Domaine Saint-Bernard

Domaine Saint-Bernard is a magnificent ecotourism park sprawling across 600 hectares in the picturesque Laurentians region. Located at the foot of the famous mountain in the town of Mont-Tremblant, this natural oasis is a protected area created to preserve the unique heritage that Canada offers its guests.

The park is managed by a special public utility trust, which ensures the protection of its forests, lakes, and the banks of the Devil's River from development. Here, wilderness and historical architecture blend harmoniously: the main hunting lodge, farm buildings, and the cozy Grand and Petit Saint-Bernard hotels—named after the patron saint of mountaineers—have been preserved on the territory.

This place is ideal for those who want to slow down the pace of life and enjoy the silence. Domaine Saint-Bernard is not just a park, but an important educational and cultural center where principles of sustainable development meet hospitality and the beauty of pristine Canadian forests.

For more information about events and booking accommodation, you can use the park's official contact details.

At Domaine Saint-Bernard, every season offers its own unique ways to interact with nature. In winter, the park turns into a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. One of the most unusual activities is the evening sessions at the local observatory, where, under the guidance of experts, you can observe the starry sky far from city lights.

With the arrival of warm weather, the focus shifts to water and forest activities. Visitors can relax on the well-maintained beach or rent a kayak or canoe to explore the mirror-like surface of the lakes. For hiking enthusiasts, historic trails such as Onontio are open, introducing the flora and fauna of the region. Xplore-style orienteering and birdwatching for rare species inhabiting these forests are also popular.

For those who want to stay longer, accommodation options are available in historic buildings—ranging from the spacious Grand Saint-Bernard to the cozy Pavillon de chasse. Ecological workshops and cultural events are held here regularly, making the park an excellent place for family vacations and a deep introduction to the ecosystem of Mont-Tremblant.

Getting to the park from the province's largest city, Montreal, is quite simple. A car trip from Trudeau International Airport (YUL) takes approximately one and a half hours. You should head north on Highway 15, which then becomes Route 117. From the Mont-Tremblant resort itself, the park entrance is just a 10–15 minute drive to the west.

For those who prefer public transport, buses operated by Autocars Greyhound or Maheux run regularly from Montreal to Mont-Tremblant. Once in town, you can reach the Domaine by taxi or bicycle, as the region is famous for its scenic bike paths.

During the summer, many tourists choose the "P'tit Train du Nord" cycling route, which passes through the Laurentians. In winter, special shuttles may be organized from some resort hotels. However, for maximum convenience and transporting sports equipment, it is recommended to use a private or rental car, for which parking is provided on-site.

The history of the lands where Domaine Saint-Bernard is located began at the end of the 19th century. In 1898, Paul-Émile Renaud acquired this plot for farming. Later, the estate changed hands several times, including Abbé Pierre Delabre and a group of Montreal insurers, who built the first cozy holiday chalets here in 1913.

A new chapter began in 1935 when businessman Robert J. Rousseau transformed the territory into the elite Domaine Onontio estate. It was under his ownership that the farm buildings were transformed into the Grand and Petit Saint-Bernard hotels. The name was chosen in honor of Saint Bernard of Menthon, the patron saint of mountaineers and mountain dwellers, highlighting the connection between this place and the majestic peaks of the Laurentians.

In the mid-20th century, the territory was owned by the Brothers of Christian Instruction, who used the silence of these forests for prayer and education. However, by the late 1990s, the park faced the threat of large-scale development. Thanks to the active civic stance of local residents and the intervention of the municipality, the land was purchased for public use in 1999, and in 2000, Quebec's first public utility trust was created to protect this natural treasure in perpetuity.

It is also important to note the deep cultural significance of this land: the park is recognized as part of the ancestral territories of the Anishinabe Algonquin nation (Weskarini). Today, Domaine Saint-Bernard is a living example of how a community can preserve a unique natural and historical heritage for future generations, protecting it from urbanization for over 125 years.

To fully feel the atmosphere of the park and enjoy its beauty, most visitors need between 3 to 5 hours. This is enough time to walk several trails, peek into the historical pavilions, and spend time by the water.

If you plan to participate in educational workshops, go for a long canoe trip, or enjoy evening stargazing at the observatory, you should dedicate an entire day to your visit. For those seeking maximum immersion in nature, booking a stay in the local chalets for the whole weekend is an excellent option.

If your time is limited, even a short 1–2 hour walk will allow you to enjoy views of the Devil's River and the purest mountain air, which is a compelling reason to visit this protected corner in itself.

The park is open to the public daily, allowing guests to plan their visit for any day of the week. Standard operating hours are from 09:00 to 16:30. During this time, main services, the information center, and equipment rentals are available.

Please note that the operating hours of some facilities, such as the observatory or beach area, may change depending on the season and weather conditions. Before your trip, it is recommended to check the official website of Domaine Saint-Bernard to confirm the current schedule for special events and seasonal activities.

A visit to Domaine Saint-Bernard can be perfectly combined with exploring other interesting places in the region. The surroundings of Mont-Tremblant offer a rich choice of gastronomic and entertainment venues to complement your nature walks.