Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting the Sentier des Cimes Laurentides

Yes, the Sentier des cimes Laurentides is designed to provide a safe and accessible experience for all.

The elevated walkway is a solid and stable structure, built according to rigorous engineering standards. It is equipped with high guardrails throughout the entire path, ensuring constant safety, even for children.

The path follows a gentle slope with no steep stairs, allowing for easy and confident movement. The walkway is also wide enough for visitors to pass each other comfortably.

Regular inspections and maintenance are carried out to ensure the quality and safety of the installations, regardless of the season.

Whether it’s your first time experiencing heights or a family outing, everything is designed so you can enjoy the experience with peace of mind.

Yes. Sentier des cimes Laurentides remains accessible during the winter. However, winter conditions can make getting around more physically demanding. Snow creates additional rolling resistance, so pushing a stroller or wheelchair may require more effort.

We recommend that the person assisting be physically able to provide the additional effort required based on the trail conditions.

For families with young children, we also provide sleds free of charge, which can make getting around the Treetop Walk easier when there is snow on the ground.

As trail conditions vary depending on the weather and snowfall, we recommend contacting our team on the day of your visit at 873-229-0363. We can provide information about current conditions and help you determine the option best suited to your needs.

Yes. The Treetop Walk remains accessible in rain or snow, but surfaces may become more slippery due to rain, dew, or snow. We recommend wearing closed-toe footwear with good traction. In winter, winter boots are strongly recommended. Please adjust your pace to the conditions and use caution throughout your visit.

Metal traction cleats are not permitted on the Treetop Walk, as they can damage the wooden surface. When conditions require additional traction, rubber traction cleats are available to borrow free of charge at the reception desk.

Our team monitors trail conditions and takes the necessary measures to help ensure visitor safety. If you have any concerns, particularly during the winter, please contact us on the day of your visit at 873-229-0363 for the latest trail conditions.

The Treetop Slide is not suitable for all visitors with reduced mobility.

To participate, you must be able to:

• maintain a semi-reclined position throughout the descent
• have good stability and body control

Since every situation is different, we recommend assessing your comfort and abilities before participating.

The rest of the Sentier des cimes Laurentides remains largely accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the nature experience.

An accompanying person may be admitted free of charge at the Sentier des cimes Laurentides if you hold a recognized card, such as:

• the Carte accompagnement loisir (CAL)
• the Access2 card
• or any other official card confirming the need for assistance

The person with a disability must still purchase their own admission ticket, according to their category.

If you have questions or would like to confirm your situation before your visit, feel free to contact our team at 873-229-0363. We will be happy to assist you in planning your visit.

Yes, the Sentier des cimes Laurentides offers accessible restrooms for visitors with reduced mobility.

Adapted facilities are located:

• on the ground floor
• on the first floor of the main building

These amenities are designed to ensure a comfortable and accessible experience for all visitors.

If you have specific needs or questions before your visit, feel free to contact our team at 873-229-0363.

No, there is no weight limit to access the Sentier des cimes Laurentides.

The installations are built to high engineering standards to safely accommodate a large number of visitors, regardless of weight.

The elevated walkway and panoramic tower are solid, stable and secure, allowing everyone to enjoy the experience with confidence.

You can visit the Sentier des cimes with complete peace of mind, whatever your profile.

Yes, in the vast majority of cases, visitors with a fear of heights are pleasantly surprised by their experience at the Sentier des cimes Laurentides.

The walkway is designed to feel safe and reassuring:

• it is wide (about 2.5 metres / 8 feet)
• it is fully secured with high guardrails
• the path follows a gentle, gradual slope, with no sudden drops

Many visitors say they quickly feel at ease and that the enjoyment of the experience takes over.

You can also move at your own pace, take breaks or stop whenever you feel the need.

At the top, some visitors choose to try the giant suspended net at 40 metres high, while others simply enjoy the view—both options are perfectly suited to your comfort level.

In short, even with a fear of heights, the Sentier des cimes remains an accessible, reassuring and often very positive experience.

Yes, the parking lot closest to the ticket office (P3) has spaces reserved for people with limited mobility.

Dogs and other animals are not permitted on the elevated walkway of the Sentier des cimes Laurentides (except for certified service dogs*).

This rule is in place for safety and comfort:

• the elevated walkway can be stressful for some animals
• unpredictable behavior, even if rare, may put animals or visitors at risk
• there are no retreat areas in case of fear or reaction

Good news: your dog is welcome on the ground-level site!

You can enjoy with your pet:

• the walking trails around the Ancienne-Pisciculture
• the adjacent park
• the outdoor terrace of Chez Émile restaurant

Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times.

This way, you can still share part of the nature experience with your companion while ensuring everyone’s safety.

*Guide dogs and assistance dogs are permitted at all times. For assistance dogs, individuals accompanied by their dog must provide documentation from a health professional attesting to their need (due to a disability, medical condition, or mental health condition) and the usefulness of the animal to meet that need. They must also provide information and documentation regarding the animal’s behavior and any risk it may present in a public space such as Sentier des cimes Laurentides (https://www.cdpdj.qc.ca/en/your-obligations/prohibited-grounds/handicap-animaux).

The Sentier des cimes Laurentides offers a simple, welcoming and comforting dining experience at the self-service restaurant Chez Émile, located directly on site.

In a warm atmosphere, you’ll find a variety of options perfect for a break before or after your visit, including:

• Soups and chili
• Sandwiches, snacks and light bites
• Pastries and light options
• Hot beverages (coffee, hot chocolate, etc.)
• Cold beverages, with or without alcohol

The menu may vary depending on the season and visitor traffic.

Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or a relaxing break, Chez Émile is a perfect complement to your nature experience.

Yes, the Sentier des cimes Laurentides provides baby changing facilities.

You will find them in the restrooms located at the entrance, offering comfort and convenience for families.

Everything is designed to make visiting with young children easy and enjoyable from start to finish.

Yes, there may be a wait time for the Treetop Slide, especially during busy periods.

During peak times—such as weekends, holidays or the fall colour season—wait times can exceed one hour.

To make the most of your visit, we recommend:

• allowing extra time in your schedule
• or visiting during quieter moments of the day

Despite possible wait times, the slide remains a very popular activity that adds a fun element to the Sentier des cimes Laurentides experience.

The Treetop Slide is not suitable for all visitors with reduced mobility.

To participate, you must be able to:

• maintain a semi-reclined position throughout the descent
• have good stability and body control

Since every situation is different, we recommend assessing your comfort and abilities before participating.

The rest of the Sentier des cimes Laurentides remains largely accessible, allowing everyone to enjoy the nature experience.

To ensure a safe experience for everyone, certain access conditions and safety rules must be followed:

Participation requirements

• To slide alone: minimum age of 6 and minimum height of 120 cm (4 ft)
• Children under 6 or under 120 cm must be accompanied by an adult
• More cautious children may also be accompanied
• One person per mat, except for an adult accompanying a child
• The activity is not recommended for people with health conditions that could be aggravated by the slide

Safety rules

• Adopt a semi-reclined position, with legs forward
• Hold the red strap of the mat with both hands at all times
• Use of the sliding mat is mandatory (provided on site)
• Follow staff instructions at all times
• Place personal items (phone, glasses, etc.) inside the mat, at your feet
• Exit the landing area quickly after your descent
• Use the stairs to return to the walkway and main building

These rules ensure the safety of all participants and the smooth operation of the activity.

The Treetop Slide is available depending on weather and operating conditions, to ensure safe use.

• In summer, the slide may be temporarily closed in case of rain, high humidity or unfavorable weather
• From November to March, it is open when conditions allow, but may close due to snow, ice or other unsafe conditions

Since the activity depends on surface conditions, availability may vary throughout the day.

We recommend checking on site during your visit for the most up-to-date information.

The Treetop Slide is an optional activity offered at the Sentier des cimes Laurentides.

• The price is $2.90 + taxes per ride
• Tickets are sold directly at the slide entrance
• Card payment only (debit or credit)

Please note that access to the slide requires a valid admission ticket to the Sentier des cimes (daily ticket or annual pass).

It’s a simple and affordable way to add a fun element to your visit.

The Treetop Slide is a unique and fun activity offered at the Sentier des cimes Laurentides: a 53-metre (174 ft) felt-mat slide, the longest of its kind in Canada.

Accessible directly from the elevated walkway, via the small tower at the beginning of the trail, it offers a quick and playful way to descend.

This activity adds an extra layer of enjoyment to the nature experience, for both children and adults.

On weekends, tickets must be purchased online. Tickets are sold for specific time slots and must be purchased before you arrive. Daily admission tickets are not sold on-site on weekends during the Odyssée des couleurs.

On weekdays, tickets can be purchased online or directly at the ticket office, subject to availability.

We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, particularly if you wish to visit on a specific date or at a specific time.

Plans changed? Your ticket is transferable, and the date can be changed up to 48 hours before your visit using the link in your confirmation email. Tickets are non-refundable.

Please note that all changes are subject to availability and the rate applicable to the new date selected. Prices may vary between weekdays and weekends, particularly due to the additional measures required on our busiest days. A price difference may therefore apply when changing your ticket.

During busy periods, your preferred new date or time slot may also be sold out. We therefore recommend making any changes as early as possible.

Weekends during the Odyssée des couleurs attract a very high number of visitors. To respect our site capacity and provide an enjoyable and safe experience, the number of tickets available is limited for each time slot.

This system helps spread arrivals throughout the day, better manage visitor traffic on the site, and prevent too many people from arriving at the same time.

The time indicated on your ticket corresponds to your arrival time. Once you are on the Treetop Walk, you are welcome to enjoy your visit at your own pace.

Some time slots, and occasionally entire days, may sell out in advance.

On weekends during the Odyssée des couleurs, visitors who have already purchased their tickets should go directly to the designated park-and-ride lot located at Exit 107 off Highway 117.

A free shuttle service will take you from the park-and-ride lot to Sentier des cimes Laurentides.

Please allow enough time to park your vehicle and take the shuttle so that you arrive within the time slot indicated on your ticket.

On weekends during the Odyssée des couleurs, the high number of visitors creates significantly more traffic in the area, and parking directly on-site is limited.

The park-and-ride lot and free shuttle service are therefore provided to accommodate the increased number of visitors, reduce the number of vehicles near the site, and help keep traffic flowing more smoothly.

The park-and-ride lot is located directly at Exit 107 off Highway 117. Visitors who have already purchased their tickets are encouraged to go directly there.

There may be some waiting time at the parking lot or for the shuttle, so we recommend allowing extra time when planning your arrival.

Yes, absolutely. During weekends of the Odyssée des couleurs, traffic can be extremely heavy throughout the Laurentians, particularly during peak hours.

If you are travelling from Montreal, Ottawa, or farther away, we strongly recommend allowing plenty of extra travel time. Depending on traffic conditions, the trip can take up to three hours, even if your usual travel time is much shorter.

You should also allow enough time to reach the park-and-ride lot at Exit 107 off Highway 117, park your vehicle, and take the shuttle to Sentier des cimes Laurentides.

We therefore recommend leaving earlier than you normally would and checking traffic conditions before you depart.

Yes. Some waiting time should be expected, particularly on weekends.

Timed-entry tickets, the park-and-ride lot, and the shuttle service are among the measures we put in place to better distribute visitors throughout the day and help make getting to and around the site easier.

The Treetop Walk remains accessible to visitors with reduced mobility, wheelchair users, and families with strollers. However, due to the higher number of visitors, moving around the site may be less fluid than usual.

If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact our team at 873-229-0363 before your visit.

Free admission for a companion remains available during the Odyssée des couleurs.

The person requiring assistance must purchase their own admission ticket in advance, according to the terms applicable to their visit. The companion, however, does not need to purchase a ticket. Their complimentary admission will be issued at the reception desk upon presentation of a valid, recognized companion card.

This procedure also applies on weekends, even though daily admission tickets must normally be purchased online before arrival.

We recommend allowing a few extra minutes at the reception desk to complete this step.

Guide dogs and service dogs are permitted, including during the Odyssée des couleurs.

On weekends, however, the Treetop Walk, shuttles, and common areas welcome a much higher number of visitors. We encourage you to take this busier environment into consideration when planning your visit.

For service dogs, the required documentation confirming the need for assistance and the role of the animal, as well as information regarding the animal’s behaviour in a public setting, must be presented in accordance with our usual requirements.

If you have any questions or specific concerns, please contact our team at 873-229-0363 before your visit.

Yes, but access varies depending on the type of annual pass you hold.

The Nature and Exploration Annual Passes provide access to Sentier des cimes Laurentides during the Odyssée des couleurs on weekdays, but exclude weekends during this period.

The Prestige Annual Pass provides unlimited access, including weekends during the Odyssée des couleurs.

We recommend checking the terms and conditions associated with your annual pass before your visit.

Your ticket indicates the time slot for your arrival. It is important to plan your trip accordingly so that you arrive within this time slot.

On weekends, be sure to factor in your entire journey: road traffic, access to the park-and-ride lot, parking, and the shuttle ride to Sentier des cimes Laurentides.

If you prefer a generally quieter experience, the earliest time slots of the day are particularly appealing, as traffic and visitor numbers tend to increase as the day progresses.

Our advice: leave earlier than you normally would and check traffic conditions before you depart.

Both offer a wonderful experience, but the atmosphere is quite different.

On weekdays, the atmosphere is generally quieter, it is easier to move around the site, and the Treetop Walk is less busy. It is an excellent choice for visitors who want to take their time and enjoy the scenery in a more peaceful setting.

On weekends, Sentier des cimes Laurentides is buzzing with activity! There are more visitors, the atmosphere is lively and festive, and musicians perform on the terrace in the afternoon. However, you should expect more traffic, larger crowds, and occasionally some waiting time.

It’s up to you to choose the atmosphere that best matches the experience you’re looking for.

Not necessarily! A cloudy day or light rain can actually make the fall colours appear even more vibrant and create a completely different atmosphere in the forest.

Sentier des cimes Laurentides remains open in the rain. We simply recommend wearing weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe footwear with good traction.

Only weather conditions that could compromise visitor safety, such as thunderstorms, hail, or strong winds, may result in a temporary interruption of visits or a closure.

Not necessarily. Fall colours do not develop at the same pace everywhere.

Sentier des cimes Laurentides is located farther north and in a mountainous environment, where temperatures can be cooler. As a result, the fall colours may be further along than in Montreal, Ottawa, or regions farther south.

If you are planning your visit based on the progression of the fall colours, we recommend checking our website and social media channels, where we regularly share photos and updates throughout the Odyssée des couleurs.

It is impossible to predict exactly when the fall colours will reach their peak. Nature decides!

Temperatures, sunlight, and weather conditions all influence how the colours develop, so peak foliage can occur earlier or later from one year to the next.

The Odyssée des couleurs takes place during a time when the fall landscape changes quickly, sometimes dramatically in just a few days.

To see the latest conditions, check our website and social media channels, where we regularly share recent photos and updates.

Every fall is different. Temperatures, cool nights, sunlight, precipitation, and frost all influence when the leaves change colour, how vibrant they become, and how long the colours last.

As a result, the landscape can look very different on the same date from one year to the next.

That is also part of what makes the Odyssée des couleurs so unique: the forest puts on a different show every fall, continuously transforming as the season unfolds.

Leaf fall is a natural part of the forest’s cycle, and its timing varies from year to year.

Periods of strong winds, heavy rain, or frost can cause leaves to fall more quickly, sometimes within a very short period of time. Conversely, milder conditions can allow the leaves to remain on the trees longer.

For this reason, we cannot guarantee the presence of leaves or a specific stage of fall colour on any given date.

Even as the season progresses, the landscape continues to transform. Toward the end of the season, the larches take their turn, glowing in beautiful shades of gold, creating an especially luminous display when sunlight filters through their needles. Fall at Sentier des cimes Laurentides is not about a single moment: the landscape is constantly changing throughout the season.