Parc Linéaire Le P'tit Train du Nord facts for kids
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The Parc Linéaire Le P'tit Train du Nord is a super long path in Quebec, Canada. It's called a "rail trail" because it used to be a railway line! Today, it's a popular place for people to bike, hike, and even cross-country ski. This amazing trail stretches through the beautiful Rivière du Nord valley.
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What is the P'tit Train du Nord?
The P'tit Train du Nord is a special kind of park. It's a "linear park," which means it's long and narrow, following the path of an old train track. It's designed for many different activities, making it a "multi-use" trail.
From Railway to Recreation
This trail wasn't always for fun activities. It started as a railway line built in the 1890s by the Canadian Pacific Railway company. For many years, trains used this track. However, not many passengers used this particular line. Because of this, it wasn't making enough money.
In the 1990s, the railway line was taken apart, or "dismantled." This made space for the new recreational trail we see today. A small part of the original railway, between Montréal and Saint-Jérôme, is still used by trains as the Saint-Jérôme line. The old train line even inspired a famous song called "Le train du nord" by Felix Leclerc!
Exploring the Trail
The P'tit Train du Nord is about 200 kilometers (124 miles) long. It connects the towns of Saint-Jérôme and Mont-Laurier. Along this long path, you can enjoy many outdoor activities. It's perfect for:
- Biking
- Cross-country skiing
- Hiking
Why is it Important?
This linear park is very important for the Laurentian region of Quebec. It helps local people by giving them a great place for exercise and fun. It also brings many tourists to the area. When tourists visit, they spend money in local shops and restaurants. This helps the economy of the region. So, the P'tit Train du Nord is both a fun place to visit and a big help for the community!
