The P'tit Train du Nord is 232 kilometers of linear trail following the old Canadian Pacific railway line from Saint-Jérôme up to Mont-Laurier. In winter it's groomed for cross-country skiing. Come spring, it belongs to cyclists, hikers, and inline skaters.

The 2025 season wrapped up November 3rd after 172 days of activity. Then came a maintenance period that addressed some things that had been on the list for a while. The main work was at km 102, where a landslide in summer 2025 had damaged the surface — crews completed significant repairs before winter. Between Piedmont and Val-Morin, crushed stone was added to improve a worn stretch. Near Mont-Laurier, 500 meters of new asphalt was laid.

For guests staying at the Refuge, the La Macaza trailhead sits at km 115, a few minutes from the chalet on foot or by bike. It's a solid starting point for day rides — an hour north toward Labelle, or back toward Rivière-Rouge in the other direction — or as part of a multi-day itinerary pushing up to Mont-Laurier.

For the 2026 season, there's a Pride Ride on August 29 — a non-competitive social ride with about 40 cyclists going from Saint-Jérôme to Fairmont Tremblant over two days. The kind of event that reflects what the trail is actually for.

Practical notes: the official season usually opens mid-May depending on snow conditions. The trail is free and open to everyone. Rest stops along the route have picnic tables and washrooms, and most towns along the way have somewhere to grab food.

No bike? Rentals are available in Mont-Tremblant and Rivière-Rouge — call ahead in peak season, especially for e-bikes, which book out well in advance.

The best part of riding from the Refuge: you know exactly what's waiting when you get back. The hot tub, the river, the terrace. It makes any distance feel manageable.