Val-David
A Laurentian Village Of Artists' Studios, Galleries, A Rock Climbing Area At Dufresne Park And The Linear Park Trail On The Old Railway, With Canoeing On The North River And Autumn Colours. A Weekend Escape From Montreal With A Relaxed Creative Feel · Val-David, Quebec
Val-David is an arts village in the Laurentians, about 80 km north of Montreal, built around a small river, a bridge, a main street of studios and cafes, and a former railway line that is now the Ptit Train du Nord linear park. Potters, weavers, painters and glassmakers have lived and worked here for decades, and many open their studios to visitors in summer and autumn. Just outside the village, Dufresne Nature and Culture Park offers rock climbing, bouldering, trails and a view over wooded hills. In winter, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing take over, and in autumn the hills turn red and orange. Val-David is a relaxed weekend base, with inns and small restaurants, rather than a showpiece, and it fills quickly in July, October and on winter weekends. A good first stop is the old station on the linear park, where maps, bike hire and local advice are close at hand, and from there the studios, cafes and river are all within an easy walk.
Val-David, an arts village in the Laurentians about 80 km north of Montreal on the Ptit Train du Nord trail, with the Dufresne Nature and Culture Park nearby; coordinates approximate, Val-David, Quebec, Canada
Val-David keeps no formal visiting hours because it is a living village. Studios, galleries, cafes and shops are generally open about 10 to 5, often longer in summer and shorter midweek, and many close on certain weekdays - confirm by phone. The linear park trail is open at any hour, with services along it running roughly May to October. Dufresne park has a seasonal entry booth and its own hours, with trails open in daylight. Winter weekends are busy with skiers, while early spring mud season is quiet and several places close entirely, so confirm before travelling.