The Centenary Trail as Told by Alexis the Hiker

Created in 1995 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Mont-Tremblant National Park, the 9 km Centenary Trail offered diverse terrain, viewpoints, and vegetation. Starting near the La Diable Bridge, located 500 meters from the welcome center, it ended at the La Sablonnière campground.

Its only drawback was that it wasn’t a loop—you had to walk 3.2 km along the road to return to the starting point. With a 400-meter elevation gain, the trail traversed La Vache Noire Ridge. It could be hiked in either direction, but the most spectacular section was near the La Diable Bridge.

You may have noticed I’m speaking in the past tense. That’s because a new landowner recently prohibited hiker access to the section of the trail where the park previously held a right-of-way. This closure affects the most impressive part of the trail. Mont-Tremblant National Park had no choice but to shut down access entirely.

I discovered this unfortunate news in February 2022 when I visited the trail for the 50th time with a photographer friend, intending to capture its beauty one last time. Despite the prohibition, I decided to venture there for a farewell hike. The news hit me hard—it was heartbreaking.

This now-inaccessible section featured an open hardwood forest with stunning views of the valley below. In spring, streams overflowed, waterfalls echoed through the air, and moss blanketed the rocks beautifully. Though the elevation of La Vache Noire was modest, every friend I brought there was surprised by the steep climb, especially at the start when they weren’t warmed up.

Going forward, the trail will be an out-and-back hike starting from the campground, totaling about 14 kilometers. Unfortunately, it no longer includes the section offering the best panoramas, such as views of the La Diable River’s winding path and the Laurentian Mountains. Is it still worth it?

On that final hike in this part of the trail, I made the most of every moment. Each snowshoe step through the powder felt intentional. With a bright blue sky, dazzling sunshine, and bitter cold (-25°C), I was well-equipped. I carried two insulated water bottles and packed a down jacket and hand warmers, just in case—but I didn’t end up using them, as is often the case. It’s always better to be prepared!

Photographing the trail was a joy. My cameraman friend, Raphaël, kept the energy lively with his stories. Together, we brainstormed shot ideas and discussed plans for the upcoming season of Alexis the Hiker, where he serves as director of photography.

Every step demanded effort, but we persisted. Each bend in the trail revealed something new: a steep slope, a massive boulder, a towering hemlock, or ferns encased in ice. Despite the beauty, the cold and deep snow eventually slowed us down. With frequent stops and the weight of our equipment, we decided not to push for the summit.

Still, I’m incredibly grateful to have captured some stunning winter photos of this legendary trail, marking my 50th visit.

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