Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts – A Cottagers Paradise Valley
The more authentic counterpart of Mont Tremblant‘s tourist village, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is a cottagers paradise. Nestled in the Laurentian mountains, and their endless expanse of dark blue coloured lakes, it is the quintessential Quebec mountain retreat. This fact is especially true in the heat of summer when the town comes to life with day trippers and locals!
Table of Contents
Geography
Located north of Montreal, on a lake called Lac des Sables, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts Laurentides occupies a strategic location along highway A15, heading towards Mt. Tremblanc. It is part of the administrative region of the Laurentides mountains (Laurentian in English), which is basically a cottage country with many ski resorts.
A Brief History
The area got its start in 1849, when three men ventured north and founded this settlement with their aces. From here a rapid colonization of the region began where the forests filled with game and fish filled lakes were prized for their resources. These years required tough resourceful people, with colonists having to clear their own land, isolated from the world. They often ate soups composed of herbs, and potatoes cooked under ash and tree bark.
By 1956, a road up to the settlement was complete and that isolation came to a close. By the 1860’s agriculture began to take hold and a mill was built on the lake, with the lumber industry fully taking shape. By 1863 the town elected its first council and by 1975 the main road case completed.
1885 was a difficult year as a small pox broke out and the then poor agricultural yield followed for the next several years forcing many to emigrate out of the territory. The region would begin to recover in 1892 when the extension of the railway into the region brough wealthy Americans financiers into town, where they built grand homes near the lakeshore. A modern roadway would be built in the 1920’s and pleasure sports would take off in the region, especially skiing.
Exploring Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts
The town itself is relatively small. There is la Rue Principale (Main Street) leading from he heights on witch the towns church sits to the waterfront where you will find a pleasant park and dock.
The church, l’Eglise de Sainte-Agathe is a Roman Catholic structure dating from 1905. The stone building dominates the town and is the most notable building in town.
The main street itself is composed of ornate wood storefront and modest brick structures, that are still pretty but pale in comparison.
Down by the waterfront you will find the dock, looking out onto the lake. The waterfront is the focal point of the towns social life and is the area where you will find its many history placards. The dock is connected to a large park.
This is also the best place to grab and ice cream and enjoy the summer heat!
Day Trips
Saint‑Donat and the Liberator Crash Site
This grueling hike near the picturesque Saint‑Donat lake will lead you to the crash site of the liberator. This gravesite commemorates one of Canada’s most tragic military disasters. For more information click here.
CFS Lac St. Denis
This abandoned military base, up on a hill above the Quebec landscape makes for a haunting urban exploration. For more information on the complex, click here.
Mont Tremblant and St-Jovite
This popular ski resort has a hidden side, a park of the same name with beautiful hikes and beaches. There is also a old Quebec village called St. Jovite (the “old” Tremblant) that can be found nearby. For more information click here here.
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed your visit to this quaint Quebec town. Beyond the soaring churches and prim main streets you will find a truly charming place with good people. I hope a visit to the region provides you with a better understanding of rural life in Quebec and encourages you to explore more of the province.
