In my role as a coach driver for Parkinson Coach & Tours, I accompanied a group of university students from Toronto to the Laurentian mountains region of Quebec in September 2014.
After dropping off the group at their destination in the village of Lantier, my stay will be in the nearby town of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts.
One of my favourite destinations where the job has taken me over the past three years is Mont Tremblant during the winter months.
With some free time on my hands, I took the opportunity to make the short drive and visit during this autumnal time of year.
The Mont Tremblant ski village and resort, located five kilometres from the town of Mont Tremblant, lies at the base of the mountain of the same name, derived from the Algonquin 'trembling mountain'.
The resort was the creation of Philadelphian Joseph Bondurant Ryan who first visited the area and ascended the 2871 ft. summit in 1939 to become one of the premier ski destinations in eastern North America.
A winter pic from my visit in March 2013.
The ski village is divided into upper and lower with a lift that whisks you from the hotels to the top where the ski runs are located . .
One of my favourite destinations where the job has taken me over the past three years is Mont Tremblant during the winter months.
With some free time on my hands, I took the opportunity to make the short drive and visit during this autumnal time of year.
The resort was the creation of Philadelphian Joseph Bondurant Ryan who first visited the area and ascended the 2871 ft. summit in 1939 to become one of the premier ski destinations in eastern North America.
The clock tower greets you at the entrance.
. . or you can walk to the top.
Delightful shops and places to eat.
My favourite place for a specialty coffee is the Au Gratin de Café to go with a mellow cigar.
And, of course, poutine where this little guy is looking for a handout.
The slopes and trails become magnets for hikers in the summer months with great views of the village and Lac Tremblant.
A gondola takes you over the mountain to the casino with a view of the village and surrounding region.
Privately-owned condos and vacation rentals cling to the side of the mountain.
The shuttle buses between the parking lots and village aren't running today so I make my way on foot back to my bus.
Then it's time to return to my hotel in St. Agathe.
The town of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, first settled in 1849, is located 100 kilometres north of Montreal with a population of over 10,000 people and has grown to become a four-season tourist destination in the heart of the Laurentides, or Laurentians.
The downtown main street is a delightful mix of shops and restaurants a half-mile walk from my hotel.
Smoked meat platter at Les 2 Richard Resto-Bar.
Making my way back to the hotel, I came across this inviting liquor store to browse its wares.
I want one!
I retire for the night before returning to Toronto with my group in the morning.
As always, an enjoyable time.
As always, an enjoyable time.