Hiking in Mont Sourire: trails, map and practical info

Mont Sourire is in Saint-Donat, in Lanaudière. The trail starts at the parking lot, at the end of Chemin de la Cascade, and leads to a lookout at an elevation of 490 m. The Municipality of Saint-Donat and Tourisme Lanaudière give 2 km round trip to the lookout. From there you can see Lac Ouareau and the mountains around Saint-Donat; Baliseqc adds the village, Mont La Réserve and Mont Ouareau, and the surrounding marshes.

On the trail

Tourisme Lanaudière says the trail has been upgraded, notably for the walking surface and drainage, and reminds hikers that it is still a mountain hike, with an ascent and terrain that can vary. The municipality rates it easy. Baliseqc instead lists the Mont-Sourire trail at 3 km, linear, rated intermediate: the sources do not agree. Tourisme Lanaudière gives a duration of 1 hour or more.

Extending the outing

Beyond the lookout, the trail reaches the La Chouette shelter, which the Club de plein air de Saint-Donat rents out. Distances differ: Tourisme Lanaudière gives 4.4 km round trip; the club gives about 2.4 km between the parking lot and the shelter, 210 m of elevation gain and about 1 h 30 for the climb. Tourisme Lanaudière also mentions trails toward Mont d'Or, Mont Garceau and Petit Carcan. Baliseqc describes a Mont Sourire and Petit Carcan loop of 7.6 km, listed as 465 m with no further detail, rated intermediate, planned as a full-day outing.

Access, parking and fees

According to Baliseqc, parking is free. From the village centre, the club says to take Rue Allard to its end, turn right onto Chemin Ouareau Nord (about 6 km), then left onto Chemin de la Cascade. Access to the club's trails is free, but online registration is required; the process is free and quick. A responsible adult can register and add the minors who come along.

Dogs

According to the club, dogs are accepted provided they are on a leash at all times; it also asks owners to pick up after them. Tourisme Lanaudière also says dogs are allowed.

With kids

Tourisme Lanaudière presents the trail as a panoramic outing for the whole family. Because the terrain can vary, match the pace to the children's age.

Winter and seasons

Tourisme Lanaudière lists the Mont-Sourire – La Chouette shelter trail as accessible all year round. The Municipality of Saint-Donat lists it among its snowshoe trails, rated easy; Baliseqc lists hiking in summer and snowshoeing and winter walking in winter. Cross-country skiing and biking are not mentioned for this sector (unconfirmed). The municipality offers a summer map and a winter map in digital form, a paper copy at the tourist information office (536 Rue Principale) and the Ondago app; the sector map is also on Baliseqc.

Safety and rules

Baliseqc notes that big-game hunting is permitted on the territory and recommends caution during the hunting season; the sector is not accessible to people with reduced mobility. In its access conditions, the club states that the trails are not patrolled and that cell coverage is incomplete. It recommends bringing water, food, a first-aid kit and a charged phone, and telling a trusted person your route. It prohibits camping, fires, leaving the trails and using them at night, except for a group of at least four people.