I was already familiar with the Chutes Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles Regional Park for its trails and breathtaking views. This time, I wanted to experience it in a different way. Even though I’m afraid of heights, I agreed to try out the new giant zip line. It’s a decision I haven’t regretted for a second.
I’ve been hiking in the Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles Regional Park for years, with my dogs, with friends, and now with my family, including my two children. It’s an accessible park that I love to share with my loved ones.
So I was especially excited when I heard that the park was adding a giant 700-meter zip line. In my opinion, it’s one of the best new attractions to check out in Lanaudière this summer. I just had to go try it out.
A Different Way to Explore the Park
When we arrived, the staff welcomed us and handed out our gear: a helmet and a harness. Laurie took the time to explain how the activity would work, go over the safety instructions with the group, and answer all our questions. After a few adjustments, we were ready for the ride.
The ride starts from a brand-new observation tower. The first level houses the zip line launch platform, but I recommend heading all the way to the top before you set off. The observation deck offers a magnificent view of the L’Assomption River valley and gives you a sense of the landscape’s vastness… even before you leave the ground.
A descent… and breathtaking scenery
The first few seconds definitely give you an adrenaline rush, but very quickly, the scenery takes center stage. Hanging above the river, I discovered the impressive waterfalls from a completely different angle. It’s a view you simply can’t get by hiking the trails. In fact, as I left the platform, I shouted to my friends behind me, “It’s not that bad after all!” A phrase that sums up the experience pretty well.
By the way, there’s also a rather amusing detail: the zip line doesn’t just cross the river. It also connects two municipalities, two MRCs, and even two electoral districts! It’s not every day you can say you’ve crossed into another municipality… on a zip line.
A few moments later, the descent is already over… but the visit is far from over. Once you reach the other side, the adventure continues with a roughly 30-minute walk back to the Sainte-Mélanie visitor center. This walk back is part of the experience. The trail passes several overlooks of the falls, giving you a chance to take in the scenery after the ride.
I also really appreciated a small detail that makes all the difference. The park has installed a new system that lets you haul helmets and harnesses back up using the zipline cable. The result: there’s no need to rush to return your gear to the reception desk. You can take your time, stop at the lookout points… or even bring a lunch in a small backpack and have an impromptu picnic near the falls, near the Saint-Jean-de-Matha entrance. It’s a wonderful way to extend the experience before heading back onto the trail.
A park that continues to reinvent itself
The zip line isn’t just a new activity; above all, it’s part of a broader vision. The Chutes Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles Regional Park continues to expand its offerings to encourage visitors to experience the park in new ways.
This is particularly true of the river tubing, a summer activity that lets you drift along with the current of the L’Assomption River. I didn’t get a chance to try it this time, but I immediately thought to myself that it would be an excellent reason to come back.
I love this new approach to the park experience. The trails remain at the heart of the visit, but they’re now complemented by activities that make you want to slow down, extend your day, and discover the site from a different perspective. You’re no longer just passing through, you’re taking the time to enjoy it.
Finally, while chatting with the team, I also learned that the Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles Regional Park has even more wonderful surprises in store for us in the coming years. If the recent additions are any indication of what’s to come, I’m already really looking forward to seeing what’s next!
What You Need to Know Before Taking the Zip Line
- Minimum age: 8 years old
- Weight requirement: between 29.5 kg (65 lb) and 109 kg (240 lb).
- Reservations: online up to 24 hours before the activity or directly at the Sainte-Mélanie reception desk, subject to availability.
- The zipline ticket is sold in addition to the park admission fee.
- Travel light! Personal belongings must be left in your vehicle or stored securely (waist bag, zippered pockets, or a small 20–30 L backpack). Closed-toe shoes are required (Crocs and closed-toe sandals are not permitted).
- After the ride, plan on a roughly 30-minute walk back to the Sainte-Mélanie visitor center. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
- Before you go, check the park’s website for schedules, prices, and availability.
