Just an hour from Montreal, the town of Rawdon is well worth a visit. With beaches, forests, waterfalls, and rapids, it has everything you need for a memorable outdoor getaway. There are plenty of cottages and unique lodging options in the Rawdon area, all the more reason to spend a few days there!
Here's an itinerary for discovering the outdoor destination of Rawdon, well worth a stopover for a few days.
DAY 1
For your first day in Rawdon, start with a stop at the café Chez Lucien, where you can relax on its beautiful terrace or grab a good cup of coffee to go. Afterward, take the opportunity to explore the area’s must-see attractions. First up is Arbraska, where you can set off on an adventure high up in the treetops. Tree climbing and zip-lining: that’s what Arbraska Rawdon has to offer. The facilities have recently been renovated, making the experience even more fun. Little ones will also enjoy playing in the colorful Arbre-en-Ciel village. We continue our day with a stop at the La Récolte Public Market to stock up on fresh, local produce.
Next, we head to La Terre des Bisons to learn more about farmed big game at their interpretive center, stock up on gourmet products at the shop, and admire these animals in the surrounding pastures. Finally, we wrap up this first day by taking in the must-see Dorwin Falls, standing 18 meters tall, at the park of the same name. We take the opportunity to explore the park’s 3 km of hiking trails, and why not enjoy a picnic to end the day or grab a delicious poutine at the restaurant Le Spot à poutine located right across the street?
Day 2
Not too far from the town of Rawdon, head toward Saint-Calixte for a day of family fun at the Complexe Atlantide. Make the most of this visit to spend quality time with your family, exploring the magical castle and meeting friendly characters. The water park is the perfect spot for a sunny day, and Familizoo lets you meet over 300 animals from near and far. This animal sanctuary explains why each animal is at the zoo and details the care they’ve received. In fact, it’s now possible to stay overnight at the site’s new hotel complex, the Hôtel de la Cité Perdue. What makes this hotel unique? It offers guests the chance to sleep… in the lion enclosure! The hotel also features water slides that are sure to delight the kids.
DAY 3
Cyclists looking for local flavors and gourmet stops? Set out to explore the 75-km bike route that winds through this corner of the region. Starting at Parc des Chutes Dorwin, follow this gourmet itinerary where you’ll encounter several agritourism businesses, shops selling regional products, and natural and cultural sites along the way. Let yourself be swept away by the magnificent beauty of the Circuit des églises: 5 iconic places of worship of various denominations, each with a unique charm that makes Rawdon famous.
To wrap up your day of cycling, we suggest a relaxing break at La Source Bains Nordiques, a spa renowned throughout the province for its relaxation areas and delicious bistro.
Prefer to take it easy and enjoy the nice weather? The Rawdon municipal beach or the tubing at Forêt Ô Cascades are perfect activities for that.
SUGGESTION OF ACCOMMODATIONS IN RAWDON AND ITS SURROUNDINGS:
- Chalets Lanaudière
- Rawdon Golf Resort
- Les Pieds sur Terre
- Ma yourte au cœur des collines
- Domaine des Chalets des Pins
- Estonia Hébergement Nature
- Camp familial St-Urbain
- Le Jeanne d'Arc
- Les chalets du lac Grenier
- Auberge des Cascades
- Chalets Zenya
EAT IN RAWDON AND ITS SURROUNDINGS :
- La Queen
- Restaurant Le Privilège
- Les Délices de Rosa Grill
- Miyoko sushi
- L'Imposteur Resto-traiteur
- Le Gordie's
- Le Nouveau Kelly
- Les délices de Rosa Grill
EVENTS NOT TO BE MISSED IN RAWDON'S ENVIRONMENT:
- Festival Bières et Bouffe | August 8, 2026
- 45 Degrees Nord themed races all summer long 2026
- Festival des artisans | September 19 and 20, 2026
- ARA Féria | September 26 to October 11, 2026 (Saturdays and Sundays)
While you're in Rawdon, take advantage of the opportunity to discover the Piedmont gourmet tourist circuit. This Goûtez Lanaudière tour will give you the opportunity to make many gourmet discoveries.
To find out all about Rawdon's outdoor destination and what there is to visit, visit the destination page.
