Looking for something specific? Enter keywords to discover content, stories and experiences.
Close
Table of Contents
Located approximately one hour north of Montreal, Lanaudière is a nature destination that is too often overshadowed by its neighbouring regions. However, travellers wondering what to do in Lanaudière will find mature forests, clear lakes, rivers and spectacular waterfalls stretching from the agricultural south to the wild heart of Matawinie.
This variety, combined with relatively low visitor numbers, makes the region an ideal playground for a weekend getaway. This guide presents Lanaudière's leading activities by season, along with practical guidance for choosing where to stay in nature. You will also find a seasonal comparison table, planning tips and answers to frequently asked questions.
Lanaudière has two major advantages: its proximity to Montreal and its wide variety of landscapes. Within an hour of driving, the scenery changes from the agricultural plains of the south to the mountains and large lakes of Matawinie.
The region remains less crowded than the Laurentians or the Eastern Townships, which is noticeable both on the trails and beside the water. For travellers seeking peace and quiet without a long drive, Lanaudière is an excellent choice for a nature weekend near Montreal.
The contrast between the southern and northern parts of the region is one of its main attractions. In the south, villages, orchards and microbreweries add a culinary dimension to the getaway. Farther north, Matawinie features large lakes, mountains and dense forests that are ideal for longer hikes and more remote stays. The experience can therefore be adapted to different travel styles, whether you are planning a family, active or contemplative getaway.
In practical terms, you can leave Montreal after work on Friday and arrive at your destination before nightfall. This accessibility makes Lanaudière a natural choice for a last-minute getaway whenever a beautiful weekend is forecast.
From mountain summits to rivers, the following activities will help you enjoy a memorable stay in the region. They can easily be combined during a weekend and provide a balance between physical activity and quieter moments beside the water or in the forest. For a carefully selected collection of experiences, explore our guide to a long weekend or short week in Lanaudière.
The Saint-Donat area and Matawinie are home to some of the region's most beautiful trails. Sept-Chutes Regional Park, with its lookouts over Mount Brassard, offers some of the most renowned views in Lanaudière. Routes range from short loops to more demanding summit climbs, with panoramas overlooking the valley and surrounding lakes.
Forêt Ouareau Regional Park features more than 120 kilometres of trails spread across a vast natural area. Chute-à-Bull provides another option for waterfall enthusiasts and visitors looking for a shorter walk. Several sectors offer shelters and rustic campsites, making it possible to extend the experience over a few days.
The lakes of Matawinie and the L'Assomption River are ideal for swimming, canoeing and paddleboarding. During the summer, these bodies of water provide a welcome opportunity to cool down after a hike.
A short drive from the cabins, near Rawdon, the Rawdon municipal beach features fine sand, supervised swimming and watercraft rentals on Rawdon Lake. The Sainte-Alphonse-Rodriguez municipal beach is also popular with families thanks to its mountain views.
For paddling activities, services such as Au Canot Volant offer on-site canoe, kayak and paddleboard rentals, making it easy to enjoy the water without bringing your own equipment.
The regional cycling network offers routes for every ability, from family-friendly trails to rolling country roads. To choose a route suited to your pace, our guide to three cycling itineraries in Lanaudière includes both family outings and more challenging routes. The mature forests are home to diverse wildlife and are ideal for observation and contemplative outings away from the crowds. At sunrise, the silence and soft light make these moments especially memorable.
Every season transforms the region and influences which activities are available. The following table will help you identify the best time to visit based on the experience you are looking for.
| Season | Activities | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Summer | Swimming, hiking and canoeing | Book early for July and August |
| Fall | Fall colours, hiking and cycling | Matawinie is renowned for its trails |
| Winter | Snowshoeing, fat biking and cross-country skiing | Check snow conditions before leaving |
| Spring | Quiet shoulder season and wildlife watching | Trails may be muddy |
To fully experience the region, it is better to stay in the heart of nature rather than on the outskirts. Our cabins surrounded by forest, located one hour from Montreal, provide a convenient home base for exploring Matawinie.
A well-located accommodation reduces the amount of time spent on the road and allows you to return and rest between outings. This is a meaningful advantage when you want to enjoy a relaxing weekend, especially when attractions are spread across a large territory.
Accommodation options range from comfortable cabins and ready-to-camp units to more rustic shelters in the regional parks. Your choice will depend on the desired level of comfort and the length of your stay. For a first getaway, a fully equipped cabin simplifies the logistics and suits most types of travellers.
Travellers bringing their pets will also appreciate the region's pet-friendly accommodations. Our guide to travelling with your dog covers several useful practices to follow before leaving.
Before deciding what to do in Lanaudière, keep the following recommendations in mind when preparing your getaway:
Finally, check the weather and trail conditions before leaving. During spring, thawing conditions can make some trails muddy, while darkness arrives earlier in fall and shortens the available hiking time.
Knowing what to do in Lanaudière means combining hiking, swimming, cycling and quiet moments in nature, all within approximately one hour of Montreal. The region rewards travellers who take the time to stay for more than a single day.
Less crowded than its neighbouring regions, Lanaudière has an authentic character that is best experienced during a stay of several days. It is an ideal destination for anyone looking to reconnect with nature without travelling far from major urban centres.
To turn your getaway into a complete nature experience, discover our cabins in the heart of the forest at Habitat Lanaudière.
For a weekend in Lanaudière, combine hiking, swimming and relaxation. Located less than 30 minutes from the cabins, Dorwin Falls Park and the Rawdon municipal beach are excellent options for Saturday. On Sunday, travel to the trails at Sept-Chutes Regional Park or visit a lake in Matawinie. Choosing centrally located accommodations reduces travel time and maximizes the hours spent outdoors.
Some of the best hiking trails in Lanaudière are located in Matawinie, around Saint-Donat. Sept-Chutes Regional Park features renowned lookouts over Mount Brassard, while Forêt Ouareau Regional Park offers more than 120 kilometres of trails. Chute-à-Bull and Dorwin Falls are good options for shorter, family-friendly walks. The difficulty levels range from peaceful strolls to demanding summit hikes.
Southern Lanaudière can be reached in approximately one hour from Montreal, making it a highly accessible nature destination. The more remote parts of Matawinie, including Saint-Donat, are approximately one and a half to two hours away. This proximity allows travellers to leave on Friday evening and fully enjoy the weekend without spending the entire day on the highway, even during the busy season.
