Mont-Tremblant has always been a first class destination for the inter-national elite.  Heads of state, affluent businessmen and politicians were already under the spell of our region at the end of the 19th century.

It is on the shore of Lac Mercier that Honoré Mercier, lawyer, journalist and politician, erected his residence.  Domaine Honoré Mercier, overlooked beautiful Lac Mercier and exemplified the best in refined country architecture.  Some claim that Honoré Mercier being a friend of Curé Labelle, “le P’tit train du nord” would make a stop before the Lac Mercier station, to spare him the walk to his domain!  The house still stands but we cannot confirm that it is the original structure. 

Built by an extremely wealthy entrepreneur, the Domaine Dufferin was inspired by the owner’s passion for horses.  The best local craftsmen built this spectacular property, which included a stable, a luxurious club house, an art-deco swimming pool covered by an English inspired glass house and some magnificent gardens.  The guest book mentions several politicians, heads of states, members of the clergy, ambassadors and artists.

Domaine McEwan on lac Ouimet was built by a Scottish family.  She was a passionate gardener and he was a medical doctor with the Canadian Naval Forces in Halifax.  This remarkable property featured a genuine botanical garden, a small log chalet and an old farm used by the chauffeur.  The house still exists as well as the quaint small cemetery in the adjoining forest.

Other expansive domains were built by religious orders. Domaine Killarney, established by father O’Reilly, included a stone chapel, an icehouse and several buildings.  This Franciscan property, which once dominated Lac Desmarais is now the site of one of the most sought after communities in Tremblant, popular with world famous celebrities.

Joe and Mary Ryan, the founders of the Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort, have had a major influence on the local architecture.  The Philadelphia millionaire and his wife’s flair for the extravagant is a showcase of the traditional “québecois’ architecture with its mansard roofs and casement bolt windows with colorful shutters and it has inspired many homebuilders.

The Ryan colony on the shore of Lac Tremblant included a series of majestic residences such as the McClaggett villa.  Modern at the time, it nonetheless displayed a remarkable “French-Canadian” heritage.  This site is now the home of the five star Quintessence Hotel.

The legend goes on and more dreams take form on our lakes and rivers. People still come from all over the world, as they did at the end of the last century, to build memorable family retreats.

Written by: Pascal De Bellefeuille, SOPABIC, Mont Tremblant Historical Society