Loup-Garou Mountain Park

The Loup-Garou Mountain Park, inspired by its legendary namesake, is a true paradise for outdoor lovers. Enjoy kilometers of trails perfect for hiking, mountain biking, trail running, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking — an adventure for every season!

Covering 319 hectares, Mont Loup-Garou is home to the highest point in the Pays-d’en-Haut MRC, at an altitude of 498 meters. A charming little shelter can also be found at its summit.

Legend has it that a werewolf once prowled for many years on one of Sainte-Adèle’s most towering peaks, Mont Loup-Garou. By night, this man transformed into a wolf, condemned to roam the mountains, and his presence sparked countless whispers and tales throughout the 1800s and 1900s.

Legend has it that one evening, a terrified child ran to his mother, claiming he had seen “a great bear” at the window. Later that night, he vanished from his bed and was never seen again.

Another eerie tale tells of a hunter named Desjardins who ventured out under the moonlight. When he failed to return, only his rifle and a few scraps of leather were found atop the mountain.

In 1954, newspapers across the province reported that a Montreal philosopher, Mr. de Nobili, planned to spend a full moon night on Mont Loup-Garou with five students. Their goal: to unravel this ancient legend, feared by the elders as a place of certain doom. The night passed without a trace of wolves, no howls, no strange creatures… yet the morning brought a curious surprise: the horses’ tails were mysteriously braided. Was it the work of a mischievous werewolf—or some other mysterious trickster? The mountain keeps its secrets, and no one will ever know…

With the modernization of major roads and the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the P’tit Train du Nord, the legendary werewolf’s mountain and summit became a true skier’s paradise. By 1920, “snow trains” were bringing city dwellers straight to the slopes, just like at other ski resorts in the Pays-d’en-Haut region.

In summer, the mountain drew visitors for horseback rides and hiking. Many stayed at the popular Sun Valley Farm inn, loved not only for its ski lift that made winter adventures easy but also for its stunning location, surrounded by majestic mountains.

Werewolf Mountain Park enchants visitors with its stunning landscapes: two peaceful lakes, breathtaking viewpoints, a rich variety of trees and plants, and an extensive network of trails for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. Protected from urban development by a conservation easement, the park ensures the preservation of its environment and biodiversity, making it a true sanctuary for both wildlife and visitors alike.

A network of 700 km of trails once wound through the mountains and valleys, perfect for backcountry skiing. One trail, developed by Sun Valley Farm, began at Mont Loup-Garou and stretched all the way to Morin-Heights, offering breathtaking viewpoints and powder-filled descents.

Another trail provided the most direct 14 km route from the inn to Saint-Sauveur, ideal for adventurous skiers.

Over the years, the allure of backcountry skiing gradually faded as larger ski resorts sprang up across the region, drawing visitors to their expansive slopes.

Since the 1990s, Mont Loup-Garou has been a playground for outdoor enthusiasts, offering hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, mountain biking, and fat biking. The “Le Loup-Garou” trail, which winds along Matley and Richer lakes all the way to the summit, is a must for adventurers seeking both beauty and challenge.

A Dream Realized

In June 2021, a long-awaited dream became reality: the City of Sainte-Adèle officially opened Mont Loup-Garou Park, marking the successful culmination of a major project launched in 2017.

Thanks to government grants, sponsorships, corporate donations, and a passionate crowdfunding campaign within the Sainte-Adèle community and among outdoor lovers, the City acquired more than a dozen parcels of land, creating today a breathtaking natural playground.

Expanding the Trail Network

With the help of dedicated volunteers from Plein-Air Sainte-Adèle (PASA), several new trails have been added, complementing the existing network on this vast territory. Previously under the care of generous private owners, the land is now preserved for public enjoyment.

The City, together with PASA volunteers, ensures this remarkable natural space remains protected—a must-visit destination for all who love wide-open landscapes, fresh air, and adventure.