The Laurentians : famtrip for groups
Behind the scenes at Receptour, follow Justine, our Purchasing and Production Manager, on a famtrip to the Laurentians. On the agenda: supplier visits, exchanges with our colleagues in the tourism industry and, above all, a lot of fun! For your groups, Justine tested many products and discovered new ones. Enjoy Justine’s overview of these 3 days of escapade!
1- The Tyroparc, for adventurous groups
First day, early wake up to meet the guests, our driver and our great guide Fabienne from Tourisme Laurentides! The day started with the discovery of Tyroparc in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. I have to say that I received a warm welcome from Philippe. The site offers many 4-seasons-activities, which is perfect for groups looking for outdoor activities.
- zip line (summer and winter yes yes!)
- snowshoeing
- hiking
- snowmobile
- accrobranche course
- via ferrata
- la Cité des Bois (new)
2- The Treetop Walk, for the view and the nature!
Lunch time was approaching fast, we were starting to get hungry. Luckily, Gaëlle, the marketing and communication assistant of the Sentier des Cimes and her team were waiting for us for a good hot meal at Chez Émile restaurant.
Then, we lived a unique experience in the nature thanks to this impressive wooden structure harmoniously integrated in the environment. This is definitely an activity that I’m going to include in my group programs for 2023 and 2024!
- New for 2022, the Treetop walk culminates at a 40-meter high observation tower offering an impressive 360-degree view.
- For the most courageous, sensations are guaranteed when you walk on the net suspended from the top of the tower!
3- The Grand Lodge, a must-see and much appreciated place
Then, we headed to Mont-Tremblant, the must-see, for a visit of the Grand Lodge hotel. A long-time partner, Danièle, sales and marketing director, welcomed us with open arms and a sweet snack: marshmallows roasted on a wood fire! Thanks to its many assets, this hotel has always been a favorite for our groups :
- Lake view suites
- Chez Borivage Restaurant
- Whisky Bar
- Activities: fatbike, snowshoeing, ice skating and hiking. The SK Experience team is waiting for you next to the hotel to rent you equipment adapted to your needs. We are never disappointed.
4- Meekos Pourvoirie, a (very) nice discovery
Continuation of our adventure towards Mont-Laurier passing by the old village of Mont-Tremblant. Welcome and check-in at the Mekoos Pourvoirie for 2 nights. And what a great discovery!
Working in the industry for several years, this is a place that I knew by name before. Mekoos is where nature becomes an immense territory of possibilities with more than 135 lakes and 500 km of trails. Enough to satisfy outdoor enthusiasts, hunting, fishing, dog sledding and snowmobiling!
4-1- Meekos Pourvoirie : lodging and restaurant
After a busy day, we were invited to the Inn’s restaurant, accompanied by Sébastien and Isabelle. Copious dishes and a beautiful wine list. Satisfied, it’s time to join our wooden chalets for the night. The fire crackles in the fireplace, no more noise, nature surrounds us. The positive point : shared chalet but each room has its own bathroom ! Chalets with shared bathrooms are also available.
Next morning, we woke up early and enjoyed a nice breakfast. We then dressed in cold weather gear for our outdoor activities. This day could typically be 100% replicated for small or large groups.
4-2- Meekos Pourvoirie : half day of dog sledding
When we arrived at the kennel, Myriam, her husband and their 25 Alaskan huskies were waiting for us for an unforgettable sleigh ride. We travelled through lakes and forests to the muffled sound of the sled gliding on the fresh snow. A pure moment of communion with nature. We stopped at the musher’s hut and returned to the kennel for a moment of cuddling with the dogs.
Positive point: the dogs are free in a large common enclosure. They are docile and affectionate. We see that they are well treated, well fed and healthy. This is an important criterion for us but also for many travelers.
After the lunch break at the outfitter, it’s time for a new exciting adventure!
4-3- Meekos Pourvoirie : half-day snowmobile trip
Safety briefing, driving rules and explanation of the afternoon’s route, then off on the snowy trails of the region! Sébastien and Isabelle will be our guides for this afternoon full of thrills. Under the beautiful winter sun, it was a pleasure to ride for miles on the federated trails, lakes and other off-piste paths.
Back to the Pourvoirie for a moment of relaxation. We were able to enjoy the spa, sauna, billiards, foosball while quenching our thirst at the pourvoirie’s bar. We then shared a delicious dinner with our hosts. Back to our cottages for a well deserved night’s sleep.
The next morning, it was time for us to leave this wonderful place out of time to quietly return to civilization. Thanks to Sébastien, Isabelle and their team for this beautiful welcome and these unforgettable memories, being passionate about skidoo, we will meet again I’m sure! Once again I am conquered. Little secret… I took the time to discuss with Sébastien and Isabelle to set up a multi-activity program that will be available from winter 2023-2024!
5- Devil’s Mountain Regional Park
The first stop of the day allowed us to discover the accommodations and activities offered at the Parc Régional Montagne du Diable. Whether it’s camping, ready-to-camp cottages, shelters or even mini-homes, we found what we were looking for in the middle of the Laurentian forest. A positive point: the Village des Bâtisseurs sector has a community chalet with a kitchen area, sanitary facilities and an equipment rental center. The staff is at the disposal of the visitors.
Our host Noémie had a nice surprise in store for us: we had the chance to go up to the refuge on board a “autochenille” vehicle equipped with tracks. This activity has been tested and approved in advance and will be available from winter 2023-2024!
After a 40min ride in the middle of the luxuriant forest on the snowy paths, we climbed the 20m observation tower to admire the view on the park. On a clear day, you can even see Mont-Tremblant. Lunch at the refuge then back to the Village des Bâtisseurs where our driver is waiting for us to take the direction of Amherst.
On the road of the return, Fabienne makes us a small quiz on the region and the installations which we can propose in our circuits. We became true experts of the Laurentians!
It was a pleasure for me to meet some of our partners and to discover new things that I will be able to propose in our production at Receptour. What could be better than to live the experience in its heart to create beautiful tours for our customers?
To discover our programs, visit our programs page!
Any question regarding our destination? Contact our team!