Posted on by Greg

Quebec Days 21-22

Start: Mont Tremblant
End: Mont-Laurier
Mileage/cumulative: 72.39 / 890.61
Elevation Ascended/cumulative: 1,086’ / 31,231’  
Weather: Start – Sunny 33 degrees (feels like 27) / Sunny 48 degrees
Flat tires (entire group) day/cumulative: 1 / 7

After another rest day, we left Mont Tremblant and got back on the P’Tit Train du Nord trail and headed northwest to Mont-Laurier, where the trail comes to an end.  This meant riding nearly 70 miles through the Laurentian Mountains with no automobiles. It was easily the highlight of the entire trip as we rode through forests and alongside rivers, streams, and lakes. The P’tit train du Nord made its last passenger trip from Montreal to Mont-Laurier in 1981 but, thankfully, the rail line was later converted to a trail for walking, cycling, skating, skiing, and snowmobiling.

European settlers arrived in Mont-Laurier in 1866, and it was originally called Rapide-de-l’Orignal (English: Moose Rapids). According to legend, the name referred to a panicked moose that made a huge leap at a waterfall on the Lièvre River. We can only assume that the moose survived.

We knew that our two days on the P’Tit Train du Nord would be the best part of our itinerary and it didn’t disappoint. The scenery was simply spectacular and the photos speak for themselves.

This is what we’ve been waiting for.
It was a chilly (felt like 27 degrees!) morning but everyone was all smiles.
These two probably weren’t expecting to see crazy cyclists on a chilly morning.
The Labelle train station on the trail. It has a cafe, restrooms, and plenty of space for cyclists to relax.
This covered bridge was a short detour off the trail. Built in 1904, the Macaza covered bridge is the only remaining one in the Rouge Valley.
Everyone loves a covered bridge!
The elaborate construction of covered bridges is always interesting. Horses don’t get spooked because they can’t see the water below and it has the look and feel of entering a barn.

 

Team Pea in their happy place.

 

It was a beautiful day with views all along the trail.
Every little village along the trail had rest areas for cyclists that were designed like train cars.
No cars. Just nature. Aaahhh.
These tiny units looked like storage lockers but they were actually places for cyclists to sleep overnight.

Happy cyclists all bundled up!
A beautiful autumn backdrop for Team Pea!
There was trail signage at every kilometer.
Each kilometer sign also included a map of the entire trail from top to bottom.
The only sound was leaves falling to the ground.
The reward for riding 72 miles. This outstanding microbrewery was next door to our hotel. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.
Social media can actually serve a good purpose. Canadian Beer Day? Well, if I must!

8 Replies to “Quebec Days 21-22”

  3. Love all of the photos but I especially love to see the ones of Team Pea smiling and having a great time! Love you guys!

  6. Nothing that beautiful here! Your pictures say it all! What a great ride—happy trails my dears! Mom

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