With its mountains and numerous lakes, Saint-Donat is the destination of choice for outdoor enthusiasts in search of the great outdoors. It's the perfect place to get away from it all for a few days and experience nature at its best.
Here's our suggested itinerary for discovering the Saint-Donat area for a few days this summer.
DAY 1
You can’t visit Saint-Donat without taking one of its many hiking trails. Not only are they all free and allow dogs on a leash, but the hiking trails around Saint-Donat lead to breathtaking views, and there’s plenty to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a bigger challenge or choosing to hike with the kids, there are trails for all difficulty levels in the area.
For families, we suggest heading to Mont Sourire. This trail stands out for the incredible view of Lake Ouareau from its summit… and it’s just 1 km from the parking lot! It’s the perfect spot to motivate the whole family to reach an easily accessible viewpoint. If you’re up for a bigger challenge, there’s a shelter a little further down the trail.
Intermediate hikers have plenty of options in the area as well. Cap de la Fée or Mont Ouareau offer a nice moderate cardiovascular challenge, perfect for getting some exercise without spending the whole day out. These two trails, each between 5 and 6.5 km long, lead to magnificent views of the region’s mountains and lakes.
More experienced hikers will be delighted by the challenge of Montagne Noire and its lookout. Along this 13-km loop, you’ll also pass the crash site of the Liberator Harry aircraft. At an elevation of 875 m, you can imagine the beauty of the landscape awaiting you at the summit.
An entrance to Mont-Tremblant National Park is also just a few kilometers north of the village of Saint-Donat. In fact, the Pimbina-Saint-Donat area is very close by and offers a wide range of activities: camping, hiking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing. The Sentier de l’Envol and the Chute-aux-Rats Trail are the two trails we recommend for a first visit.
DAY 2
Right in the heart of the bustling downtown area lies a municipal park that is very popular with visitors and locals alike: Parc des Pionniers. Open free of charge year-round, this park offers a variety of activities.
In the summer, people head to Parc des Pionniers to enjoy the beach and the trails. You can also rent watercraft on-site. You’ll quickly realize that it’s easy to spend the whole day there.
Saint-Do Aventures offers summer outdoor experiences to reconnect with nature in a new way. Whether it’s a guided e-bike or standard bike tour, a trail running retreat, or a cycling trip, each adventure is designed to explore the region from a fresh perspective. Driven by a genuine passion for the area, the team invites you to discover the landscapes, biodiversity, and hidden gems of Saint-Donat at the pace of summer.
Plus, you can now take a cruise on Lake Archambault to admire its beauty. Board the Saindon, a modern riverboat offering panoramic views of Lake Archambault. These 90-minute cruises with commentary let you admire the region’s vibrant fall colors. Why not combine your cruise with a gourmet meal at a local restaurant or a recreational activity? Whether you’re traveling with family, a group, or friends, the Saindon can even be chartered for a customized experience.
All the information is available HERE.
There are also mountain bike trails in the area. Ranging from intermediate to expert level, the 6 km of trails promise thrills and challenges. Beginners, on the other hand, can venture onto the 3 km Donatienne trail, a perfect loop for beginners. Access to the trails is free, but online registration is required.
DAY 3
The Saint-Donat area is also well known among road cyclists, who gather in the surrounding area for a day out on the road. Le Nordet is very popular among more experienced cyclists. This 84-km cycling route is a must-do in the region but is intended for seasoned cyclists, as the terrain is mountainous and a wide bike lane isn’t always available along the way.
The Tour des Deux Lacs in Saint-Donat (Lake Ouareau and Lake Archambault) is another well-known cycling route. Its 66 km take you along hilly, winding roads with views of the lakes along the way.
Finally, each of these wonderful outdoor day trips ends perfectly with a local beer at the Brouemalt microbrewery. On the terrace, you can enjoy a beer brewed on-site alongside a delicious meal.
Accommodation recommendations near Saint-Donat
- Kabania
- Le Grand R
- Chalets Évasion
- Chalets Arseneault
- Expérience Equinox
- Hébergement du Lac Copping
- Camping du Lac Croche
- Refuges in the Matawinie Regional Parks
- Les Chalets Nordik
- Camp Mère M.L. Clarac
Where to eat in Saint-Donat and the surrounding area
Must-see events this summer in the Saint-Donat area
- A Summer Full of Culture | July 4 to September 5, 2026
Take advantage of your visit to Saint-Donat to explore the surrounding area and discover one of the Goûtez Lanaudière tours, which will allow you to make many culinary discoveries.
To learn everything about the Saint-Donat outdoor destination and discover all there is to visit, check out the destination page.
