Laurentides

Laurentides is an administrative region in Quebec between Montreal and the sea, stretching across a large area with mountains, lakes, and forests. The territory encompasses varied landscapes with Saint-Jérôme as its administrative center and connects eight municipalities through an extensive transportation network.

Indigenous peoples inhabited this territory long before European settlers arrived in the 1800s and established forestry operations. This settlement period shaped the region's development and created the foundation for its current structure.

The region preserves French-Canadian traditions through its architecture, regional cuisine, and festivals celebrating maple syrup and winter sports. Visitors encounter these customs in villages and public gatherings throughout the year.

Saint-Jérôme serves as the administrative hub and the best starting point for navigating the region. The area offers good accessibility through a road network that lets visitors move easily between different municipalities and natural areas.

The territory sits on the Canadian Shield, an ancient rock formation containing deposits of iron, copper, zinc, and lead. This geological composition historically shaped mining activities and continues to influence the region's economic and geographic identity today.