This Hidden Lake 1.5 Hours From Montreal Is Ideal When You Need A Break From Humans

It's called Lac J'En-Peux-Plus aka "I can't take it anymore."

Senior Writer

After months of confinement, easing back into society may be a lot for you to handle. If you need a break, Lac J'En-Peux-Plus is an idyllic little body of water less than two hours from Montreal — and it lives up to its name, which translates to, "I can't take it anymore" or "I've had it."

Legend has it that Lac J'En-Peux-Plus got its name when a lumberjack, out of breath, wanted to reach this lake and cried out, "J'en peux plus," at least according to the official government website.

To get to this hidden spot, you'll have to drive to the municipality of Montcalm in the Laurentians.

Since the lake is elevated — around 440 metres above sea level, you'll then have to trek 30 minutes through a forest and up a hill to get there.

Some people go there to fish while others want to walk in nature. Either way, it's remote enough to escape the world for just a little while.

Lac J'en-Peux-Plus

Address: At the end of Chemin des Lilas, Lac-Aubin, QC

Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.

  • Ilana Belfer
  • Editor

    Ilana Belfer (she/her) was an editor for MTL Blog. She's obsessed with great storytelling in all its forms having worked in print, radio, television, theatre, and digital media over the past decade. A graduate of Carleton University’s journalism program, her words have appeared in The Globe and Mail, the Toronto Star, The Kit, VICE, Salon, Foodism TO & more — covering everything from cam girls to COVID-19. Ilana can usually be found with her dog André, tracking down Montreal’s prettiest ruelles vertes and tastiest treats.

Montreal has already recorded nearly 1,000 break-ins in 2026 — Here's where they're happening

Some neighbourhoods are being hit considerably harder than others.

A Quebec-linked murder suspect is the only woman on Canada's most-wanted list

Police are urging anyone who spots her not to approach.

These are the unwritten rules of living in Montreal, according to locals

"10°C in March is warm. 10°C in August is cold."

Conservatives just introduced a bill that would change self-defence laws during break-ins

The party is calling for a "stand your ground" style law in Canada.