So, with our bikes strapped to the back of the car, we hit the road last week for a girls' getaway. The plan was to ride a little each day, explore the region's trails, and then spend the rest of our time enjoying Lanaudière... in every sense of the word.
And I can tell you right away that we weren't disappointed!
PARC DES PIONNIERS | SAINT-DONAT
If I had to pick just one place from this trip, it would be this one. Here, everything we love about mountain biking is concentrated in a compact network, with a small elevation gain, easy to explore... but rich in thrills!
As soon as we start the switchback climb, I can tell it's going to be a good ride. The slope is gentle, and in no time at all, we reach the summit. We start with L'Explosion, a blue trail that combines roots and technical sections. Just what we need to warm up our legs! We climb back up to tackle La TNT. And here, we change gears! Rock slabs, wooden bridges, more challenging passages... it's a demanding trail, but so satisfying. And if you prefer, you can always walk around the advanced sections!
At the summit, you'll also find La Silice and La Silice Plus, two small loops full of technical features, perfect for having a little more fun before heading back down.
Psst! Access is free, but you must register on the Club de plein air Saint-Donat website.
PARC NATURE-ÉTUDE | SAINT-DONAT
Just a few pedal strokes away from Parc des Pionniers, Parc Nature-Étude is a cross-country area that is well worth discovering. Accessible, well designed, and located close to downtown Saint-Donat, it's the kind of place where I wouldn't hesitate to bring young children.
The names of the trails alone bring a smile to my face: La Récréation, La Directrice (beginner)... The difficulty level gradually increases as you venture into La Révision (intermediate) before taking on the challenge of L'Examen (advanced).
I liked this well-designed, free, compact, and pleasant network, where you can easily spend a nice afternoon riding the trails without complicating your life.
Same thing here. Access is free, but you also have to register on the Club de plein air Saint-Donat website.
RAWDON TOWNSHIP TOUR
Change of scenery, heading to Rawdon! Here, mountain biking takes on a freeride feel, especially around Mont Pontbriand. We park at Marie-Anne School and quickly find ourselves on trails with lots of rock slabs. It's rare, a little unsettling at first (we don't really have this kind of terrain where I live!), but super fun!
We ventured into La Carnivore and La Casse-Couleuse, two short but fairly advanced descents that gave us a nice taste of Mont Pontbriand...and a bit of a challenge, we must say! There are also plenty of double diamond options if you feel like riding some serious terrain!
The Sunny Hill area is also worth a visit, with several interesting singletracks. We particularly liked La Cordiale and La Saint-Pierre. The Sunny Hill and Pontbriand sectors can also be connected via L'Attache ta tuque, which is super fun to ride.
TERREBONNE OUTDOOR GROUP
Did you know that Terrebonne has its own network totaling more than 30 kilometers? And all of this right in the heart of downtown! It's vast, but you quickly realize that it's the small Côte Boisée sector that will capture your attention. Here, everything is well thought out for cycling, with circuits ranging from beginner to expert.
We particularly enjoy the Double Slalom, designed by Vélosolutions—a real playground for testing our reflexes. We take a look at the Arseneault trail (a real double diamond!), but decide to save it for next time... and opt instead for the Hamel, which is perfect for us.
A guide took us to visit Le Corridor de biodiversité, which includes the Boisé des Plateaux, Côteau, and Ouest sectors. There are more than 20 km of cross-country trails that are great for hiking or biking. The signage is more limited, so if you choose to ride there, make sure you are familiar with the interactive map available with the GPAT Outdoor Pass.
OUR FAVORITE PLACES
CHALET-O-NOR | NOTRE-DAME-DE-LA-MERCI
As soon as we arrived, we fell in love with the place! The chalets are modern, fully equipped, and blend harmoniously with the surrounding nature. But the real luxury is the private spa area... just for us! After days of cycling, we loved going from the dry sauna to the steam room, then diving into the cold bath before relaxing in the spa.
ESPACE COMPTOIR | REPENTIGNY
If I had to describe this place in one word, it would be “freshness.” The menu is a perfect blend of creativity, with colorful and flavorful dishes. And the cocktails and mocktails… simply wow!
MICROBRASSERIE BROUEMALT | SAINT-DONAT
This iconic microbrewery brews its beers on site, but the experience goes far beyond tasting. In the summer, the parking lot next door is transformed into a beer garden where you can sip your pint in the sun, with your bike right next to you. A food truck completes the experience with great pub-style food.
LA QUEEN | RAWDON
La Queen is a bistro with a pub menu offering revisited classics. You'll find comforting, well-executed dishes and a nice selection of cocktails and mocktails that make you want to try everything. Nice terrace!
CHEZ LUCIEN | RAWDON
This place is more than just a café: it's a discovery! We tried a KitKat latte (yes, with KitKat pieces!) that was completely decadent. In the back, there's a large outdoor space decorated in a flea market style. You can sit there and enjoy your drink, but also find some great bargains.
I came to Lanaudière to do some cycling... but I'm leaving with the desire to come back soon to explore even more! Here, mountain biking is enjoyed between two great gourmet destinations, with perfect moments to rest and enjoy. We pedal, we savor, we relax... and all without complicating our lives.
See you soon, Lanaudière!
