13 July, 2026

Celebrating the Iconic Parc linéaire Le P’tit Train du Nord in Quebec’s Laurentians Region

large house and quebec flag on a partly cloudy day

For 30 years, the Parc linéaire Le P’tit Train du Nord has connected cyclists, hikers, walkers and tourists in Quebec’s Laurentian region. In late May, elected officials, P’tit Train du Nord staff, and many supporters and volunteers convened in Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, along the Trans Canada Trail, to kick off the Parc linéaire’s summer season – and to celebrate its 30th anniversary!

“We’re highlighting 30 years for the Parc linéaire Le P’tit Train du Nord. Thirty years of witnessing thousands of citizens, visitors, families and nature and trail enthusiasts on the Trail – these people who have made the P’tit Train du Nord what it is today,” said Marilyne Lortie, the Corporation of the Parc linéaire Le P’tit Train du Nord’s General Director. “On top of the trail’s popularity, we’re particularly proud of the concrete impact the P’tit Train du Nord has on the communities it passes through: on local business, regional tourism, active transportation and citizens’ overall quality of life.”

lake trail side on a sunny day

Photo credit: Amy Schwartz

Bich-Anh Nguyen, Trans Canada Trail’s Manager, Marketing Production, was on site for the celebrations. “I was so pleased to celebrate the P’tit Train du Nord’s 30 years, and to represent Trans Canada Trail’s highly valued partnership with the Corporation du Parc linéaire Le P’tit Train du Nord,” she says. “The P’tit Train du Nord is such an iconic part of the Trans Canada Trail in Quebec, and a true gem, getting locals and tourists outside and on the Trail in the beautiful Laurentians. It’s much-loved by all.”

A decades-long journey

The route was originally built as a railway line in the 1890s. After it was dismantled, the idea to be converted to a recreational trail took root. The Parc linéaire Le P’tit Train du Nord has operated with support from local government, regional county municipalities, and many other partners, including Trans Canada Trail. Former railway stations have been upgraded and converted to visitor centres, and attractions have sprung up on or near the trail. Today, the P’tit Train du Nord stands out as a gem in the region.

fall foliage on a traik

Photo credit: Jennifer Mahon

Thousands of visitors use the Trail annually, many for multi-day bike rides. Trail users also support (and benefit from) the excellent tourism infrastructure that has developed in the region – from bike-friendly accommodations to restaurants, cafés, parks and playgrounds, everything is within reach.

A new mobile app to enhance trail users’ experiences and promote trail tourism

To underline its 30th anniversary, the Corporation of the P’tit Train du Nord launched a new mobile application, which will help guide trail users and showcase tourist attractions surrounding the trail. The mobile app provides directions and trail information, and promotes nearby services and businesses, plus rest areas, dining options, and more.

trail signage on a dirt forest trail

Photo credit: Bich-Anh Nguyen

What to know about the P’tit Train du Nord

• It spans 234 kilometres, all on the Trans Canada Trail! On its southern end, it starts near Bois-des-Filion and winds its way through Mirabel, Saint-Jérome, Sainte-Adèle, Mont-Tremblant, Mont-Laurier and many more charming communities en route.

• Several former rail stations have been converted into visitor centres along the trail. Trail users can stop in to take a break, chat with trail representatives about the P’tit Train du Nord and tourist attractions, and pick up souvenirs.

• It passes through or alongside 26 municipalities, 13 historic railway stations, 6 rivers and 7 lakes.

• It’s open year-round, and welcomes hikers, cyclists and cross-country skiiers.

two people walking on a snow covered trail