It was on my first trip to Canada that I first discovered the region known as the Laurentians, an area replete with lakes, forests and mountains (the region in fact takes its name from the Laurentian mountain range).
When I talk to people about this part of Canada, I can't help telling them that the Laurentians have simply everything to offer: ski resorts, e.g. that of Mont-Tremblant; vast, little-visited forests (at the centre); Indian reserves (Kanesatake), lakes (of course!) and above all, opportunities to participate in countless different kinds of activities, no matter what the time of year
In fact my friends from Montreal definitely have the right idea: they're always amongst the first to head straight off to this region as soon as the weekend comes, what with it being so close to the city, and with so little distance to travel before you find yourself in a little chalet at the edge of the water, fishing rod in one hand and can of beer in the other (this is experience talking!).
For me, it's impossible to imagine visiting Quebec without spending some time in the Laurentians!