a magnificent route, not to be missed—easy to ride, very winding, with a beautiful sandy surface. In short, a hidden gem. So we left the main loop to explore this famous trail. The first few meters looked promising. The surface was indeed sandy, and the route seemed interesting.
Then the first fallen tree appeared. Then a second. Then a third.
We quickly realized that this trail hadn’t been maintained in a long time. Fallen trees followed one after another. We pulled out the chainsaw and the handsaw. In total, we cleared away a good dozen trees. Among them, a large trunk about eight to ten inches in diameter took a bit more work.
The trail was closing in more and more. In some places, we could barely make out the path. The branches were scraping against the handlebars and mirrors. A few times, we wondered if we’d ever make it out the other side. This situation added a good dose of adventure to the day. There was even a certain thrill in reopening a forgotten trail.
About an hour later, we spotted a forest road in the distance. Finally, we’d made it, despite our doubts. We found easier trails again and headed back toward Mont-Laurier.
In the end, this abandoned section is probably the one we’ll talk about the longest. It just goes to show that the unexpected sometimes creates the best memories.
Day 2 – A variety-filled day
The second day had a completely different route in store for us. We left Mont-Laurier heading toward Sainte-Anne-du-Lac via Ferme-Neuve. Right from the start, we encountered a beautiful mix of rocky trails, farm roads, and forest roads.
The scenery changes, and so does the pace of the ride. Some sections let you maintain a good pace. Others require a bit more attention with their tight curves and changes in terrain. It’s this mix that keeps things from getting monotonous.
As we approached Sainte-Anne-du-Lac, we took a break by the lake. It was a great time to chat, take a few photos, and enjoy the scenery. We then continued our ride toward the Meekos outfitter.
Once again, the kilometers flew by. The trails were pleasant and very well maintained. After stopping at the outfitter, we continued on toward Kiamika Regional Park.
The trails become more winding and snake through the heart of the forest. We’re almost always surrounded by trees. The feeling of being far away from it all is very real. We took a break on the shore of Kiamika Reservoir. The vastness of the body of water contrasts with the forest surrounding it.
The ride continued toward Chute-Saint-Philippe and then Ferme-Neuve. Once again, the scenery was varied. Forest sections alternated with faster trails and a few country roads that offered views of the surroundings. We passed lakes at times and more mountainous areas at others. That’s probably what best sums up this second day.
Day 3 – One Last Loop Before Heading Home
As they say, all good things must come to an end!
Knowing that several of us had at least a five-hour drive home ahead of us, we planned a slightly shorter ride for this final day. The goal was to enjoy the region a little longer while still being able to hit the road before it got too late.
We left Mont-Laurier heading toward Notre-Dame-de-Pontmain, taking a detour through Val-Limoges to vary the route from our outbound trip.
The trails were once again very pleasant. There were plenty of stretches through mature forest and winding trails, with a few more technical sections near the Amand Lafontaine shelter. Logging areas are few and far between, which gives the impression of riding through almost untouched nature. It’s absolutely beautiful.
Once we reached Notre-Dame-de-Pontmain, we took a break at a spot well-known to ATV riders: the shore of Lake Dudley. It’s a great place to have lunch or take a few minutes to relax and take in the scenery. We picked up some lunch at the local convenience store and hit the road again, but in the opposite direction.
We stopped for lunch at the Relais du Lac Howard. After the meal, we had only about fifteen kilometers left to go before reaching the parking lot.
Final thoughts
These three days demonstrate just how much the Upper Laurentians are a top destination for ATV enthusiasts looking for varied trails. When staying in Mont-Laurier, you can cover hundreds of kilometers without ever feeling like you’re retracing your steps. Each loop has its own character and unique discoveries.
From lookouts, waterfalls, and lakes to rocky and/or technical trails and forest roads, the region offers wonderful diversity. Not to mention our detour down an old, abandoned trail.
If you’re looking for a destination where you can ride for several days while discovering new landscapes on each outing along different trails, the Upper Laurentians are sure to win you over.
