Mont Tremblant Vs. Saint-Sauveur: Which Is Better?

Mont Tremblant and Saint-Sauveur are popular weekend getaways from Montreal (in the summer and winter!). Both villages are, offer restaurants, shopping, and of course a ski hill to enjoy int the winter. But despite these similarities, there are also quite a few differences.

Each village has their own set of unique pros and cons. So which one is better for you to visit?

I grew up with family vacations in both Mont Tremblant Village and Saint-Sauveur. So, here’s my in depth comparison to spending a weekend in Mont Tremblant vs. Saint-Sauveur so you can decide which is better for you!

Psst! This blog post contains affiliate links in it which sends me a bit of extra money if you use them… at no extra cost to you!

Weekend Getaway From Montreal: Mont Tremblant Vs. Saint-Sauveur

Mont Tremblant Village is a quaint ski village in the Laurentians Quebec. It’s a ski village similar to Whistler in British Columbia, just a bit smaller though. No cars are allowed in the village itself, so you can walk around care free! Continue reading my guide to Mont Tremblant Village in the summer.

Saint-Sauveur is also a ski village, but it’s set up a bit differently. It’s more practical with large shopping outlets and restaurants. It’s a lot bigger than Mont Tremblant Village and offers a very different vibe for a weekend getaway from Montreal. Continue reading my in depth guide to Saint-Sauveur.

Which Village Is In A Better Location?

Mont Tremblant Village is about 30 minutes passed Saint-Sauveur. This makes Mont Tremblant a bit more of a hassle to get to. With this is mind, Saint Sauveur (only a 45 minute drive from Montreal) makes a really easy day trip from the city.

Mont Tremblant Village is around a 2 hour drive from Montreal (with typical traffic). This makes it a bit harder to do in one day, making it a better destination for a weekend getaway from Montreal.

At the end of the day, they’re very close to each other it really just depends how far you want to drive.

The Main Attractions: Ski Hills In The Winter

If you’re interested in visiting during the winter for the ski hills, it’s no comparison that Mont Tremblant is the bigger hill. No seriously, it’s HUGE! One of the main perks is that if you’re staying in the village itself, you don’t even have to leave.

You can walk right up to the chairlifts and ski right to your hotel (depending on where you’re staying of course)!

If you’re interested in variety though, I’d recommend going to Saint-Sauveur. There are a few ski hills that you can choose from in the area (all within a short drive from the town).

What About Each Village In The Summer?

Because I’m not a huge snowboarder anymore, I’ve been visiting each village in the summer lately and neither disappoints.

The ski hill at Mont Tremblant turns into a hiking trail, and a luge course, there’s also a beach you can go to. There’s a bike trail you can take from the village to the Petit Train du Nord. They also have some family friendly activities that they offer throughout the village. You can read more about visiting Mont Tremblant in the summer here.

Saint-Sauveur doesn’t disappoint in the summer either although a car will be necessary. Their water park opens up, you’re close to the Petit Train du Nord.

P.S. Find out more about the Petit Train du Nord bike path here. Essentially it’s throughout the entire Laurentians.

Who Has Better Restaurants?

The restaurant game is a big deal on vacation. You’re only options are restaurants, you’re not buying food and bringing it back to the hotel to make it there. Both ski villages offer a lot of options, but I find they’re not at the same caliber.

Weekend In Mont Tremblant: Could Have Better Restaurants…

The Mont Tremblant restaurant scene is just okay. Sure there are tons of options, but they aren’t necessarily good options. The best place to eat is Pizzeteria and Le Diable, and that’s pretty much where it ends. Maybe it’s because I’ve been there so many times that I’m over the mediocre restaurants that Tremblant has to offer.

There’s typically also a long wait where ever you go. You can’t make reservations anywhere, so you’re stuck waiting in line. Plus there’s a 15% resort fee at every restaurant on top of the tax…

I’d Come To Saint-Sauveur Just For The Restaurants!

Saint-Sauveur is the opposite. We’ve come here for the day to eat at some of these restaurants because they’re better than what we have in Montreal.

You might still have to wait at some of the smaller ones, but there will probably be somewhere else to go without a line. There are just more options to choose from, and maybe less people.

My favourites are Tonkinois, Piment Thai and Segnor.

Shopping In Tremblant Vs. Saint-Sauveur

Both ski villages also offer some shopping to do if you forget anything or have a bit extra time.
Saint-Sauveur wins the shopping scene hands down. You have two options in Saint Sauveur (although, once again, a car might be required).

There are the Saint-Sauveur outlets which have your larger store brands. But, rue Principale has smaller, and one of a kind local stores. So there’s a type of shopping for everyone.

Mont Tremblant is a much smaller village, so just doesn’t have as much space for stores. There are a few classics here like Roots, and they have small stores to pick up gear in case you forget anything. But, if you want some casual shopping you’re not going to get that in Tremblant. There’s only a handful and they can be quite expensive.

Which Is More Expensive?

I haven’t done a side by side budget for weekend getaway from Montreal for Tremblant or Saint-Sauveur. Just based on what I’ve seen, Mont Tremblant will be more expensive. Of course, you can find ways to make it cheaper than staying in Saint-Sauveur.

If you’re interested in staying in Mont Tremblant Village, that is the most expensive place to stay in Tremblant. You have hotels like the Fairmont and Quintenssence (you won’t find that calliber hotel in Saint-Sauvuer). But, you can stay outside the village for MUCH less, or even book an Airbnb for the family!

Saint-Sauveur doesn’t have that level of hotels. And! The food will be at least 15% cheaper in Saint-Sauveur because you don’t have that extra resort fee. I do think the prices in Tremblant are hyped up also even more than the 15% just because you’re in Tremblant. You also won’t find any reasonably priced shopping stores in the village.

If you did want to get groceries, Saint-Sauveur has Super C, Maxi, and IGA whereas Mont Tremblant you’re stuck with a small overpriced General Store. If you did want groceries, you’ll have to drive about 15 minutes out of the Village.

Hotel Recommendations in Mont Tremblant

I stayed at several hotels in Mont Tremblant and would recommend them all.

For a budget friendly option in the Village, stay at the Homewood Suites. The location is at the top of the hill and breakfast is included! Some rooms will even come with a kitchenette. See room rates & availability.

If you want cottage vibes, book the Le Manoir Condos. You get a fully equipped condo for you and your family to stay in. It isn’t in the Village (but not too far) so perfect if you want a quieter more relaxed stay. See room rates & availability.

For a luxury stay, book the Fairmont Mont Tremblant. You’ll really feel pampered here! I love their relaxing pool that looks out onto the village. See room rates & availability.

If I could afford it though, nothing beats the Quintessence for a once in a life time weekend getaway from Montreal. This is perfect for that special occasion! See room rates and availability.

For other accommodation options, read my full post on hotels in Tremblant here, or see more hotels on Booking.com click here...

Hotel Recommendations in Saint-Sauveur

As I tend to go to Saint-Sauveur for the day, I’ve only ever stayed at the Manoir Saint-Sauveur. It offers the full package for a relaxing weekend away from Montreal. See room rates and availability

For other accommodation options, click here...‘

Which Is Better – Mont Tremblant Vs. Saint-Sauveur?

At the end of the day, the ski village that’s better for your weekend getaway from Montreal depends on the type of vacation you want.

If you’re looking to not have to use your car, then hands down Mont Tremblant Village is the one for you. I like the fact that you don’t have to leave Mont Tremblant Village, you can park your car and leave it for the weekend. Everything you need is in the Village itself but it will cost you a bit more for the convenience factor! But if you’re looking for an epic ski hill and cuteness factor for vibrant photo ops then Mont Tremblant is the Laurentian village for you.

But, I do think the restaurants and shopping are SO MUCH better in Saint-Sauveur. It isn’t even close. The worst part about Tremblant is that you get bored of the restaurants so quickly. And you can’t shop anywhere.

So, if you’re willing to use your car while you’re away I’d recommend Saint-Sauveur. Remember, you can also drive to Mont Tremblant for the day of skiing or just to see the Village, it’s only a 30 minute drive.

Related Posts

• The Ultimate Guide To Mont Tremblant Village in the Summer
• Guide To Saint-Sauveur From Montreal: The Ultimate Weekend Getaway
• The Ultimate Guide To Easy Bike Paths Around Montreal
• What To Wear In Montreal In Winter [Tips From A Local]