The P’tit Train du Nord is one of the most famous cycle paths in Quebec. Over more than 230 kilometers, this former railway line converted into a multifunction trail crosses the Laurentians from south to north, following rivers, lakes and villages. Val-David is one of the most popular crossing points: the village is lively, well located and offers everything you need for a stopover or a complete stay focused on cycling.

What sets the km 42 chalets apart from other accommodation in the region: they are located directly on the edge of the slope. No car necessary to join the P’tit Train du Nord, the wheel turns as soon as you leave the chalet. This is a formula particularly appreciated by cycle tourists who wish to organize several consecutive days of cycling without logistical constraints.

This guide presents the main routes accessible from Val-David, the essential stops and practical advice for a successful cycling trip in the Laurentians. For a complete overview of the cycling loops around Val-David, also consult our article on the cycle tourism in Val-David .


Le P’tit Train du Nord: what you need to know before pedaling

A multifunction trail, open to all

The P’tit Train du Nord is accessible to road bikes, hybrid bikes, electric bikes and wide tire mountain bikes. The surface is asphalted on the majority of the course in the Val-David sector, which makes it comfortable even for long outings. In summer, the track is also frequented by walkers and runners, particularly in the sections passing through villages.


The difference in altitude: a progressive track

Contrary to what some people imagine, the P’tit Train du Nord is not a completely flat track. The route generally follows the valley and the altitude difference remains gentle, but certain sections between Val-David and Val-Morin offer some hills which pleasantly punctuate the outing. Val-David being located in a transition zone, cycling towards the north (direction Sainte-Agathe or Val-Morin) involves more effort than cycling towards the south.


The ideal season for riding

The trail is generally open from May to November. Spring and summer are the most popular seasons, with peak attendance in July and August. For those who prefer to ride in a quieter setting, the months of May, June and September offer excellent conditions with fewer cyclists on the trail. In winter, the P’tit Train du Nord transforms into a cross-country ski trail, see our article on the cross-country skiing in Val-David  for this winter version of the track.


Cycling routes from Val-David: according to your level and your time

Short outing: Val-David – Val-Morin (one way: ~12 km)

This is the most accessible exit from the km 42 chalets. The Val-David–Val-Morin section runs along the Rivière du Nord in a wooded setting and offers several pleasant viewpoints. The arrival at Val-Morin allows a break in the village before returning via the same route or in a loop by road.

  • Total round trip distance: approximately 24 km
  • Elevation: Gentle, some gently rolling sections
  • Duration: 1h30 to 2h30 depending on pace
  • Level: beginner to intermediate
  • Ideal for: families, first cycle tourists, relaxed outings


Intermediate exit: Val-David – Sainte-Agathe-des-Monts (one way: ~20 km)

Sainte-Agathe is one of the most popular destinations from Val-David. The section of trail is well maintained, with some notable but never daunting hills. Arrival in Sainte-Agathe gives access to the shores of Lac des Sables, a great opportunity to take a break and have a bite to eat before returning.

  • Total round trip distance: approximately 40 km
  • Elevation: moderate, some gradual climbs
  • Duration: 3 to 4 hours with breaks
  • Level: intermediate
  • Best for: Regular cyclists, day trips


Long outing: Val-David – Saint-Jérôme (one way: ~60 km)

For cycle touring enthusiasts, the descent to Saint-Jérôme is a full day on the trail. The route crosses several villages in the Laurentians and offers a wide variety of landscapes. It is possible to return by coach with your bike or plan a two-day stay with an intermediate night.

  • One way distance: ~60 km
  • Elevation: generally descending (towards the south)
  • Duration: 4 to 6 hours depending on pace
  • Level: intermediate to advanced
  • Best for: Experienced cycle tourists, multi-day getaways


Electric bike option: explore more, pedal less

Electric bikes are increasingly used on the P’tit Train du Nord. They allow very different profiles, beginners, families with children, cyclists returning to practice, people with reduced mobility, to fully enjoy the track without being limited by the distance or the difference in altitude. Several electric bike rental shops are present in Val-David and neighboring villages.


The essential stops between Val-David and Val-Morin

The village of Val-David: starting and returning point

Val-David is both the starting point and one of the most pleasant stops on the trail. Cafes, restaurants, craft markets , artist workshops: the village invites you to take an active break after a few kilometers in the saddle. The local gastronomy of the Laurentians is a good reason to stop longer.


The North River: panoramas along the way

On the Val-David–Val-Morin section, the trail at times runs along the Rivière du Nord, offering views of the water and the wooded cliffs. These passages are particularly beautiful in spring, when the waters are lively, and in autumn, when the colors of the Laurentians are at their peak.


Val-Morin: the quiet stopover

Smaller and quieter than Val-David, Val-Morin is a pleasant halfway stop. The village has a few cafes and grocery stores for supplies. It’s also a good turnaround point for short outings.


Practical advice for successful cycle tourism in the Laurentians

Rent or bring your bike

Several rental options are available in Val-David and surrounding villages: hybrid bikes, road bikes and electric bikes. For those traveling with their own bike, the km 42 chalets have an outdoor space to safely store bicycles.


Equip yourself according to the season

Even in summer, some basic equipment is essential for a comfortable outing on the slope:

  • Helmet (recommended for everyone)
  • Lightweight windbreaker jacket for early starts or cooler days
  • Water and snacks, refreshment points are spaced out on the track
  • Basic repair kit (inner tube, tire lever, pump)
  • Sunscreen for fully exposed sections


Plan distances according to your level

A common mistake in cycle touring is to overestimate your fitness at the start and find yourself short of energy on the return. Setting out with a realistic distance goal, planning regular breaks and allowing yourself time to enjoy the landscapes is much better than completing the kilometers at full speed.


Combine cycling and hiking

Val-David makes it easy to combine a day of cycling on the trail with a trail ride the next day. The Val-David–Val-Morin Regional Park is accessible on foot from the chalets and offers hikes for all levels. To plan for both, check out our guide to spring hike in Val-David as well as the selection of best hiking trails in Val-David.


km 42: stay directly on the P’tit Train du Nord track

The location of the km 42 chalets is a concrete advantage for cycle tourists: the P’tit Train du Nord track passes directly in front of the accommodation. No transfer by car, no additional logistics to reach the departure, the bike leaves from the chalet and returns to the chalet.

The seven km 42 chalets are equipped for a comfortable stay after a day in the saddle: full kitchen for preparing meals, wood fireplace with logs included for cool evenings, terrace and outdoor space. Consult the location page  for view the exact position of the chalets relative to the track, and the page our chalets  to choose the option suited to your group.

For getaways as a couple or with friends focused on the outdoors, the article on the stays as a couple or family in the Laurentians and the one on the chalet in Val-David for a group of friends give ideas for organizing the entire stay.


Plan your cycling trip to Val-David

The P'tit Train du Nord from Val-David is a track accessible to all levels, a lively village where it's nice to stop, and chalets directly on the track to return effortlessly at the end of the day. A simple and effective formula for an active stay in the Laurentians.

Check availability and book your stay at the chalet here


Frequently asked questions


Is the P’tit Train du Nord accessible all year round by bike?

The trail is open to cyclists from approximately May to November. In winter, the P’tit Train du Nord is converted into a cross-country ski and snowshoe hiking trail. Opening and closing dates vary slightly depending on weather conditions each year.


Can you rent a bike directly in Val-David?

Yes, several bike rental providers are present in Val-David and neighboring villages. Hybrid, road, and electric bikes are typically available to rent for half-day, full-day, or multiple days.


How far can you travel in one day from Val-David?

Depending on the level and pace, a full day allows you to cover between 40 and 80 kilometers round trip. Beginners and families will be very comfortable over 20 to 30 kilometers. Experienced cyclists can connect Val-David to Saint-Jérôme (around 60 km downhill) in a single day.


Is the track suitable for children?

Yes. The asphalt surface and generally gentle elevation of the section around Val-David make it an accessible trail for families with children. The short sections between Val-David and Val-Morin are particularly well suited. Check out our article on the gentle activities in the Laurentians for the whole family  for other ideas for family outings.


Can you combine cycling and hiking in the same trip?

Absolutely. Many visitors to the km 42 chalets organize their stays by alternating days of cycling on the trail and trail outings in the Val-David–Val-Morin Regional Park. Both types of activities are accessible directly from the accommodation, without requiring travel by car.