Adventurion

In this post, we provide the ideas for 3 intermediate hikes with views you can make around Mont-Tremblant in May. May is a challenging month in Canada. It is already not winter, but still not summer. This month the so-called “muddy season” ends. But there is still a high chance to be hit by heavy rain during the hike. On the other hand, we have a holiday – Victoria Day (or Patriots Day in Quebec). And it makes one long weekend which could be a perfect opportunity to start hiking season.

Montagne d’Argent (Silver Mountain)

Montagne d’Argent is one of the best climbing sites in Quebec. Because of its location, which is very close to Mont-Tremblant village. If you want to be closer to the rocks it is possible to camp on site or rent a cabin.

Our objective for this place was to hike. And we were not disappointed as Montagne d’Argent offers well-maintained hiking trails.

These trails are very fun to hike because of the combination of walking and scrambling. And these scrambling areas are very well secured with the ropes and wooden ladders.

Our hiking loop started with the easy trail érablière (Sugar Bush), which crosses the camping site and some of the climbing walls.

On the first intersection, we turned to the intermediate difficulty trail called La Crête (Ridge). And here we had the first rock scrambling of this hike.

We continued following La Crête till we reached apparently difficult part of the loop with the trail named La Savane (Savanna). La Savane brought us to the final trail, before reaching the summit – Le plateau.

After having our snack on the summit we headed back starting with
Le plateau, which was followed by La forêt enchantée (The magic forest).

Just before finishing the loop we passed by the rock wall which was covered by climbers of different skill levels.

Montagne d’Argent hike notes

• Overall the loop we consider to have an intermediate difficulty. And it should be feasible for families with kids.
• The complete loop is 8.3 km long with ups and downs. Elevation 475 m (1500 feet)
• Entry fees – 5 dollars per adult. Children free.
• In the rainy day, the rocks could be slippery. So better to avoid hiking in the rain.

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Hike in Domaine Saint-Bernard. Mont Onontio

Mount Onontio is located in Domaine Saint-Bernard. This is the easiest hike from the 3 listed in this post. But it could be combined with other trails offered in this park.

The trail begins from the beautiful tree arch. And on the right side from the arch you can challenge yourself by passing the labyrinth.

You can choose whether to climb this mount from the right or left. But we decided to take the right path.

The trail has two view points. One faced to the park and the second to the Mont-Tremblant ski slopes.

Mount Onontio hike notes

• Overall the loop we consider to be between easy and intermediate difficulty. And highly recommended for families with kids.
• The complete loop is 6.0 km long. Elevation 400 m (1312 feet).
• Entry fees – 5 dollars per adult. Children free.
• Park offers picnic areas, swimming in the lake, playground, zip-line and many more hiking trails.

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Mont Nixon

Mount Nixon is located in Mont-Tremblant National Park. And this is the hardest hike from the three. The distance could be reduced by avoiding the starting hill (Pic 460). But in good weather conditions, this hill could offer gorgeous views on Nixon. So we highly recommend completing the full trail.

The trail begins from climbing Pic 460. The first part of this climb goes among the trees. But closer you come to the summit, more and more rocky the path becomes. In the good weather conditions, the summit offers the view on Nixon.

After passing the steep slope of Pic 460 you reach the intersection where the actual path to the mount Nixon begins. And, as mentioned before, there is a short-cut right from the parking to this intersection.

Eventually, the trail brings you to the summit of Nixon with the beautiful views on Mont-Tremblant ski slopes and the Lake Mont-Tremblant.

On the way back you have 2 options: follow the path to the summit or take a longer way and complete the loop. We recommend the second option.

The longer way starts from the steep slope and brings you to the rocky canyon. Huge rocks surround the canyon from the both sides. Half way in the canyon doesn’t miss the 500 meters turn to the viewpoint.

After this viewpoint we were hit by heavy rain and unfortunately not all of us were prepared to this.

Continue following the trail which will bring you to the intersection. But don’t forget to look around. Who knows what creature will show up.

Mount Nixon hike notes

• Overall the loop we consider to be an intermediate difficulty. And it should be feasible for families with kids.
• The complete loop we had is 11.4 km long. But, as mentioned, it could be reduced. Elevation 665 m (2182 feet).
• Entry fees – 8.75 dollars per adult. Children free.
• This is a low traffic hike with beautiful views.

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General notes for spring hike

• The flat areas could be muddy. So better to have waterproof hiking boots.
• Don’t trust the weather forecasts and always be prepared for the frequent changes. For instance, heavy rain could start unexpectedly. So easy to access rain jacket and pants will save you from being completely wet.
• Wrap your cellphone in a plastic zip bag. Forgetting to do so cost me 200$ of repairs.
• The previous note is relevant for the camera if it is not weather sealed.
• Bring the hot tea or coffee to warm you up if it becomes cold.