6-Day Montréal & Laurentians Cycling Getaway: Ride Le P’tit Train du Nord
Québec’s soul reveals itself on two wheels and at the table. Montréal, once a fur‑trade hub founded in 1642, hums today with Francophone flair, world‑class cuisine, and a web of protected bike paths. Two hours north, the Laurentians unfurl in lakes and maples, where a 232‑km rail line became Le P’tit Train du Nord—Canada’s most beloved multi‑day cycling route.
Mid to late September is prime riding—crisp 50–68°F (10–20°C), lighter crowds, and the first sparks of fall color. Your folding bikes are perfect here: easy to tote, ideal for rail‑grade terrain, and welcomed on local transit when folded. Plan on 32–38 mm tires, layers for changeable weather, and lights for early dusk.
You’ll fly WestJet Premium nonstop (Sunday–Friday), settle into Montréal’s café rhythm, then decamp to Mont‑Tremblant for three scenic ride days broken up by bakery stops, covered bridges, and riverside stations turned bistros. We’ve woven in top eats, smart transport, and vetted tours to make every hour count.
Montréal
Montréal mixes Old World stone and new‑school creativity. Wander along cobbles in Vieux‑Montréal, then pivot to Mile End for bagels from wood‑fired ovens and indie coffee. Bike lanes lace the city—the Lachine Canal path is a breezy warm‑up ride straight from downtown.
Top sights include the Notre‑Dame Basilica’s starry vault, the Old Port’s waterfront, and Mount Royal’s lookout crafted by the same landscape architect as NYC’s Central Park. Food lovers zero in on Little Italy markets, Jewish delis, and Syrian fine dining—this city eats brilliantly.
Stay in Montréal
- Search apartments near Old Montréal or Plateau for walkability via VRBO Montréal.
- Compare boutique hotels downtown, Old Port, or Mile End on Hotels.com Montréal.
How to fly WestJet Premium nonstop (Sun–Fri) and use your companion fare
- Search Premium fares and filter for “Non‑stop” and “WestJet” on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com flights. Set dates to a Sunday arrival and Friday afternoon return in mid–late September 2026.
- Best‑value patterns as of 2025: Tue/Thu midday departures price lower; Sunday morning arrivals and Friday early‑afternoon returns help avoid peak. Typical WestJet Premium round‑trip sale ranges (indicative): Toronto–Montréal CAD 350–600; Halifax–Montréal CAD 400–700; Calgary–Montréal CAD 700–1,100; Vancouver–Montréal CAD 900–1,300.
- World Elite companion fare: often valid on specific fare classes and regions; taxes/fees apply to both travelers. If your voucher type isn’t eligible for Premium, book eligible Economy with the voucher, then watch for paid or bid upgrades to Premium. Confirm voucher rules and fare classes before purchasing.
- Bike prep for WestJet: folding bikes in a hard case under standard size/weight often check as regular baggage; oversize/overweight sporting‑equipment fees may apply. Register sports gear in advance, pad the frame, deflate tires slightly, and arrive 30–60 minutes earlier than usual for check‑in.
Airport to downtown: The REM electric train runs YUL → Gare Centrale in ~25 minutes, typically under CAD 12 per person. Folding bikes are allowed when folded; ride the Lachine Canal path from downtown if you want a gentle spin.
Montréal tours to consider
-
Montreal Mile End Authentic Food Tour with 7 Delicacies Tastings — artisan bagels to maple treats with a local guide.
Montreal Mile End Authentic Food Tour with 7 Delicacies Tastings on Viator -
Old Montreal Small‑Group Walking Tour | Max 10 | by MTL Detours — essential architecture and stories with a passionate local.
Old Montreal Small-Group Walking Tour | Max 10 | by MTL Detours on Viator -
Museum of Illusions Montréal — playful, weather‑proof fun near Old Port.
Museum of Illusions Montreal - 70+ Illusions to Explore on Viator -
Montreal Premium Driving Night Tour with La Grande Roue — city lights, viewpoints, and a Ferris‑wheel ride.
Montreal Premium Driving Night Tour with La Grand Roue Ride on Viator
Mont‑Tremblant (Laurentians)
Basecamp for the trail, Mont‑Tremblant is more than a ski hill. The old village sits on Lac Mercier with straight‑from‑your‑door access to Le P’tit Train du Nord; north and south, the path threads stations, rivers, and maple woods at a gentle rail‑grade.
Days roll by in easy rhythm: café → ride → picnic by the river → microbrewery pint → sunset gondola or spa soak. Expect well‑signed wayfinding, frequent rest stops, and trail‑side bakeries (save room for maple pie at historic stations).
Stay in Mont‑Tremblant
- Condo by the rail trail or lake via VRBO Mont‑Tremblant.
- Compare resort‑village hotels vs. Old Village and Saint‑Jovite on Hotels.com Mont‑Tremblant.
Getting Montréal → Mont‑Tremblant
- Drive: ~1 h 40 min via A‑15 N, scenic and bike‑friendly towns en route.
- Bus (Galland): ~2 h 10 min from Montréal to Mont‑Tremblant; ~CAD 35–45 one‑way; reserve spots for bikes/cases if applicable.
- Train option to southern trailhead: Exo suburban train to Saint‑Jérôme (~1 h 15). Folding bikes allowed when folded; from there, ride the trail or connect by bus/taxi.
Day 1 (Sunday): Arrive Montréal, canal spin, Old Port flavors
Afternoon: Land at YUL and hop the REM to Gare Centrale (~25 min). Drop bags, unfold for a gentle 10–12 km shake‑out on the paved Lachine Canal path—watch for herons and historic red‑brick warehouses.
Evening: Aperitif at Atwater Market (try Premices et co. for Québec cheeses) or a pint at Dieu du Ciel! in Mile End. Dinner picks: Olive et Gourmando (Old Montréal; rustic‑chic sandwiches, seasonal salads), or Vin Mon Lapin (Little Italy; natural‑wine temple with market‑fresh plates—arrive early or join the waitlist). Nightcap at Big in Japan Bar (alley entrance, low‑lit speakeasy vibes).
Day 2 (Monday): Mile End bites, Old Montréal stories, city lights
Morning: Coffee at Café Olimpico (classic Italian bar) and a warm sesame bagel from St‑Viateur or Fairmount (both wood‑fired since the 1950s). Join this guided tasting for local legends and hidden gems:
Afternoon: Head to Vieux‑Montréal for a deep dive into architecture, courtyards, and waterfront lore:
Evening: Optional night tour (hotel pickup, viewpoints, Ferris wheel):
Day 3 (Tuesday): Montréal → Mont‑Tremblant + first Laurentians ride
Morning (travel time: ~1 h 40 by car): Depart after breakfast. If you prefer a taste of the southern trail, stop in Val‑David en route, park near the station, and ride a scenic 20–40 km out‑and‑back toward Sainte‑Agathe (smooth pavement, cafés every 5–10 km).
Afternoon: Check into your Mont‑Tremblant base (Old Village or Saint‑Jovite are ideal for immediate trail access). Spin an easy 10–20 km toward La Conception to see the striking red covered bridge (Pont de la Conception), then circle Lac Mercier’s shoreline.
Evening: Casual dinner at La Sandwicherie Café + Bistro (hearty panini, soups) or Microbrasserie La Diable (house‑brewed ales, elk burger). For a refined local tasting menu, book SEB L’Artisan Culinaire (seasonal Laurentian produce, intimate room).
Day 4 (Wednesday): Signature ride — Mont‑Tremblant → Labelle (and beyond)
Morning: Coffee and pastries at Au Grain de Café (Old Village), then ride north from Mont‑Tremblant Station to Labelle (~20 km one‑way; packed stone dust, gentle grades along the Rivière du Diable). Watch for interpretive signs at old stations.
Afternoon: Lunch at Gare de Labelle (the historic station café—try the maple pie). Strong legs can push 10–15 km farther toward La Macaza (quiet forests, river views), then return south. Expect 40–70 km total depending on your turnaround point.
Evening: Soak and unwind at Scandinave Spa Mont‑Tremblant (riverside thermal circuit; evening is quieter). Dinner at Mille Pâtes (Saint‑Jovite; handmade pasta, relaxed) or Le Q.G. Resto‑Pub (local venison, Québec microbrews).
Day 5 (Thursday): Artful Val‑David loop or southern sprint to Sainte‑Adèle
Morning: Drive or ride ~20–30 km south to Val‑David (artists’ enclave with two station cafés). Enjoy a café au lait at C’est la Vie, then cycle Val‑David → Sainte‑Adèle and back (25–40 km, mostly paved, rolling views and wooden trestles).
Afternoon: Browse Val‑David’s ateliers and Parc Régional Val‑David–Val‑Morin trails (short hikes with granite outlooks if you want to mix it up). Late lunch on the river terrace at Microbrasserie Le Baril Roulant (house beers, poutine du jour).
Evening: Return to Tremblant. Sunset gondola ride for sweeping views over the Laurentians, then raclette or fondue at La Savoie (alpine comfort, perfect post‑ride calories). Nightcap at Le P’tit Caribou (local institution; lively but cozy).
Day 6 (Friday): Back to Montréal, last tastes, fly home
Morning (travel time: ~1 h 40 by car): Drive to Montréal. Brunch near Atwater Market at Arthurs Nosh Bar (modern Jewish plates; go early) or Restaurant L’Avenue (playful brunch classics).
Afternoon: If time allows, one last stop in Old Port at this playful spot:
Evening: Flight home. Toast the week: city lights, river valleys, and kilometers well‑spent.
Daily coffee and dining cheat‑sheet
- Montréal coffee: Café Olimpico (Mile End), Café Saint‑Henri (Atwater Market), Myriade (downtown). Breakfast: St‑Viateur/Fairmount Bagel; Beautys Luncheonette (retro diner).
- Montréal lunches: Olive et Gourmando (Old Port), Satay Brothers (Little Burgundy; Southeast Asian), Schwartz’s (smoked meat on rye).
- Montréal dinners: Damas (Syrian), Monarque (brasserie), Le Vin Papillon (veg‑forward, walk‑in), Taverne Saint‑Sacrement (casual pints, excellent wings).
- Laurentians coffee: Au Grain de Café (Tremblant), Kafein or C’est la Vie (Val‑David). Lunches: Gare de Labelle (station café), La Sandwicherie (Old Village). Dinners: La Diable (brewpub), SEB L’Artisan Culinaire (tasting menu), La Savoie (fondue/raclette).
Trail and logistics tips for folding bikes
- Surface: mix of fine stone dust and pavement; 32–38 mm tires ride comfortably. Rail‑grade (gentle) but cumulative distance adds up—plan snacks and water.
- Services: stations roughly every 10–15 km with toilets and cafés; carry a basic tool kit and spare tubes. Most cafés are card‑friendly; small towns may close earlier midweek in shoulder season.
- Shuttles & luggage: several local outfitters offer station‑to‑station shuttles and bag transfers—handy for one‑way sections. Book a day ahead in September.
- Etiquette & safety: ring before passing; helmets strongly recommended; lights for dusk. Wildlife is shy—give space if you glimpse deer or fox near the path.
Transport search shortcuts: lock in your Sunday–Friday WestJet Premium nonstop using Trip.com or cross‑check on Kiwi.com. For stays, compare neighborhoods on Hotels.com Montréal and Hotels.com Mont‑Tremblant, or browse whole‑home options on VRBO Montréal and VRBO Mont‑Tremblant.
In six days, you’ll taste Montréal’s layered history and roll through Laurentian landscapes purpose‑built for happy cyclists. With smart WestJet Premium timing and your companion fare, the travel feels as smooth as the rail‑grade beneath your tires. À la prochaine!