At The Tremblant Activity Centre, we have dozens of ways to spend a day outdoors, and many of them run on nothing but your own energy. No motor, no engine noise, just paddle strokes, footsteps, and pedal power. If you want to explore the Mont-Tremblant region while treading lightly on it, this guide brings together our low-impact activities for summer and fall, grouped by where they happen: on the water, in the trees, and on the ground.
These are the experiences that fit naturally with responsible tourism. Several of our activities carry Aventure Écotourisme Québec (AEQ) certifications for quality and ecotourism, and we ask every guest to follow Leave No Trace principles so the places we love stay that way. Read about our Leave No Trace commitment.
What we mean by “low-impact”
Every activity in our guide shares a few traits:
- Human-powered or gravity-powered, with no motor and no fuel
- A small footprint on trails, water, and the forest floor
- Guided by AEQ standards for quality and ecotourism, where the certification applies
- Built around Leave No Trace practices we share with every guest
On the water
Paddling is about as gentle as travel gets: no wake from a motor, no noise, just you and the current. Our paddling activities run through the warmer months on the Diable River and the Rouge River, when the water around Mont-Tremblant is at its best for swimming. Slip along the edges of the river and watch for herons and turtles as you go.
Canoeing: A classic way to cover calm water with a partner. Load a canoe with a picnic, paddle with the current, and set your own pace. A good fit for families and first-timers who want a relaxed day on the water.
Kayaking: A nimble, solo-friendly option. A kayak sits low, is more stable, and is easier to steer. A great option for those who don’t want to learn the basic strokes needed to paddle a canoe. o
Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP): Standing on the board gives you a clear view down into the water and out across the river. It takes a few minutes to find your balance, then it becomes a calm, full-body way to explore.
Not sure which one suits you? Our canoe, kayak and paddleboard comparison table lays out the differences between all our paddling activities.
In the trees
Some of our best low-impact experiences happen a few metres off the ground, among the branches and the canopy. None of them run on a motor: you move by your own effort or by gravity.
Ready-to-camp Treehouses: Our treehouse village is off-grid in the forest of Parc Éco-Laurentides, on Lac Cordon. You sleep among the trees with a light footprint and wake to birdsong. During the warm season, you can go canoeing, hiking, or fishing right from the site. It is our most immersive way to spend a night surrounded by forest.
Treetop Walk: An elevated walkway that leads you gently up through the forest to a panoramic viewpoint, with almost no climbing involved. A good fit for guests of every age who want the view from above the canopy. Great photo ops!
Ziplines and aerial adventures: Gravity does the work here. You glide from platform to platform on a cable strung through the trees, powered by nothing but your own weight and the slope of the line. It is just as much fun with family as with a group of friends, and an exciting way to build memories together.
On the ground
Back on solid footing, these activities range from quiet observation to vertical adventure on the rock. All of them are powered by you.
Apprentice Falconer Walk: Walk the forest beside a trained Harris hawk and call it to your gloved hand. Guided by our falconer, you learn how these raptors hunt and fly, and experience the connection between people and birds of prey.
Bird Watching Tour: A guided outing in Parc du Domaine Saint-Bernard for anyone curious about the birds of the region. Bring binoculars, walk slowly, and let our bird guide help you recognize the species and their behaviours. Early morning is the best time to spot them.
Bike rental: Two wheels and no fuel. Rent a bike and follow the paved paths and gravel routes around the region, or take a trail bike onto the mountain network. A fast, low-impact way to cover more ground.
Sled Dog Hiking: Hike the trails connected to a Nordic dog by a harness line. The dog helps set the pace and share the effort, and the real reward is the bond you build along the way: working together, reading each other, and finishing the trail as a team.
Horseback Riding: Explore the forest trails at a horse’s pace, guided by a team who knows both the animals and the terrain. There is just the steady rhythm of the ride and a view of the landscape you do not get on foot. Beginners are welcome, and your guide matches you with a horse suited to your level, so it is a good fit for families and first-timers. It belongs on the ground with our other self-paced, low-impact ways to get into the forest.
Rock climbing: Climb a natural rock face with an instructor by your side, equipped with a harness and rope. Our initiation is built for beginners, and for those who want to go further, we also have a full six-hour course to develop your technique.
Via ferrata: A guided route along a rock wall, secured by a cable you clip into as you progress. We have Via ferrata in Mont-Tremblant National Park and at Mont Catherine, each with its own character. Our via ferrata comparison table lays out the differences between the two.
Why we group these activities together
Choosing a low-impact activity is a small decision with a real effect. Human-powered experiences produce no exhaust, keep noise down for wildlife and other guests, and leave the trails and waterways much as they were. It is the same thinking behind our Sustainable Tourism 2030 pledge and our AEQ certifications.
Whichever activity you choose, we ask the same of every guest: stay on marked trails, pack out what you pack in, observe wildlife from a distance, and leave natural elements where you find them. Those are the Leave No Trace principles, and they are what keep these places worth visiting.
Frequently asked questions
What makes an activity “low-impact”?
A low-impact activity moves you by your own energy or by gravity, with no motor and no fuel. It leaves little trace on trails, water, or forest, and it keeps noise to a minimum. Every activity in this guide fits that description, from the Bird Watching Tour to the via ferrata.
Do I need experience or my own equipment?
Most of these activities are beginner-friendly, and our guides brief you before you start. Paddling, bird watching, and the Treetop Walk suit first-timers of almost any age. Rock climbing and via ferrata ask for a bit more comfort with heights, but no prior experience. Equipment is provided or available to rent, so you can arrive with just good footwear and weather-appropriate clothing.
Which activities work best with children?
Canoeing, the Treetop Walk, the Bird Watching Tour, and Sled Dog Hiking are all good choices for families with younger children. Activities with more exposure to heights, such as via ferrata and rock climbing, have age and height requirements, so check the details on each activity page before you reserve.
Ready to explore gently?
Spaces fill up quickly in summer and fall, so we recommend reserving in advance. Browse our activities and reserve your spot, and we will see you on the water, in the trees, or on the trail.