Located on a natural plateau, the Val-Morin sector welcomes you with ample parking and a large reception chalet. A historic site for cross-country skiing in the Laurentians, the Far Hills sector is a must for all winter sports enthusiasts, thanks to its network of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, as well as its privileged access to the Nordic ski network. The Far Hills is also home to one of the world’s largest ski schools run by the Fondeurs-Laurentides club, and offers on-site ski, snowshoe and crampon rentals. The Val-Morin sector is also the starting point for a variety of trails accessible by snowshoe and crampons in winter, and by hiking in summer. Magnificent viewpoints are within easy reach. The Renard trail offers a view of Amigo Lake, nestled between the mountains, while Mount McMaster offers a magnificent panorama of the village of Val-Morin. Halfway between the two park sectors, you’ll also reach the mythical Mount King and its famous viewpoint. The Val-Morin sector of the park is specially recognized as the ultimate family destination. The “In the Footsteps of History” themed family trail, accessible to children in strollers and the mobility-impaired alike, will appeal to the whole family with its fun and educational stations. The bike park and access to a network of mountain bike trails suitable for all levels also make for great family cycling outings. The presence of the Nature Aventure des Laurentides club and its various clubs and activities greatly enhance the opportunities for young and old to have fun in the park. The Far Hills welcome chalet is also available for rental for all kinds of business or family events.
The Dufresne sector is accessed from Chalet Anne-Piché, a 5-minute walk from the heart of Val-David village. The area includes several peaks, the best known are Monts Condor, King and Césaire. Most of the hiking trails in the Dufresne sector are of an intermediate level, but it is possible to access magnificent viewpoints without having to hike very long distances. Hikers who want to spend a few hours in the park can combine several summits to enjoy a maximum number of viewpoints. For those who want to discover the Park in a different way, the Dufresne sector offers a variety of possibilities. Three orienteering courses of varying levels of difficulty are available for those who enjoy a challenge and friendly competition. Nature lovers who want to deepen their knowledge can take part in one of the guided science walks. The cross-country ski trails in the Dufresne sector are all groomed for classic skiing. Most trails are intermediate to difficult. Several trails cross both sectors of the park. It’s therefore possible to ski throughout the entire park network, and from one chalet to another. The Dufresne sector also includes a very special section: Mont Plante. In summer, Mont Plante offers Enduro mountain bike trails that will satisfy the most adventurous cyclists. As the trails on Mont Plante are linked to the rest of the park, it is possible to integrate them into a circuit of several kilometers. In winter, Mont Plante’s former downhill ski trails are transformed into a network perfect for alpine touring, splitboarding and telemark skiing. Finally, climbing has been practised for decades in the Dufresne sector. The area boasts over 500 routes and more than 400 boulder problems. The three main climbing areas are Monts Césaire, Condor and King. They are divided into some twenty sub-sectors. All climbers will find challenges to suit their level: several ideal crags for beginners and families, sport routes for all levels, multi-pitch routes, gigantic erratic boulders and superb cracks.
A nature reserve is a private property recognized by the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change under the Natural Heritage Conservation Act (RLRQ, chapter C-61.01). A nature reserve is a conservation area protected with the aim of ensuring an intact natural territory for the benefit of future generations. Ecosystem protection must therefore be a constant concern when making decisions concerning the nature reserve. On March 2, 2016, the Quebec government granted the Parc régional Val-David/Val-Morin nature reserve status in perpetuity. The total surface area of the nature reserve is 6 Km². 67% of the reserve is located on the territory of the Municipality of Val-David (4 Km²) and 33% of the reserve is located on the territory of the Municipality of Val-Morin (2 Km²). These two municipalities are the owners of the nature reserve each municipality looks after its own territory, while working closely together. The owner municipalities are committed to preserving forest ecosystems, wetlands and natural habitats, implementing rigorous management to ensure harmonious use between recreational and tourism activities and the park’s ecological integrity, and maintaining activities in the park that have little impact on the natural environment. The only activities permitted in the Park are hiking, trail running, mountain biking and climbing in summer, and cross-country skiing, crampon/snowshoe walking, telemark/high-country skiing and fat biking in winter. These activities must be carried out only in the areas or trails dedicated to them.
