In the Laurentians, the adventure often begins with the first rumble of the engine. After only a few kilometres, the city fades into the background and gives way to vast forests, mountains, rivers and lakes. Ahead, the trail seems to stretch forever. That feeling of freedom is exactly what makes ATV riding in the Laurentians so memorable.
With more than 1,691 kilometres of trails accessible in summer and 1,455 kilometres in winter, the region is one of Québec’s leading destinations for off-road vehicle enthusiasts. The trail network is marked and maintained by seven regional clubs that work to provide safe and enjoyable routes while promoting responsible use of the territory.
Does ATV riding in the Laurentians sound like the kind of adventure you would enjoy? Whether you have been riding for years or would like to try your first guided outing, the region offers plenty of possibilities. A few hours on the trails, a full-day loop or a complete expedition with an overnight stay in the forest: the choice is yours.
ATV Trails That Make You Want to Hit the Road
What makes the Laurentians stand out is the variety of its landscapes. During a single ride, you may travel through boreal forest, follow the shoreline of a quiet lake, discover a spectacular waterfall and climb toward an impressive lookout.
The area also makes it easy to plan a getaway at your own pace. Some circuits are ideal for a day trip. Others make you want to slow down, book a night at an outfitter and head back out the next morning after a hearty breakfast.
Before leaving, consult the ATV circuit map for the Laurentians. It will help you choose your route, locate rest stops and confirm available access points. Trail conditions and rights of way may change, so it is always best to check trail status with the local clubs before your ride.
Ready to discover some of the region’s most memorable circuits?
Waterfall Tour: 219 Kilometres of Waterfalls, Forest and Freedom
Starting in Mont-Laurier, the Waterfall Tour is a 219-kilometre summer loop. Its name says it all. The route leads riders to the chutes du Windigo, César and du Serpent, three stops that give this circuit its distinctive character.
You come here for the enjoyment of the trail, of course, but also for the breaks along the way. The sound of rushing water, the cool forest air and the wild scenery quickly remind you why you needed to get away.
Would you like to extend the experience? The Club Notawissi, located in the northern section of the loop, lets you turn the ride into a true getaway. After a long day on the trails, there is nothing better than a comforting meal and a good night’s sleep in nature before setting off again.
This loop is especially well suited to riders who enjoy covering long distances without missing out on natural attractions. Are you the type who follows the route straight through, or do you stop every time a beautiful view appears?
Le Summum: A Major Loop for Dedicated Riders
At 315 kilometres, Le Summum certainly lives up to its name. This summer circuit begins in Sainte-Anne-du-Lac and is intended for riders looking for a substantial outing in the typical scenery of the Upper Laurentians.
The long forest sections create a pleasant sense of remoteness. You ride far from the noise, surrounded by a landscape that appears endless. Proper planning is essential, though. Fuel, water, suitable clothing, food and basic tools should all be part of your gear.
To fully enjoy the route, an overnight stay along the way is an excellent option. The Pourvoirie Fer à Cheval and the Pourvoirie des 100 Lacs Sud offer the perfect opportunity to recharge in a setting where hospitality and nature take centre stage.
Why head straight home when you can enjoy dinner in the forest, talk about the best moments of the day and do it all again the next morning?
The stations and the Rouge Valley: Riding Through History
Do you enjoy routes where the scenery also tells a story? The stations and the Rouge Valley loop deserves your attention.
Accessible in all four seasons, this 139-kilometre circuit connects communities including Labelle, Rivière-Rouge and La Minerve. Along the way, riders discover heritage train stations that reflect the region’s development and the important role the railway once played in the Laurentians.
The circuit offers a pleasant balance of nature, history and village scenery. Several shelters also provide places to stop for a meal, warm up or simply stretch your legs.
This loop is a good option for riders looking for a varied, accessible route that is not overly long. It may also appeal to couples and groups who prefer taking their time rather than riding from morning until evening.
What do you prefer: a ride focused on distance or a route filled with discoveries and encounters?
Tour de la montagne du Diable: Views That Reward the Effort
The Tour de la montagne du Diable is a 99-kilometre summer loop starting in Mont-Laurier. Although it is shorter than some of the longer Upper Laurentians circuits, the scenery is just as impressive.
The mountain dominates the area and offers viewpoints that are well worth the trip. The trails cross rugged landscapes where the changing terrain keeps the ride interesting.
The relais du Lac du Club and the relais du Lac-Howard provide convenient places to take a break. Use the opportunity to check your fuel level, have a bite to eat and chat with other enthusiasts. On the trails, some of the best recommendations often come from the people you meet along the way.
Riding without stopping may seem more efficient. Maybe it is. But taking a few minutes to enjoy the view is also part of the experience.
Discovery Circuit: A Great Introduction to Adventure
At 78 kilometres, the Discovery Circuit is the shortest route featured here. It is accessible in all four seasons and crosses an environment filled with lakes, forests and wide-open spaces near the réserve faunique de Papineau-Labelle.
The refuge Wabasse is located in the southern portion of the circuit, while the refuge Lebrun is farther north. These stops make it possible to enjoy the ride without feeling rushed.
You can also leave the route briefly to stay at the Pourvoirie Le Triolet. This option is ideal for visitors who want to combine ATV riding, relaxation and a true forest experience.
The Discovery Circuit can be an excellent choice for a first longer ride or a more relaxed outing. A manageable distance, beautiful scenery and enough time to stop along the way. Sometimes, that is exactly what you need.
Mont-Laurier: Ride Directly from Your Hotel
Transporting an ATV, unloading the trailer, finding secure parking and reaching the trail network can make a getaway more complicated. In Mont-Laurier, access to the urban circuit makes departure much easier.
Several properties provide convenient access to the trail network from their area, including:
- Hôtel Comfort Inn Mont-Laurier;
- Hôtel Best Western Plus Mont-Laurier;
- Hôtel Super 8 Mont-Laurier;
- Hôtel Quality Inn Mont-Laurier;
- Auberge l’Étape;
- Complexe Dix80.
This proximity allows you to park your vehicle and trailer, settle in comfortably and then leave directly by ATV without adding unnecessary transfers. After the ride, you return close to services, restaurants and your accommodation.
For a first visit, remember to confirm access arrangements, trailer parking and rider services when making your reservation.
Being able to leave directly from your hotel by ATV is the kind of detail that can make a trip much more enjoyable, isn’t it?
No ATV or Limited Experience? Follow a Guide
Have you never driven an ATV before? That is no reason to stay home. Guided excursions allow you to discover the activity in a structured environment with passionate guides who know the trails and the territory.
Aventures Plein Air St-Hippolyte offers guided rides ranging from a short outing to a full day. Customized packages can also combine several forest activities. The company even offers Jeep outings for visitors looking for a different kind of experience.
The guides are trained to supervise participants and explain good riding practices. This is reassuring for beginners, but it is also worthwhile for experienced riders who want to discover a new area without wasting time trying to find their way.
Located at the gateway to the Upper Laurentians, Outdoor Logistik specializes in motorized excursions by ATV and side-by-side. Two-, four- and six-hour options make it easy to tailor the outing to the participants’ experience and schedule. Multi-day adventures are also available.
Looking for something different? B46 Aventures organizes guided motorcycle adventure expeditions. Its four-day, all-inclusive route covers nearly 600 kilometres across remote tracks, rivers and boreal forest. It is not an ATV ride, but the experience reflects the same desire for exploration and wide-open spaces.
Riding your own vehicle offers a great deal of freedom. Travelling with a guide, on the other hand, often allows you to go farther and discover places you may never have found on your own. Which option suits you best?
Sentiers Coureurs des bois: An Experience Designed for Adventurers
In the Upper Laurentians, the Sentiers Coureurs des bois offer a structured experience for ATV, side-by-side and adventure motorcycle enthusiasts.
The network is supported by forest innkeepers and a dealership that share the same goal: helping visitors discover the territory while making trip planning easier. Six marked circuits connect the participating partners.
Signs indicate distances, rest stops and nearby accommodations. This format reduces the stress of navigation and lets riders focus on the experience itself. You ride, explore and then reach a welcoming place to eat and sleep.
It is a complete way to experience the forest, not simply as a place you pass through, but as a destination where you take the time to stop.
Relais de la Montagne du Diable: Take in the View from Above
Accessible by ATV, the Relais de la Montagne du Diable is one of the most memorable stops in the Upper Laurentians.
Once at the summit, the 21-metre observation tower offers sweeping views across the territory. On a clear day, you can see the réservoir Baskatong, lac Windigo, vallée de la Lièvre and Mont-Tremblant, as well as the vast landscapes stretching toward the Outaouais and Abitibi.
After spending hours riding beneath the tree canopy, this view offers a completely different perspective. You suddenly understand the scale of the land you have travelled through.
Are you ready to climb the stairs after your ride? The reward is waiting at the top.
Accommodations That Understand ATV Riders
A successful getaway is not based only on trail quality. Accommodation also plays an important role, especially after a day spent in dust, rain or heat.
In the Laurentians, ATV riders can choose from outfitters, inns, hotels, cottages and wilderness properties. Some offer packages that include overnight accommodation, meals and convenient trail access.
Before booking, check a few essential details: access to the trail network, space for your trailer, parking, food services, check-in times and nearby fuel options.
A spa, a good dinner and a comfortable bed do not hurt either. After 200 kilometres of riding, even the toughest riders appreciate a little comfort.
Preparing for Your ATV Ride
A great adventure begins before departure. Check the weather, trail conditions and the expected range of your vehicle. Bring water, snacks, a first-aid kit, spare clothing and a communication device suited to the area.
Make sure you also have the required trail access permit. The Fédération Québécoise des Clubs Quads provides an interactive trail map and allows riders to purchase trail access online.
Stay on authorized trails, respect all signage and reduce your speed near homes, pedestrians and other trail users. The quality of the network also depends on everyone’s behaviour.
The Laurentians Are Waiting
From impressive waterfalls to the summits of the Upper Laurentians, every circuit has its own personality. Some encourage you to ride for hours. Others make you want to stop often, take photos and enjoy the silence.
A guided outing to discover the activity, a weekend with friends or a long loop with an overnight stay at an outfitter: there are plenty of reasons to get behind the handlebars.
So, which circuit will you choose first? Waterfall Tour, Le Summum, Rouge Valley or Montagne du Diable?
One thing is certain. Long after the engine is turned off, the landscapes, encounters and memories will stay with you.
Laurentians, pour toujours.
For tourist information, contact Tourisme Laurentides by email at [email protected], by phone at 450-224-7007, or toll-free at 1-800-561-6673
