St. Agathe-des-Monts

Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts

Located in the region of the Laurentians, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is a town surrounded by mountains, lakes and forests.

The region of Ste-Agathe is made up of the communities of Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, Ste-Agathe-Nord, St-Adolphe d'Howard, Ivry-sur-le-Lac, Lantier and Ste-Lucie.

In 1849, three pioneers, Narcisse Ménard, Olivier and Jean-Baptiste Dufresne, set themselves up on the shores of Lac à la Truite, a place known to be frequented by the Weskarinis First Nation. Then, little by little, other « country openers » come to join them to eventually form a parish and finally a village.

With the arrival of the first train, the population grows, going from 1 700 to 4 500, between 1892 and 1921. Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts then becomes Montreal’s rich business people’s favourite destination.

As early as 1898, Ste-Agathe-des-Monts is known as the best lit community in Québec. Around 1910, the village becomes self-sufficient as far as its electricity needs are concerned, and begins to provide electricity to surrounding villages, this service continues until 1965 when the nationalisation of electricity comes into effect. In fact, during the 1927-1928 Winter Season, more than 11 000 skiers arrive by train, also the means by which forestry products are transported to Montreal.

Ste-Agathe-des-Monts maintains strong Anglophone roots. The still active churches and the school which remain on its territory are proof of that. Summer like winter, each time nature calls vacationers out to the heart of the beautiful Laurentians, the number of Anglophones increases.

The merge with the municipalities of Sainte-Agathe-Sud and, more recently, with Sainte-Agathe-Nord, enrich the history of the new town of Ste-Agathe-des-Monts.

Once known as a health oasis and sought after vacation area, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts remains unique, with the magnificent lac des Sables and its enchanting décor at the centre of its town.

At the heart of the Laurentians and in close proximity to Montreal, Mont Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is also a center filled with activities.

The Town of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts is situated at 100 kilometres north of Montreal (exit 86 of autoroute 15) and at 20 kilometres south of Mont Tremblant.

Walking in the downtown area of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, means getting in touch with nature, which is omnipresent here. No matter where you go, you will see a mountain or a part of the vast spread of des Sables Lake.

Every fall, when the colours are at their splendour, many activities are organized in the downtown area. Situated at the heart of downtown, Place Lagny is the preferred meeting place for outdoor shows and the practice of family activities. The bike path which runs through it meets up with the Petit Train du Nord linear park.

With the Christmas holidays just around the corner, Place Lagny lights up and prepares to host les Métiers d’arts Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts, a must see exposition and the ideal place to find the gifts from Quebec.

Starting in November and until March, Place Lagny beats to the sounds and sights of Festi-Neige – famous winter festival. This grand scale event held by Ste-Agathe-des-Monts’ Chamber of Commerce proposes the famous slides and the skating rink on the lake among a multitude of other activities for the whole family to enjoy.

The community has put in place a patrimonial circuit. Visitors discover through this walking circuit many points of interest and more than 150 years of history in this community rich with history. Indeed, the architecture and great inns will give you a taste of the rich history of the Pays d’en Haut. The particular type of architecture of some of the larger homes, equipped with large covered balconies and solariums, is a reminder of days when the fresher air and the sun warmed days attracted sickly or convalescing people afflicted by tuberculoses to the outdoors. For instance, Dr. Lorne McGibbon authorized the construction of the Laurentian Sanatorium whose architectural traits were similar to those of the sanatorium of Saranac Lake. Besides, the Jewish community had the Mount Sanaï Sanatorium built and it offered free services to people of all religious beliefs until 1920.

Founded in 1968, Le Patriote Theatre is a center of cultural life. The theatre has been host to some of the greatest musical and theatrical quality shows quality shows.

Set up in proximity to the lake, the campground offers more than 500 camp sites and a multitude of activities.

You’ll find a few beaches here. The major beach is situated in proximity to the campground and the sailing school. The Tessier beach is located on Major Street. It is the second largest beach on the lake, and the ideal place to relax under the sun and take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere offered by the Laurentians. Located at the heart of Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts’ downtown area, on Larocque Street, Sainte-Lucie beach gives residents and visitors the opportunity to cool down while taking advantage of all that the downtown area has to offer.

Since 1940, a tour with Alouette Cruises is a must when visiting the Laurentians. More than a simple tour on the lake, it is a fully commented cruise which presents historical sites, celebrity homes and nature in its full splendour. (Municipal wharf – Principale Street, Ste-Agathe-des-Monts, Phone: 819 326-3656.

Set up on the shores of des Sables Lake, Ste-Agathe-des-Monts’ Sailing School offers its clientele diversified programs fit to measure and the opportunity to rent sailing equipment.

For more information about the Sailing school: Saint-Venant Street, Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts. Phone: 819 326-2282.

The town is situated at kilometre 45 of the linear park le Petit Train du Nord. The old Ste-Agathe-des-Monts train station is host to cyclists who use the 200 kilometre well known corridor. A bike path which begins at the station takes visitors on their bikes through the downtown area and Place Lagny on their way the Campground and Major beach. Note than from the linear park le P’tit Train du Nord, it is also possible to go to Saint-Donat via Sainte-Lucie-des-Laurentides, by taking the Inter-Vals trail. This circuit is approximately 40 kilometres. Information on other possible circuits is also available at the tourist information office.

Golf lovers can practice their favourite sport at one of the two golf courses: Club de golf Laurentien at 21, Chemin du golf (phone 819 326-3022) and Golf la Vieille Ferme, located at 5803, Route 117 (phone 819 324-0138).

The family center Campground accepts skiers of all levels. This one way path in the forest is maintained mechanically. The exceptional quality of the trails makes it one of the most frequented in the Laurentians.

Ste-Agathe-des-Monts tourist information office:

24, Saint-Paul Street
Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts

Phone: 819 326-3731 or 1-888-326-0457

St.Agathe-des-Monts. Photo : St.Agathe nternet Site