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Mont Tremblant

A Destination for Everyone: This is Mont Tremblant

July 20, 2016 By Lena

My love affair with Mont Tremblant, Quebec during the summer months is well established, and well documented. (See here and here for further inspiration.)

It’s more than the picturesque pedestrian village. It’s more than the lush greenery and peaceful surroundings. It’s more than the feeling that you’ve entered another country entirely, even though you’re only a 1-hr flight from Toronto.

It’s because Tremblant truly offers something for everyone. And this summer, if you’re looking for a break from the ordinary, here’s a Canadian destination you’ll want to place on your “must visit” list.

The Family Fun Seekers. Of course if you’re vacationing with your family, especially young ones, you’ll want to know about how to keep busy (and keep the kids entertained). Maximize your value and purchase an Activity Card; you’ll have a choice of 14 summer-themed activities for all ages (save 10% when booked in advance).
13562034_252731145098793_1417017690_nFrom Eurobungy, Climbing Tower, Le Petit Géant Mini-golf, Aquaclub La Source and more, there’s always something to do! Bonus: many of the activities are rain or shine, so you’ll never be at the mercy of the elements. The activity card is valid 7 days per week, from May 21 to October 16, 2016. You can purchase 3, 5, 7 or 10 accesses, to be used consecutively or not, at a great rate. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #tremblant, family travel, Mont Tremblant, summer travel

Rediscovering Nature: Embracing Canadian Winter

January 24, 2016 By Lena

I’m not an outdoors person; I don’t pretend to be and I don’t apologize for being elements-averse. After all, why camp in the woods when you can, I don’t know, be served breakfast in a hotel bed? Why paddle through a lake when you can lounge on a pontoon? And *why* spend a minute – never mind hours – outdoors in Canadian winter, skiing down a mountain as the wind whips past your face?
DSC_2067aBecause my kids want to. And as we rediscover nature, we’re discovering a love for the outdoors.

For the past six months, encouraged by Nature Valley and their #RediscoverNature campaign, we’ve been doing our best to get outdoors. From a trip to Niagara Falls to a recent weekend in Mont Tremblant, we are embracing the elements and getting reacquainted with Mother Nature. …

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Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #RediscoverNature, Mont Tremblant, Nature Valley

Comfort Food Extreme: French Onion Soup

January 22, 2016 By Lena

A thick, rich and hearty beef broth loaded with slices of sweet onion and topped with crusty French loaf and melted Emmental cheese.

Dear GOD why don’t I have French Onion Soup more often?

This past December while vacationing in Mont Tremblant I gave in to my insane craving for comfort food and ordered the divine dish at Pizzateria, an Italian eatery centrally located in the pedestrian village. And I’ve kinda sorta been dreaming about it ever since.
DSC_2122aFirst and foremost, when in Tremblant and at Pizzateria, order this soup. The marriage of sweet and savoury is just too beautiful to adequately put into words. Second, if you’d like to make French Onion Soup at home (which I’ve already done – twice) try this fabulous recipe I found on Epicurious. It’s pretty much a bowl of heaven.

The recipe yields two hearty servings but you can double up if you’re serving 4-6 and are looking for appetizer-sized goodness. Use Vidalia onions if you can find them as they’re sweeter and less pungent than cooking onions. I’ve tweaked the recipe slightly to reflect my personal tastes, but if you don’t trust my adjustments, you can find the original recipe here.  …

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Filed Under: Food Tagged With: french onion soup, Mont Tremblant, pizzateria, recipe

Merry Christmas!

December 24, 2015 By Lena

Dear Friends,

May the holidays refresh your spirit and bring you new inspiration and happiness. May the splendor of the season fill your heart with peace. Wishing you the joy of family, the happiness of friends, and the love of Christmas!
12338671_1539820429665520_332789539_nOver the next several days I’ll be enjoying food, family and the festivities of the season – and hope you’ll be doing the same. Unlike past holidays, this year I’ll be back sooner than later; I have a few fabulous giveaways and reviews I just can’t keep to myself. So, see you in about 72 hours?

I also hope you’ll partake in a Christmas carol, cookie and cocktail! After all, ’tis the season! My recommendations – O Holy Night, shortbread and a peppermint martini.

Have a wonderful week, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Filed Under: Family Tagged With: #tremblant, christmas 2015, Merry Christmas, Mont Tremblant

In the Moment: Tremblant Edition

December 21, 2015 By Lena

It was perfectly set up. My boys were to take their very first ski lesson in gorgeous Mont Tremblant while I indulged in a relaxation massage at the Le Westin Resort & Spa. My husband, a novice skier who was keen to introduce our boys to winter sports, was in charge of bringing them to the bunny hill and overseeing their lessons. We had a plan.

“Take pictures!” I said.
“You know I will!” he replied.

However, 15 minutes before my massage commenced, I received a phone call from my husband informing me that he and the boys had been separated into different groups at the hill. “They’ll be okay,” he assured me.

And I knew they would be. They were signed up for private ski lessons and the instructors at Tremblant Snow School are world-class. I knew they were in the best hands possible. Except all of a sudden… I realized what I would be missing. I would miss seeing my boys navigate down a slope on skis for the very first time. I would miss capturing their expressions of satisfaction as they learned a new skill. I would miss an important “first” that I’d never get back. And I didn’t want to do that. I couldn’t believe I hadn’t understood the significance before that moment.

I made a game-time decision to cut 25 minutes off my massage. Throwing on my winter wear and slinging my camera around my neck, I rushed to the bunny hill in time to catch my boys’ first ski lesson, already in progress.
DSC_2214aThere’s Ryder, a naturally gifted athlete who gained the confidence to go down the hill solo on only his third descent. And there’s Reid, learning to balance and conquer his fear of heights with help from a Snow School instructor. I shouted at them from the sidelines and they looked my way, breaking into huge grins and waving with glee.

It’s a morning I’ll never forget…  it’s living in the moment, Tremblant edition.

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #FamilyTravelCA, #tremblant, Mont Tremblant, winter travel

Dining Out: Mont Tremblant Edition

September 20, 2015 By Lena

I’ve been holding out on you guys.

You see, for the past little while, I’ve had these gorgeous food photos on my phone, just waiting to be shared. But life is hectic, and this summer has been one for the books. So, they’ve just been sitting here, buried in a folder, begging to see the light of day.

And no one puts Poutine in a folder.
IMG_3100The sinfully delicious concoction above – a must-do when in Quebec – can be found at La Forge Bistro-Bar Mont Tremblant, THE place to have an après-ski drink or a delicious seasonal meal on the terrace overlooking Place St-Bernard. I opted for the Classique (cheese and gravy) because I’m a traditionalist at heart, but you can just as easily indulge in Saucisse fumée tout bœuf C.A.B. (smoked C.A.B. all-beef sausage), Viande hachée et oignons caramélisés (ground beef and caramelized onions) or Bœuf effiloché (house smoked beef brisket, pepper sauce, onion rings and fried pickles)….

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: family travel, Mont Tremblant, quebec, restaurant review

Joie de Vivre: Summer Sizzles at Mont Tremblant

July 30, 2015 By Lena

Friends, welcome to the middle of summer.

The point where you’re either congratulating yourself for enjoying a month of heated freedom… or, feverishly trying to save the remainder of a not-so-memorable half season. If you’re in the latter camp, I’ve got the solution for you.

What if I told you that you could experience an unforgettable mountain getaway and enjoy a multitude of summer activities? And, that this getaway was easily accessible to Ontarians – in fact, only 1-hr away from downtown Toronto?

From outdoor sports to live entertainment, spa to beach, Mont Tremblant has it all.
IMG_3146aWe all recognize Tremblant as a world-class winter destination. However, it’s also the perfect summer spot for families of all sizes, offering endless outdoor activities, sublime dining experiences, thrilling adventures and a unique opportunity to connect with nature.

Here’s how to spend 48 hours with your family in Mont Tremblant, Quebec. …

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Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #TremblantInstameet, Mont Tremblant, quebec

Ce Weekend a Quebec

June 26, 2015 By Lena

I *really* should be packing, but OF COURSE I had to share with you my destination for the next few days – the absolutely, positively gorgeous Mont Tremblant in Quebec! As part of Mont Tremblant’s #TremblantInstameet, we’ll be discovering this tourist hotspot and uncovering all the ways it’s perfect for family vacations this summer. From world-class accommodations and dining to family-friendly sports and activities, I’ll show you why Tremblant is a preferred destination all year round.
Tremblant-resort2Please follow the hashtag to keep up with our adventures! And, if you have any questions about the location, resort or activities, I’m always a tweet away. And now… I really MUST start packing!

Have a great weekend all! (I promise I’ll eat tons of poutine. Honestly, you don’t have to ask twice.)

Filed Under: Travel Tagged With: #TremblantInstameet, family travel, Mont Tremblant, quebec

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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