SUMMERTIME PARADISE AT MONT-SAINTE-ANNE

Mont-Sainte-Anne is mountain biking heaven. All levels of riders can take to their trails of choice. Of the 14 downhill trails four are rated extreme, three are very difficult, six are marked difficult and one is easy. Approximately half of the cross-country trails are very difficult, one-quarter are difficult and the rest are either

For the novices, the pace is as invigorating as the trail is scenic, with the Laurentians to the north and the St. Laurence River to the south. I did myself proud completing the entire ride without any mishaps, but with lots of fond memories. My partner did not fare as well and shortly after take-off a spill landed her at the first aid station, but she did enjoy teenage conversation en francais with the attendant.

Mont-Sainte-Anne is the premier location for the sport in Eastern Canada, and since the inception of the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup in 1991, the resort became its venue, except in 1998 when it hosted the UCI World Championships.

Plans are already underway for this year's triple Tissot/UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Final (August 22-26) with downhill, dual and cross-country events on the schedule at Mont-Sainte-Anne.

Nature's generosity at Le Grand Vallon golf course makes every round of golf unforgettable. Bordered by the towering mountain and meandering farmland, the 18-hole, par 72 course, allows every player to perfect their technique and enjoy the surrounding landscape in tandem.

The 6,274-yard course caters to the discriminating golfer with its impeccable fairways, wide open mid-course, four lakes, 40 pristine white sand trap and challenging water hazards on five holes.

A special feature at Le Grand Vallon is the exclusive services of golf valets who greet golfers and load their golf carts for driving range practice, lessons with pro Steve Careau, or getting a round or two underway.

Celebrate the best shots and debate the others over a delectable meal or drinks on the terrace at L'Anecdote, the restaurant overlooking the 18th hole. By the time your day is over the clubs would be gleaming and ready for the next game, courtesy of the clubhouse attendants.

One of the most delightful memories of Mont-Sainte-Anne is watching the panorama unfold as the gondola slowly glides upwards or downwards, spotlighting the mighty St. Lawrence River, Orleans Island and the picturesque mountain.

Take an exhilarating walk along Chemin des belvederes scenic path around the summit, and check the interpretation stations for information about the islands on the St. Lawrence, the mountains and surrounding nature. A horse-drawn carriage ride along the Alpine-like countryside stops at La Crete lodge and restaurant, where you can linger awhile on the terrace and enjoy light snacks as well as terrific views.

The Chemin des chutes path at the base of the mountain leads to the Jean-Larose waterfalls, which involves climbing 400 stairs to get up and back down.
Serious mountain hikers traverse the alpine ski trails La Familaie, L'Express and La Crete from the base to the summit or vice versa. Trailblazers will find La Gondoleuse trail quite steep as it goes straight up the southern face of the mountain. Long distance hikers can enjoy the challenge of the 12-kilometer Liberiste trail that runs from the base to the summit, criss-crossing the forest around the mountain from the south to the west.

Mont-Sainte-Anne, a great place in Quebec to discover summer and the great outdoors.