Easy Family Hikes and Bike Trails in the Laurentians
· 4 min read
Gentle trails and flat bike paths around Sainte-Agathe: our tips for getting outdoors with young children.
There's nothing like a beautiful day outdoors to recharge the whole family. Around Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, easy family hikes in the Laurentians are everywhere: flat trails, bike paths with no big climbs and scenery that makes you want to stop at every bend. With young children, the goal isn't to break any records. It's to move at their pace, plan plenty of breaks and keep everyone smiling all the way back to the hotel.
Here are our insider tips for enjoying the region's trails and paths without any hassle, whether you're travelling with a toddler in a stroller or young cyclists who have just taken off their training wheels.
The P'tit Train du Nord: the ultimate family bike trail
You can't talk about family cycling in the Laurentians without starting with the P'tit Train du Nord. This former railway line turned bike trail passes right by the hotel in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. Its big advantage for riding with young children: the grade is very gentle, almost flat over long stretches, since a train once had to run on it. No steep hills, a well-maintained surface and shade in places, everything you need to put the whole family at ease.
Riding the P'tit Train du Nord as a family is easy to plan: set out at a relaxed pace, pick a reasonable turnaround point and head back before little legs get tired. Along the way you'll find rest stops, benches and beautiful views of the lakes and forest. For the littlest ones, a bike trailer or child seat lets you ride longer without asking them to pedal a single stroke. At the front desk, we'll be happy to point you to the nearest access point and the easiest sections for your children's ages.
Our easy family hikes in the Laurentians, just steps from the hotel
Walking is often the simplest way to introduce children to nature. Around Ste-Agathe, several easy trails are perfect for little legs: short routes, gentle terrain and chances to spot a stream, some birds or a splash of fall colour. The secret to a successful outing is choosing a modest distance and turning the walk into a game: counting bridges, collecting pine cones, looking for animal tracks.
The loop around Lac des Sables, partly developed, also offers lovely flat stretches that are ideal for a leisurely stroll, on foot or by bike, with views of the water as a bonus. In the fall, the region's trails light up in reds and oranges: it's the perfect time for a short hike followed by a hot chocolate. Since difficulty varies from one trail to the next, ask us for our current suggestions at the front desk: we know which routes are truly family-friendly and can steer you in the right direction based on the weather and your children's ages.
Strollers, distances and breaks: our practical tips
With young children, a few simple habits make all the difference. When it comes to distance, keep it easy: a two- or three-kilometre round trip is plenty for a successful first outing, and you can always go farther if the energy is there. It's better to come back still smiling than to end up carrying everyone.
A stroller works well on the smoothest stretches of the P'tit Train du Nord and on the developed sections along the lakeshore; on narrower or rootier forest trails, a baby carrier is more practical. Bring water, snacks, sunscreen in the summer and an extra layer of clothing in the spring and fall, when the Laurentians' weather can change quickly.
Plan for frequent breaks: children often get more out of the stops, a rock to climb or a bridge to cross, than the walk itself. And don't forget your dog if you have one: dogs are welcome at the hotel, as long as you mention it when booking.
After the outing: a swim, the waterslide and real relaxation
The great thing about staying so close to the trails is being able to head back to warm up, or cool off, within minutes. At Hôtel Terra Laurentides, the heated indoor pool is open year-round, and the 21 m indoor spiral waterslide is always a hit with kids after a day outdoors. Access is reserved for our guests and included with every stay; schedules are posted at the front desk. While the little ones splash around, parents can unwind in the whirlpool.
The next morning, the continental breakfast is included: the perfect way to refuel before heading out to explore another trail or wander through the village. That's the spirit of the Laurentians: get outside and move, then come back and treat yourself, wishing you could stay one more night.
Ready for a family adventure?
Between the P'tit Train du Nord, the loop around Lac des Sables and the little trails of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, you have everything you need for wonderful, easy family hikes in the Laurentians, stress-free and within reach of even the youngest hikers. Our team knows the region well and will gladly suggest the perfect route for the day based on the weather and your children's ages.
Book your stay directly at the best guaranteed rate by clicking "Book Now", or call us at 1 866 527-9206. We look forward to welcoming you: get moving outdoors, then relax at the hotel.