Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts and Lac des Sables

Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts developed around the shores of Lac des Sables, a body of water whose beauty earned the city the evocative nickname the jewel of the Laurentians, a reputation that solidified over the decades thanks to the boom in resort tourism in the region following the arrival of the railway in the late 19th century. The village, served by the linear P'tit Train du Nord park at the 49-kilometre mark of its route, offers visitors a heritage trail highlighting the distinctive architecture that flourished during the golden age of tourism in the early decades of the 20th century, when the city attracted wealthy clientele from Montreal and even the United States seeking the pure air of the Laurentians. Guided cruises on Lac des Sables aboard typical paddle wheelers allow visitors to discover the lake from a privileged vantage point while learning about the history of the city's waterfront development, while the municipal beach, particularly popular during the summer season, rounds out the area's water-based recreational offerings. The heritage train station of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, repurposed as a welcome centre for the linear park, features a themed gift shop allowing cyclists and hikers to extend their discovery of the region's railway heritage, making this stop one of the most comprehensive along the Laurentian route in terms of both cultural and recreational experiences.