P’tit Train du Nord day 2: On to Mont Tremblant

We’re biking Canada’s P’tit Train du Nord: a 120-mile bike path in the summer, snow mobile or cross-country path (depending on the section) in the winter.

This is the middle day of our trip, another chill day of just over 40 miles but one with several detour signs. Nothing bad, and it seems like some is to pave/repave part of the trail — so who can complain?

It’s also another gorgeous day so yes more stops to take photos of those stunning lakes and rivers, just like on day 1. Particularly stunning were the several miles of trail that hugged the shores of Lac (Lake) Mercier, separated at times by just a line of beeches and other trees. Ah, to have a private dock! Should we have at least dipped our toes in when we reached the beach?

Unlike day 1, we had more opportunities to stop for food — had we not been so well we fed the night before and at breakfast. I also once again see plenty of historical markers, but they’re still only in French. I don’t feel up to that.

All in all, this is a stress-free way to travel: you don’t need to follow any directions until it’s time to get off the trail and head to your hotel.

A few discoveries:

• Some restrooms on the trail have running water — and a shower. Nice for those who are stealth camping!
• There’s a free bus for the Mont Tremblant area. Nice given that centre-ville (with the most amenities) is 12 km from the village which is another 4 km from the ski resort. We checked out the ski resort that way, after checking into our hotel. But there’s also a bus stop right as the trail crosses the main road. And it takes bikes.
• Of course there’s a beer named after the trail. Two of many microbrews for sale at the local supermarket:

• But what’s this thing about feeding the local deer population carrots? Spotted a pile of 50-pound bags at that same supermarket in Mont Tremblant.

Now read about the big surprise on day 3.