Side-by-Side ATV Guided Off-Road Tour near Mont-Tremblant

The forest is your playground here. This 90-minute side-by-side tour near Mont-Tremblant follows winding Club Iroquois trails beside the northern edge of the national park. I like the mix of easy instruction and real off-road terrain, and I like the mountain and pine-forest views that give you plenty of photo stops without requiring previous experience.

The main catch is the driving arrangement. One vehicle carries up to four people, but only two participants may drive, with just one stop to swap seats. You should also plan for the $950 security pre-authorization per ATV, which can take about five business days to return to your account.

Key Points Before You Book

• A 90-minute forest ride: The tour uses winding off-road trails through Quebec’s boreal forest and along the popular Club Iroquois network.
• Two drivers maximum: In a group of three or four, only two people can take the wheel, and the changeover happens at one scheduled stop.
• Built for first-timers: No off-road experience is required, and an O.R.V. certified guide gives you a safety briefing before setting out.
• Family-friendly vehicle: The side-by-side has a roll cage and three-point seatbelts, though children under five cannot participate.
• Winter needs serious clothing: The vehicle offers protection, but cold-weather riders still need warm layers, especially in Quebec’s winter.
• Budget for the deposit: A $950 security hold applies per vehicle, with a maximum of $1,900 for groups using multiple vehicles.

Setting Out From Labelle

The meeting point is not in the center of Mont-Tremblant. You will drive to Labelle, a community south of the park area, and find the reception in an old train station. From the traffic light in Labelle, turn onto Rue du Pont, cross the bridge, and continue with the turns onto Chemin Allard and Chemin Le Depot.

That location matters because this is not a short amusement-park ride. The activity center sits near several off-road trail networks, giving the guide access to wooded routes rather than a small closed course. You are heading into a working trail system with changing ground conditions, so allow enough time to arrive, park, check in, and get ready.

Bring your driver’s license and credit card. The license is important for driving, while the card is tied to the security deposit process. The deposit is a Visa or Mastercard pre-authorization, or it can be paid in cash. Debit cards are not accepted for this purpose.

The tour is available with a live guide in English or French. The center is wheelchair accessible, although the riding itself requires you to hold onto the handle beside your seat. That physical requirement is worth taking seriously. Off-road travel includes bumps and jolts, and you need enough upper-body strength to keep a firm grip.

Getting Acquainted With the Side-by-Side

You do not need ATV experience for this trip. The guide begins with a short training session and explains how the vehicle works before the group enters the trails. That makes this a reasonable choice if you have never driven off-road before and would rather learn in a guided setting than rent a vehicle on your own.

The vehicle is a side-by-side, sometimes called a dune buggy. Instead of sitting astride a small ATV, you sit inside a wider vehicle with a steering wheel, seats, three-point seatbelts, and a roll cage. Those features make it more approachable for families and mixed groups, especially for passengers who do not want to balance on a traditional quad.

Still, do not mistake the safety equipment for a smooth road trip. You should expect off-road terrain. The guide controls the pace and route, but the trail can include snow, uneven ground, and conditions that affect how long the ride lasts. One winter outing was shortened after a vehicle ahead became stuck in deep snow. That is a useful reminder that nature, not the clock, sometimes controls the schedule.

Safety helmets are included. In summer rain, a rain poncho is provided. Winter riders should bring warm clothing, even if the vehicle has a windshield or other protection. One winter rider found the ATV shield effective against the wind at minus 20 degrees Celsius, but another simple piece of advice remains sound: dress warmly.

Riding the Club Iroquois Trails

Once the briefing is finished, the group enters the Club Iroquois trail network. The routes wind through boreal forest, with tall pines, mountain views, and stretches of wooded trail that make the ride feel far removed from town.

The scenery is one of the strongest reasons to choose this tour. You are not just operating a vehicle around a practice loop. The ride takes place near the northern edge of Mont-Tremblant National Park, where the trees and mountain setting give the trip a clear sense of place. In autumn, the forest can show off strong seasonal color. In winter, the same trails turn into a cold, snow-covered outing that feels much more rugged.

Your guide leads the group, keeps an eye on the trail conditions, and helps you manage the vehicle. The certified guides are a key part of the experience. They provide structure for beginners and make the ride feel less risky than heading into unfamiliar woods alone.

Do not expect a sightseeing tour with constant stops. The main experience is moving along the trail, handling the vehicle, and watching the forest pass around you. There are photo opportunities, but the trip is still an activity first. If your priority is to stop every few minutes for perfect pictures, the pace may feel quick.

The mountain and pine views are best enjoyed from the passenger seat, where you can watch the route and take in the surroundings. If you are driving, your attention belongs on the trail. That is another reason groups should decide in advance who wants to operate the vehicle and who is happy to ride along.

The One Driver Swap You Need to Plan

Each vehicle holds one to four participants. That sounds flexible, but the driving rules are strict: only two people can share the driving, and there is only one stop to change drivers and passengers.

For two participants, the arrangement is simple. You can divide the driving time at the single exchange point. For three or four participants, only two people can drive at all. The other one or two people remain passengers for the full outing.

This is the most important detail for larger groups. If four friends each expect a turn behind the wheel, this is not the right format. You will need to agree beforehand who drives. The restriction also affects the value of the $176 price per person, since some participants are paying for a passenger experience rather than a driving experience.

That does not make the passenger seats poor value. The trail views are a major part of the trip, and passengers can focus on scenery and photos. But you should set expectations before arrival. The vehicle is not assigned as a private driving machine for every person in the group.

A Break in the Cold Weather

The standard description highlights one scenic stop for the driver exchange, while winter riders have also enjoyed a break at a heated cabin. That shelter can make a real difference when temperatures drop well below freezing.

Winter outings require more planning than autumn or summer rides. Warm gloves, layers, and winter footwear are sensible choices. The included helmet and vehicle shield help, but they do not replace proper clothing. In cold weather, the difference between a fun trail ride and an uncomfortable one often comes down to what you wear.

Summer brings a different set of advantages. The forest should be easier to enjoy without the bitter cold, and rain ponchos are supplied when summer weather turns wet. The wooded setting can also provide shade, though the tour remains an outdoor activity and conditions may change.

What $176 Per Person Buys You

At $176 per person, this is not a bargain-priced short ride. The price makes more sense when you consider what is included: a 90-minute guided outing, use of a side-by-side for one to four people, a certified guide, helmet, and summer rain protection in wet weather.

You are also paying for access to a broad off-road trail setting and for the guidance that comes with it. A first-time driver may value the instruction and supervision more than someone who already rides regularly. The guide helps turn a potentially confusing forest route into a controlled activity.

The value is strongest for a pair who both want to drive and for families who mainly want a shared outdoor experience. It is less attractive for a group of four where everyone expects equal driving time. In that case, you are paying the full per-person rate while only two people get behind the wheel.

The deposit deserves its own place in your budget. The center requires a $950 security pre-authorization for each ATV, using Visa or Mastercard, or cash. For a group using more than one vehicle, the maximum deposit is $1,900. The money is released after the vehicle returns without damage, but your bank may take about five business days to show the funds again, and international cards can take longer.

That is not a small temporary hold. Make sure your card has enough available credit, and do not plan to spend that money during the rest of your trip. One rider was unhappy that a deposit of more than $1,500 was actually taken from the account and took around ten days to return. The exact timing can depend on the bank, but the practical lesson is clear: ask how the hold will appear before you arrive.

Who Will Enjoy This Ride Most

I would recommend this tour to families with children five and older, couples who want an active forest outing, and first-time off-road drivers who prefer a guide. The side-by-side format is easier for many people than a traditional ATV, and the seatbelts and roll cage offer useful protection.

It also suits groups who want a shared activity near Mont-Tremblant without committing to a full-day expedition. Ninety minutes is long enough to get a real taste of the trails while leaving time for other activities in the area.

The trip is not suitable for pregnant participants or children under five. You also need to be able to hold onto the handle beside your seat. Anyone uncomfortable with bumps, cold, or rough trail conditions should think carefully before booking.

Experienced off-road drivers may find the guided pace less demanding than an independent rental. The appeal here is not maximum speed or technical challenge. It is the combination of a manageable vehicle, forest routes, mountain scenery, and a guide who keeps the outing organized.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

• Choose drivers before arrival: In a group of three or four, only two people can drive.
• Bring the right card: A Visa or Mastercard is required for the security pre-authorization. Debit cards are not accepted for the deposit.
• Keep credit available: The $950 per-vehicle hold may remain unavailable for several business days after the ride.
• Dress for the season: Winter requires warm clothing, while summer riders should still prepare for rain and changing temperatures.
• Bring your license: You need a driver’s license, along with a credit card.
• Allow time to find Labelle: The reception is in the old train station, reached via Chemin Allard and Chemin Le Depot.
• Expect a real trail: Snow, mud, uneven ground, and changing conditions are part of off-road riding.
• Use the stop wisely: The single exchange point is your chance to switch drivers and take photos.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Mont-Tremblant plans are still shifting. Check the available start times when booking, since the ride lasts 90 minutes but departure times vary.

Should You Book the Mont-Tremblant Side-by-Side Tour?

I would book this if you want a guided forest adventure, mountain views, and a beginner-friendly way to try off-roading. The strongest parts are the setting, the helpful instruction, and the side-by-side design. Guides such as Serge have earned praise for being patient, kind, and clear, which matters when the trail or weather gets difficult.

I would pause if every person in your group wants significant driving time, or if a $950 security hold would strain your card. You should also skip it if you dislike cold, rough ground, or the physical effort needed to hold on.

For the right group, this is a lively 90-minute addition to a Mont-Tremblant trip. Just arrive warm, bring the proper card, agree on the drivers, and remember that a forest trail does not promise perfect timing.

FAQ

How long does the side-by-side tour last?

The tour lasts 90 minutes.

Where does the tour meet?

The reception is in the old train station in Labelle. From the traffic light in Labelle, turn onto Rue du Pont, cross the bridge, turn left on Rue du Pont, then take the first right onto Chemin Allard and the left onto Chemin Le Depot.

How many people can ride in one vehicle?

One vehicle can carry one to four participants.

How many people can drive?

Only two participants can share the driving. There is one stop to exchange the driver and passenger.

Is previous off-road experience required?

No. Previous experience is not necessary, and the tour begins with a training and safety briefing.

What safety equipment is included?

Safety helmets are included. The side-by-side also has three-point seatbelts and a roll cage.

Is the activity suitable for young children?

Children under five are not permitted to participate.

Can pregnant women join the tour?

No. The activity is not suitable for pregnant women.

What languages are available?

The live guides speak English and French.

What is the security deposit?

The security deposit is $950 per ATV, paid by Visa, Mastercard, or cash. Debit cards are not accepted. The deposit is released after the vehicle returns without damage, but the bank return can take about five business days or longer for international cards.