The best traffic-free bike rides around Mont-Laurier

There are 8 dedicated no-traffic touring cycling routes around Mont-Laurier featured in this guide, offering a range of distances and difficulties for various skill levels.

Yes, Mont-Laurier is an excellent starting point for easy, no-traffic cycling. The northern terminus of Le P'tit Train du Nord Linear Park (KM 201) is located here, offering a gentle, mostly flat, multi-use rail trail that is ideal for beginners and families. This trail features a mix of paved and crushed gravel surfaces, making it very accessible.

For scenic loop rides with minimal traffic, consider routes that explore the local lakes. The Lac des Écorces – View of Lake Gauvin loop from Mont-Laurier is a popular choice, offering beautiful views. Another option is the View of Lake Gauvin – Lac des Écorces loop from Mont-Laurier, which provides a slightly different perspective of the same picturesque area.

The routes offer stunning natural landscapes, including the majestic Laurentian Mountains, the Rivière du Lièvre, and serene lakes like Lac des Écorces and Lake Gauvin. Many routes provide scenic viewpoints, dense forests, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. The Mont-Laurier – Northern Terminus of Le P'tit Train du Nord (KM 201) itself is a notable landmark.

The best season for no-traffic touring cycling in Mont-Laurier is typically from late spring to early autumn (May to October). During these months, the weather is pleasant, the trails are clear, and the natural scenery is vibrant. Summer offers lush greenery, while autumn brings spectacular fall foliage.

Yes, for those seeking a more challenging ride, the Picnic Area by the River – Lac des Écorces loop from Mont-Laurier is rated as difficult, covering over 63 km with significant elevation gain. While not entirely traffic-free, sections of this route offer quieter roads and beautiful scenery.

The main trailhead for the P'tit Train du Nord at the Mont-Laurier – Northern Terminus (KM 201) provides convenient parking facilities. This is an excellent starting point for many of the region's no-traffic routes and offers amenities like water and bike tools.

While the P'tit Train du Nord itself is a linear park, it passes through or near several picturesque villages along its 200 km length. Starting from Mont-Laurier, you'll find amenities in town. For longer rides, planning stops in nearby communities along the trail is recommended, where you can often find cafes and small shops.

The Mont-Laurier region is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the no-traffic routes, the stunning natural beauty of the Laurentian Mountains and lakes, and the well-maintained surfaces of trails like the P'tit Train du Nord, making for a very enjoyable and peaceful cycling experience.

Many multi-use trails in Quebec, including sections of Le P'tit Train du Nord, generally permit dogs on leash. However, it's always best to check specific local regulations or trail signage before heading out, as rules can vary for different segments or protected areas. Ensure your dog is well-behaved and that you clean up after them.

The routes in this guide vary significantly. For example, the Les jumeaux de Ferme-Rouge route is about 43.7 km and takes around 2 hours 37 minutes. Shorter loops like the Lac des Écorces – View of Lake Gauvin loop are around 32 km, taking about 1 hour 52 minutes. Longer, more challenging routes can extend over 60 km and take 3 hours 50 minutes or more.