Escape the city with Express du Nord
Martine Rhéaume
How do Montréalers say TGIF? They hop in their cars and head north for a little rest and relaxation in the Laurentian Mountains. But there’s also a bus that can whisk you up to some of the province’s most popular resorts towns. Every weekend from the beginning of December to mid-April, the Express du Nord offers affordable transportation between the Berri-UQAM bus station in downtown Montréal, Saint-Sauveur and Mont Tremblant.
Find your thrill on the hill in Saint-Sauveur
Sommet Saint-Sauveur and Parc F.U.N. offer fun for the whole family with waterslides, a zipline, a roller coaster and other attractions. If you’re more comfortable on terra firma, consider playing a round of mini-golf or testing your stamina at MSS Bike Park. From September 20 to 22, 2019, the Sommets Gourmands food festival will be tempting your taste buds with treats served along the street and up the mountain (admission: $20 to $25). The Express du Nord bus stops at the luxurious Manoir Saint-Sauveur, which is conveniently located near the Polar Bear Club Nordic spa (admission: $50).
Save big at the Tanger Outlets in Saint-Sauveur
Love a deal? The Express du Nord can drop you off in front of the Tanger Outlets, where you’ll find brand name goods at discount prices. Stock up on outdoor sports gear at Atmosphère and Chlorophylle. Puma, Reebok, Ecko, Bench and Carter's OshKosh also have shops on site.
Discover downtown Mont Tremblant
There’s no shortage of things to do in downtown Mont Tremblant, from shops and restaurants on Saint-Jovite Street to various sports facilities or even access to Parc P'tit Train du Nord. But keep in mind that the downtown area is not within walking distance of Tremblant Resort. That’s a whole other destination to add to your itinerary.
Catch the views from Tremblant Resort
Tremblant Resort is a world-class destination for outdoor sports. In spring, summer and fall, hiking enthusiasts can enjoy trails ranging from beginner to advanced. The Express du Nord bus will take you right to the foot of the hill. Give your leg muscles a challenge with the Vertigo trail. Tennis, alpine luge, mini-golf, beach, cycling, rock climbing, aerial adventures, gondolas and more! There’s no excuse for being bored in Tremblant.
When night falls, follow a giant’s footsteps along the illuminated path at Tonga Lumina and be immersed in a complete sensory experience by Moment Factory (until October 14, admission: $28). The Fairmont Hotel stop is nearby, in case you’re travelling with someone who deserves to be pampered!
The Express du Nord bus leaves Montréal in the morning and returns in the evening, Friday through Sunday (or Monday on long weekends). Return tickets cost $40 to Saint-Sauveur and $70 to Mont Tremblant.
Martine Rhéaume, blogger
Martine Rhéaume is a strategic writer. The texts she writes or edits are elegant yet precise, direct yet pleasant. Martine first got a degree in musicology before getting an advanced graduate diploma in Marketing Communications (HEC Montréal, 2016). She worked as an editor, then an advertising copywriter for TC Médias Livres from 2011 to 2016. Since 2017, Martine is editor in chief at C2 Montréal.