Laurentides: An aerial walkway through the jungle and a 12-story tower to observe nature

In Mont-Blanc, in the Laurentians, it is now possible to walk in the forest high above the trees and end your visit at the top of the 40 meter high observation tower, where the view of the region is unbeatable.

This experience is possible at the Sentier des Sims, which opened its doors to visitors a few weeks ago at the site of the former fish farm of Saint-Faustin-lac-Carré, the former name of the village of Mont-Blanc.

The aerial trail stretches over a kilometer through the forest and gently climbs to the top of the 12-storey building tower, with a maximum gradient of 6%. Everything is made entirely of wood and metal.

At the beginning of the hike, visitors must cross a footbridge that connects the reception building with an elevator inside a tower, smaller than the main tower, that allows access to the height of the path. From there, they can begin their walk towards the great tower and its summit. Throughout the course, those interested can admire the landscape at leisure and linger at learning stations on fauna and flora. Games are also planned for small children. Once at the top of the big tower, the vastness of the area offers more than 360 degrees to hikers. The famous Mont Tremblant to the west is especially visible from the top of the structure.

“People are satisfied with their experience and often promise to come back or get their annual card,” says Cathie Poulin, director of communications, marketing and human resources at Sentier des Sims, adding, “Eventually, in a second phase, we want to develop a park for kids and add other services as well.” We hope.

Currently, the Sentier des Sims offers visitors a bar-terrace, a restaurant, a picnic area and a souvenir shop on the site of a former fish farm.

The circuit is the result of a partnership between MRC des Laurentides and the German company Erlebnis Akademie AG (EAK), which has already carried out a dozen similar projects in Europe. Its aim is to give a second life to the old fish farm, which was closed in 1992 and which has already received thousands of visitors over the years.

Made of stone, the reception building of the old fish farm has been restored but retains its heritage character. “People who know the old fishery in Saint-Faustin-Lac-Carré tell us that nothing has really changed. Such is the goal of this great project: to preserve what we have achieved while showcasing our beautiful region,” Cathy Poulin told us.

Since opening at the end of July, Sentier des Sims has welcomed a mainly regional clientele. “We work hard to attract groups, schools and clients from outside,” says Ms.^me Pauline. Open 365 days a year, the Sentier des Sims expects to welcome 180,000 visitors by the end of 2022.

Some data:

The total length of the Sentier des Sims: 1350 m

Tower Height: 40 m

Tower diameter: 20 m

Tower Shape: Nongon

Number of rotations from bottom to top: 11

Walkway Length (Around Tower): 720 m

Maximum Slope: 6%

Height at peak: 362 m