A Winter Getaway That The Family Will Never Forget!
Cold Hands, Warm Heart, The Best Memories
It was only just a week ago that we made our first trip to Mont-Tremblant as a family. I didn’t know what to expect, but I knew that we were in for a true winter adventure! The truth is, as I write this I am still on a high from our trip because it was THAT amazing and I couldn’t wait to share all the details with you here on my blog. I love Mont-Tremblant Snow Much … and here’s why!
Postcard Views
I don’t know how I waited this long in my life to visit Tremblant. I was just in awe by the beautiful views with every turn being an instagrammable opportunity. Even the cottage-like airport you fly into would be one for the gram. Admit it, sometimes when you’re searching for new travel destinations, finding spots to take pretty pics might be part of the criteria on your list. Well, I’m confirming that Tremblant will not disappoint in that department. Psst … it’s only a one-hour direct flight from Toronto.
Level Up Your View
Everyone talks about their bucket list and I actually never had one until I came to Tremblant. I discovered flying in a helicopter would have been on my bucket list! Through the Activity Centre we booked a private helicopter ride where we were picked up on a frozen lake and had the thrill of flying over the incredible scenery of Tremblant. This experience was nothing short of amazing and 100% instagram worthy. I even took my 7-year old daughter who was blown away by the adventure and won’t stop asking to go back! I highly recommend doing this activity with Heli Tremblant when you visit because it’s an experience you will never forget and one check mark off your bucket list!
Sleigh All Day
For all your winter warriors, you will love that the snow conditions are incredible. My husband and I got to enjoy riding on the slopes all day while our little one was in ski school. By the end of her lesson, Harper was carving down the bunny hill. Way to go! And for parents who still want to enjoy a stress-free escape on the mountain, but prefer to have their kids occupied indoors, there is also Kidz Club Daycare for children ages 1-6. They can keep busy with tons of activities while you enjoy your time too!
Tip: For an experience the whole family can enjoy on the mountain, take the gondola up to the summit and have snacks at The Grand Manitou. We took both girls up and had lunch (and wine). The ride was a blast for them and we bonded over the breathtaking views of Mont Tremblant.
Eat, Drink and Be Cozy
Not only were the snow conditions incredible, but the food in Mont Tremblant was exceptional, which made Apres Ski that much more fun! From savoury poutine from La Diable to burgers at Le Shack, we were satisfied with every bite. Believe me, we had big appetites to fill after a day on the slopes. We were impressed with every restaurant we tried over our 4-day stay.
Notable mention goes to Altitude Restaurant at the Mont-Tremblant Casino. Guys, I can’t even tell you how incredible our meal was. I was so grateful to have a date night while here in Mont-Tremblant, but it was a whole other level of appreciation when our date night included dining at a restaurant like this. We had the privilege to chat with the Chef who was passionate about every item on the menu. It made it so hard to choose what to eat, but I can almost guarantee that anything you choose would be a winner!
Other Fave Food Picks From Mont-Tremblant:
1. The chicken/spinach pizza from La PizzaTerria – it comes out as a square pizza and it’s perfect for sharing!
2. The Mac N’ Shack Burger from Le Shack. According to my hubby, there are no words to express how good this was!
3. The Beaver Tails at Queues De Castor were to die for. These Canadian treats will leave you craving more! Harper loves the classic cinnamon and sugar, but I am a big fan of the Nutella beaver tail!
What Else Is There To Do?
So you don’t ski or snowboard, now what? Well, the good news is that there is still SO MUCH for you to do in Mont-Tremblant. In fact, with lodging in the village you get free access to snow tubing and skating! In the evenings, we would do those activities and Harper couldn’t get enough!
There is also another activity I should mention that Harper will not stop talking about since we got home. Both our girls enjoyed a morning at Univers Toutou, where they were able to make their own plush toy that they could take home with them. This is a keepsake that every child will love for years to come! Definitely put this on your to-do list if you’re traveling to Tremblant with little ones.
For times when you want a bit of the break from the snow, there is also the incredible Brind’O Aquaclub. Aside from the fun slides and the family waterplay area, there is also a fitness room that has everything you need to get in a solid workout. Did I mention there’s an outdoor hot tub? While the hubby was being super dad with the girls on the slides, I took some much needed ‘me’ time in the hot tub outside!
Tip: We found the fastest way to get around to all these different activites with a baby wasn’t to push the stroller, but to pull her along in a little kiddie sled that is offered through the hotel for free. This also made Noa one happy baby!
Dog Sledding: A Must-Do In Tremblant
As if there wasn’t already a lot to do in Tremblant and then we discover this activity: Dog Sledding! Words, pictures and videos can’t express how incredible this adventure was … you just have to do it!! To be pulled by a team of dogs through the beautiful forests of Mont-Tremblant is pretty breathtaking and freeing. Back to that bucket list I thought I didn’t have; well, dog sledding would 100% be on it and now it’s checked off!
Tip: Be prepared to use some muscle because if you’re driving the sled, there is no sitting back to take pictures. You are in for a workout you will never forget!
Home away from Home
I wasn’t going to write this post without mentioning where we went to rest each night after a day of winter fun. We stayed at the Homewood Suites By Hilton in a two-bedroom suite with a full kitchen and perfect view of the mountains. Although we didn’t spend a ton of time in the room, I had to tell you about it because it really did feel like our home away form home. When travelling with children, this part of any trip is important to me because I like to create a safe and comfortable ‘home’ atmosphere for my girls, so that they can sleep and play just as they would at home. We brought books and toys for the girls during their downtime and I’m happy to report that the baby slept perfectly in the room at her regular time each day.
Tip: Request a crib/playpen in advance or upon booking! Otherwise, you might have to lug your own travel crib with ya! We were lucky because there was one left when we checked in. Phew!
Don’t Forget #DateNights
As I mentioned earlier, during our visit to Mont Tremblant my husband and I were lucky enough to go on a date night! This was such a unique evening because we took the shuttle to the Mont Tremblant Casino to have some much-needed adult time. It was here at the Casino that we dined at the incredible Altitude restaurant, but what made this evening most memorable was being able to unwind playing games! In fact, we won $100 playing roulette! For a smaller-sized casino, you are able to find several tables and a whole lot of slot machines (some downstairs as well). But if you’re only down for placing smaller bets, the casino offers a multi-game station area where you can play games like $5 live blackjack and $1 live roulette (with a game host). The best part was taking our winnings and celebrating with a few more drinks at the bar while listening to good music. It was awesome to see the night life there too! Let’s just say, I wasn’t expecting it, but people were dancing and it was definitely good times!
‘Live’ Like a Local
Actually, did you know that only about 9600 people call Tremblant home? Most people come to visit this part of Montreal to ski or to do other outdoor activities. In fact, it’s open during all 4 season and stacked with tons of activities even during summer months. What I meant by “living like a local” was simply to go out and just enjoy Tremblant’s European-style pedestrian village and all it has to offer. With cobblestone paths and picture-worthy set ups everywhere, I recommend just going for a walk the fam, sit by one of the outdoor bonfires and take in the Mont-Tremblant village life.
Tip: Drop by Fluide Juice Bar for a smoothie that even the kiddies will enjoy or stop for a coffee at one of the cute cafes (note: no coffee, no mommy). Live the true Tremblant experience in a simple, yet memorable way!
