Big Adventures On Quebec’s P'tit Train du Nord

By Jay Kana | Published August 17th, 2026
Photos by Jay Kana
Presented in paid partnership with the Trans Canada Trail.

Subscribe to the Modern Traveller Newsletter to get terrific travel articles like this one straight to your inbox!

This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through these links, I'll reinvest every penny on Canadian-owned businesses through the small commission I receive. 

I’m a fractionally rugged outdoor-esque” kinda guy. 

I quite like being outdoors. And while I’m far from a “rugged outdoorsy” guy, I’m still happy exploring our world, whether by kayak, foot, or two non-motorized wheels. I’m more of an “appreciation enthusiast of the outdoors who enjoys it immensely whenever I go.”

That’s too long; let’s go with “fractionally rugged outdoor-esque” kinda guy. 

For this adventure along the Trans Canada Trail, I started with four wheels, thanks to the 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, that brought me from Mississauga to St. Adèle, approximately an hour northwest of Montreal and six-ish hours east of Mississauga/Toronto. I picked a hybrid as it uses less fuel and that’s a good pairing when doing a road trip to spend time in nature. 

The 2026 Hyundai Tucson Hybrid and the P'tit Train du Nord sign.

The plan? To properly experience a portion of Quebec’s P'tit Train du Nord along the Trans Canada Trail for the first time and soak in the atmosphere. 

I’d trade in my four wheels for two electric wheels via an e-bike and good chunk of early August’s daylight hours on the trail.

Being quite accessible, there’s a “choose your own adventure” element here.
Spend as much or as little time on the trails that suits your comfort zone. Alternatively, you can embark on multi-day adventures. It’s also approachable, meaning the trail is for everyone who wants to enjoy it and all the beauty that accompanies it. 

Let’s roll into my 34-ish kilometre journey and I hope to inspire you to follow my route or perhaps create your own route as you discover this beautiful part of the Trans Canada Trail.

What is the P'tit Train du Nord?

The short version is it’s a regional heritage site and a section of the Trans Canada Trail that’s 234 km in length, running north south. Visitors can walk or bike in warmer months, and cross-country ski in the winter.
It’s managed by a non-profit organization in collaboration with six regional county municipalities.

Celebrating 30 years in 2026, this gem of the Laurentians region was initially built as a railway line in the 1890s. After nearly a century of operating as a railway, on November 15th, 1981, the last trip was taken. Fast forward 15 years and with a plethora of support, planning and organizing, the famous P'tit Train du Nord opened to the public. Part of this new use sees former railway stations converted to visitors centres. 

Where can I rent an e bike on the P'tit Train du Nord?

There are e-bikes aplenty at Sainte-Adèle ‘s Espresso Sports.

At kilometre 24.5 in Sainte-Adèle is Espresso Sports, and they’ve got dozens of e-bikes and traditional bicycles available for rent. I opted for an e-bike as it comes with added accessibility to go further and faster thanks to the battery.
My rental came with a helmet and an insulated water bottle holder. E-bikes are full day rentals only, as an FYI. 

There’s a small onboard computer that gives you distance, speed, battery levels and other key pieces of info.
Next door is a Cafe de la Gare, with drinks and snacks and on the other side of the trail, maybe 20-ish feet away, are bathrooms. 

As I was getting set with my e-bike, I saw several people in the adjacent free parking lot bring their own bikes. Perhaps if I ever get my own e-bike, I’ll bring it back here.

How I explored the P'tit Train du Nord

My 34.3 km round trip journey had three parts; getting to lunch, having lunch and returning from lunch.

I started mid-morning from Espresso Sports and lunch was at MacTaverne Auberge & Pub (km marker 42.6.)
A quick note; 78% of P'tit Train du Nord is paved and other sections are compacted rock dust.

With safety always being first and foremost, cycling on the right side of the trail is paramount, as is wearing a helmet. Off I went at a decent pace, moving between 15 and 20 km/h and insightfully examining my surroundings. Trees lined the first part of the journey, and km 25.9 saw the trees on the left side replaced by the Rivière du Nord for almost a full kilometre. The water makes a repeat appearance a little further up, so don’t feel that you have to stop here for the only water photo opportunity. 

Local wildlife sounds sporadically filled in the gaps between my wheels cruising forward and the chatter of other trail goers I encountered. 

I, well, I should note that I was with Nancy Bordeleau for this adventure, gracefully navigated the gentle bends with our e-bikes, being careful and aware of others on this shared trail.
Speaking of others and shining a further light on accessibility, there were people of varying ages that were either walking, jogging, running, some had children in wheeled strollers, people who were alone, in pairs and groups. This really is the essence of choose your own adventure, all brought together by the great outdoors. 

There are clear km markers for distance and benches and bathrooms along the way.

The latter portion toward lunch, at km 38 & 38, saw us pass Lac Raymond, with several people in kayaks, canoes and on standup paddle boards. We even saw a sailboat!
If you follow my route and want to trade your two wheels for one paddle for a bit of time, there’s a boat rental spot and a beach to relax on. 

As you keep your feet in motion, you’ll reach Val-David, where there’s plenty happening along the trail. There’s the converted rail station, public art, places to sit and relax, a park for children and of course, dining options.

MacTaverne Auberge & Pub

At km 42.6 is MacTaverne Auberge & Pub, opened in June 2025. This family-owned business sits across from the Rivière du Nord and has bike racks aplenty. Sitting on the patio gives you a wonderful water view and your bikes are within sight. And yes, I sat on the patio. 

Their menu is small and the offerings full of flavour. I was pleasantly surprised that their small menu included my favourite food, chicken wings! And were they ever well prepared; crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The burger was perfectly cooked with a touch of pink in the middle and the toppings were also perfectly matched for a delicious meal. I’ll certainly be going back to try the balance of their menu items, including the fish & chips and steak. 

They use locally sourced ingredients, have plenty of beer on tap and the vibe is warm and welcoming, kinda like going to a good friends place.
I spoke with co-owner Tim Robertson, and his passion shines brightly for wanting to deliver high quality, locally sourced food in an excellent location paired with stellar service.
While I didn’t sit in the dining room, it looked inviting with great decor and a good amount of space between tables, eliminating the chance of overcrowding. 

Co-owner Tim Robertson.

Upstairs at Mactaverne Auberge & Pub is an inn with seven cozy rooms with different layouts from singles to families. It’s a popular resting spot for those doing multi-day journeys on the trail.

This is the kinda place that you read about in magazines, it’s that good.

The Return Trip from Val-David to Sainte-Adèle

After refuelling yourself, go slow through Val-David and really look at all the charm that’s here, specifically the log driver sculpture on your left attached to a bench about one km from the restaurant.

Going back the way I came provided a different perspective, despite being the same route. I was closer to the water this time. I stopped and gazed at Lac Raymond on one of many benches on the trail. The turns were reversed and it felt different. The tree canopy gave a different element of shade in the early afternoon versus mid-morning. There were more people on the trail. More background noise. More ambiance.

Nancy Bordeleau of Cinq Fourchettes.

We maintained a steady pace below the speed limit of 22 km/h and as we cruised along, I was reminded of just how much I enjoy being outdoors. Plus, the added accessibility of an e-bike made things a smidge easier as the wind swept through my hair below my helmet. 
Arriving back at Espresso Rentals, the e-bikes were returned and a well-deserved iced coffee was ordered from the neighbouring Café de la Gare. 

The Trans Canada Trail is majestic in itself, and having such excellent trails like P'tit Train du Nord run through it as part of the coast-to-coast-to-coast network truly is spectacular. 

Regardless of your age and or ability, getting on the trail and enjoying it is open to everyone. 

As you plan your visit, whether by following my path or creating your own route, their interactive map is so well done and exceptionally easy to use. Another resounding check mark towards accessibility.
If you’re looking for large amounts of nature, fun and the outdoors, P'tit Train du Nord has you covered.