A Day of Cycling in the Laurentians from Prévost

Prévost is one of the best starting points for a day on the P'tit Train du Nord. The trail runs almost right past RST Vélosports — you rent your bike in the morning, and you're on the asphalt within five minutes. That's no coincidence; it's part of why we set up the shop here.

The P'tit Train du Nord stretches 234 km from Saint-Jérôme to Mont-Laurier, with a maximum grade of 4% over the whole route. The section starting in Prévost is among the busiest on the trail: well maintained, easy to access, with plenty of stops along the way. Here's how to plan your day based on how much time you have and who you're riding with.

The starting point: RST Vélosports in Prévost

We're located at 815 rue Shaw, a few minutes' walk from the trail. If you book your bike ahead, getting rolling is quick: the team adjusts the bike to your size, walks you through the specifics of the rented model (especially for electrics), and points you to the best access to the trail from the shop.

What we suggest before heading out: check the weather for the next few hours, not just the morning. Weather in the Laurentians can change fairly quickly in the afternoon, and a 30-40 km ride in the rain is a very different experience. We recommend bringing a light windbreaker even on a nice day.

Check out our rental page to book your bike before heading out, especially in July and August when demand is high. If you're not sure yet which type of bike to take, our guide on choosing a bike based on your ride can help you decide.

Route 1: the half-day — Prévost to Piedmont (25-30 km round trip)

This is the ideal format for those who don't have the whole day, who are getting back on a bike after a while, or who just want a low-pressure ride. Starting from Prévost, you head north toward Piedmont, about 10-12 km. The terrain is easy, the trail well paved, and the scenery gradually shifts from residential areas to more wooded sections.

In Piedmont, a stop is the natural move: the village has several cafés and terraces directly accessible on foot from the trail. Take a 30-45 minute break, then head back to Prévost. Total time on the bike: two to three hours depending on your pace.

This format works very well on a hybrid rented for the half-day ($35 for 4 hours). You'll have plenty of time without needing to rush.

Route 2: the full day — Prévost to Sainte-Adèle (35-40 km one way)

This is the outing most of our customers recommend when they come for a full day. Leaving early in the morning (between 8 and 9 a.m.), you head north toward Sainte-Adèle, about 35 km from Prévost. The trail follows the valleys and lakes, and the views open up gradually as you gain elevation.

Sainte-Adèle is an active town with plenty of options for lunch: restaurants, microbreweries, specialty grocers, and bakeries accessible from the trail. Plan for 45 to 60 minutes of break time, then the ride back to Prévost for a total of around 70-80 km round trip.

This route is a solid effort, but manageable for a fit cyclist on a hybrid. On an electric bike, it's comfortable, and you'll reach Sainte-Adèle without pushing too hard — leaving you energy for the return. The difference shows up especially on the rolling climbs in the second half of the northbound stretch.

Alternative if you don't want to ride back to Prévost: the shuttle service run by Autobus le Petit Train du Nord can bring you and your rental bike back from several points along the route. It's an option worth planning ahead.

Route 3: the family outing — Prévost to Saint-Jérôme (28 km round trip)

For families with young children, the best option is often heading south toward Saint-Jérôme. The Prévost–Saint-Jérôme section is 14 km on a very accessible trail, with essentially no elevation gain heading south. It's the easiest section of this part of the trail.

With a child trailer or a 24-inch bike for older kids, this kind of outing comfortably fits into about two hours of actual riding, breaks included. The Saint-Jérôme station at km 0 is a nice arrival point — you can picnic or grab a bite there before heading back.

Check out our kids rental page for available options: 24-inch bikes, trailers, and child seats.

Stops not to miss along the way

The strength of the P'tit Train du Nord is the density of services along the route. Between Prévost and Sainte-Adèle, you'll find ice cream shops, cafés, artisan bakeries, and inn terraces directly accessible from the trail — sometimes less than 100 metres off the path.

A few practical notes:

• Drinking water fountains are available at regular intervals along the trail.
• Restroom facilities are present in most municipalities the trail passes through.
• Mechanical repair stations with pumps and basic tools are scattered along the route.
• The P'tit Train du Nord welcome shop is located at the Prévost station, at km 14.

We suggest checking the interactive map on ptittraindunord.com before heading out to spot stops along your route — the icons are clear and the tool is well made.

What to bring with you

The trail is well organized, but a few essentials make the day easier. A spare inner tube sized for your rental bike (RST provides one with every rental). A water bottle holding at least a litre — the official recommendation on the P'tit Train du Nord is about a litre per hour of active riding. A light windbreaker for the ride back in late afternoon when the temperature drops. And a charged phone, both for emergencies and for capturing the views.

If you're thinking of coming home with the idea of buying your own bike after the day, our article on renting vs buying a bike can help you make the right call without rushing it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most beautiful section of the P'tit Train du Nord?

It's subjective, but the Prévost–Val-David section is often cited for its varied scenery: woods, lakes, picturesque villages, and gentle, progressive climbs. It's also the most manageable section for a full day starting from Prévost.

Is the P'tit Train du Nord free?

The trail is free and open to everyone. Some add-on services like the shuttle or baggage transport are paid, but the trail itself is accessible at no cost year-round.

How many kilometres can I comfortably ride in a day?

On a hybrid in good shape, 50-70 km in a day is a comfortable range. On an electric bike, some cyclists easily cover 80-100 km without overexerting themselves. It all depends on your fitness, how many stops you take, and how much time you give yourself.

Can I rent a bike the same morning at RST Vélosports?

Yes, if the bike you want is available. But we strongly recommend booking ahead, especially in July and August. The electric bike stock is limited and goes quickly during high season.