Want to introduce your little ones to hiking? Great idea! With a bit of planning, even a short trail can turn into a big adventure.
Keep in mind: it’s not about how far you go, but how much fun you have together. By planning a simple, positive hike that matches their pace, your kids will naturally start to love the outdoors — and so will you.
Here are our top tried-and-true tips to make sure that first outing leaves them asking for more.
1. Get them involved from the start
The fun begins long before you hit the trail!
- Let them choose their small backpack, water bottle, and a fun snack.
- Show them the trail map and explain where you’re going — they’ll love spotting landmarks along the way.
- Frame the outing as a “nature mission”: to observe, climb, snack, and explore!
Tremblant tip: Download the Les Ruisseaux trail coloring map (below) to get them excited from home.
2. Pick the right trail for their age
Choosing a route that suits their abilities builds confidence and avoids frustration.
- Ages 0–2: Baby carrier or all-terrain stroller — they’ll enjoy the sights snuggled in.
- Ages 2–4: Short, gentle sections on foot with a backup carrier just in case.
- Age 5+: Easy trails of 1–2 hours, with fun breaks along the way.
Suggested trails at Tremblant:
- Les Ruisseaux — flat, shaded, with little bridges and streams
- 360 Trail — at the summit via gondola, 2.5 km loop with amazing lookouts
3. Make the hike playful
Hiking with kids is really just playing… on a trail.
- Break it up into mini goals (“let’s walk to that twisted tree”) and give a small reward at each stop: dried fruit, a sticker, or a silly riddle.
- Bring a special trail snack for the summit and tell them ahead of time about the victory photo moment!
Try nature challenges like:
- Spot a funny-shaped rock
- Hear a bird you can’t see
- Touch three different natural textures
4. Choose the right time… and a great follow-up!
- Mornings are best — energy is high after a good breakfast.
- A great post-hike activity keeps the good vibes going: water play, a favorite treat, or a lakeside picnic.
Tremblant post-hike favorites:
- Splash pad at the base of the slopes
- Playground nearby
- Ice cream on Place Saint-Bernard
- Family-friendly water activities
5. Smart prep = more fun
Even though Tremblant trails are well-marked, patrolled, and offer services like fountains, shops, and restrooms at the base and summit, a well-packed day bag is still your best friend to avoid mid-hike “I’m cold!” or “I’m hungry!”
Bring:
- Weather-appropriate layers (the summit is often cooler)
- A small first aid kit
- Plenty of snacks and water
- And if you can: bring a friend or cousin! It’s three times more fun.
In short, an ideal kid-friendly day at Tremblant looks like:
- A snack break at the summit with a proud victory photo
- Back down for a family picnic
- An afternoon at the beach, splash pad or playground
- An ice cream or lemonade to top it all off
