We came out the other end no worse for wear; at least I was feeling fresh and ready for the long drive back to Montreal's

Catherine had walked much of the way, and fortunately for me had the ideal vantage point to take the majority of photos when out on the trail. (Photo: Catherine Lemieux, Land Rover Canada)

Trudeau airport. Catherine had walked much of the way, and fortunately for me had the ideal vantage point to take the majority of photos when out on the trail. She does this for most of the participants, an appreciated service I'm sure.

Paved roads are always especially smooth after a day off-road, making even Quebec's frost-heaved highway system seem like a dream come true. The LR3 makes up for road imperfections with a firm but sympathetic suspension setup, and manages high speed sections as well as tighter curves with uncanny

Another reason why the LR3 does so well on and off-road is its unique Integrated Body-frame architecture. (Photo: Catherine Lemieux, Land Rover Canada)

stability. I suppose the low centre of gravity and electronically controlled air suspension combination that aids the SUV when scaling mountain passes also benefits high-speed agility, which is one of those rare "have your cake and eat it too" situations.

Another reason why the LR3 does so well on and off-road is its unique Integrated Body-frame architecture, which in regular language means Land Rover has sandwiched a traditional truck frame inside a car-like monocoque unibody, again for a best of both worlds scenario.