Val-David

If you’re planning to go cross-country skiing in Val-David, you’ll find trails in the Dufresne sector that are groomed exclusively for classic technique. The area also offers nature and cultural experiences, as well as opportunities for climbing, hiking and paddling. When planning your trip, you can first consider which of these activities you’d like to make the focus of your stay.

Natural Areas and Getting Your Bearings

Part of Parc régional Val-David–Val-Morin lies within the municipality: 67 percent of the 6 km² protected natural area is in Val-David. That amounts to 4 km².

Le P’tit Train du Nord is another landmark. This linear park follows a former railway line between Saint-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier and runs right through the village of Val-David. Its history as a railway line and its current role as a recreational corridor are among the area’s defining features.

Cross-Country Skiing, Climbing and Other Activities

The trails in the Dufresne sector are particularly relevant for classic cross-country skiing. The fact that they are groomed exclusively for this technique clearly distinguishes them from a general description of the trail network.

The Dufresne sector also has plenty to offer climbers: its rock faces feature more than 500 climbing routes and over 400 bouldering problems. The two figures refer to different types of climbing. They give you an idea of the area’s variety, but on their own they don’t indicate the difficulty of any individual route or problem.

If you prefer hiking, you’ll find mostly intermediate trails here. Viewpoints are also accessible without covering very long distances. This may be useful when planning your day if you’d like to combine a hike with a scenic destination without taking on a very long route. The sector also has three orienteering courses of varying difficulty. Guided hikes offer accessible introductions to natural science.

In summer, Mont Plante in the Dufresne sector offers enduro mountain biking trails. If you’re planning a trip around different interests, this seasonal activity is distinct from the cross-country ski trails and hiking paths. You can also paddle down the Rivière du Nord from the village centre to Lac Raymond by canoe or kayak. The trip is estimated to take about 2 hours and 30 minutes; factor this approximate duration into your day’s plans.

Art and Ceramics

Allée des créateurs invites you to meet local artists and craftspeople and buy handmade products. A visit with local makers adds a cultural focus to the outdoor activities.

At 1001 Pots, the program includes pottery classes, garden concerts and artist residencies. It caters to a broad audience, including families with children and passionate ceramics enthusiasts. The exhibitions feature ceramics by craftspeople from Québec and beyond. On display are functional and sculptural ceramics in a variety of styles and techniques. If you’re particularly interested in materials, design or craftsmanship, this offers a different way to experience Val-David than its nature and sports activities.

For a comparison with nearby places, you can also visit the pages for Mont Tremblant, Sainte-Agathe-Des-Monts and Val-Morin.

For the broader travel overview: Les Laurentides.