If you are looking for a dose of change of scenery and nature, one of your options is to book a stay in an intimate “pod” in the forest.
Ideal for romantic getaways, these mini-dwellings in the shape of an ogive are reminiscent of Hobbit or fairy houses. Some offer the comfort of a chalet, while others are more in the ready-to-camp category.
The following places offer their pods even in winter.
1. TO THE GREEN DEVIL, SUTTON
Eastern Townships
At the edge of the forest, in the heights of Sutton, the nine small ecological pods of Le Diable Vert are particularly inviting. Inside: bed for two, wood stove, counter, table and chairs, but nothing for cooking (you have to bring your own equipment). Dry toilet nearby; sanitary block (with sauna) at the entrance to the domain. On site: 14 km of hiking or snowshoeing trails, visit to the Highland cow farm and more.
- 4 seasons
- 1 or 2 people (there are also 4 pods for families)
- From $ 79 per night for 1 person or $ 99 for 2 people
- Info: audiablevert.com
2. SOUTH MASSIF REGIONAL PARK, SAINT-PHILÉMON
Chaudière-Appalaches
This beautiful national park, which offers 71 km of hiking trails, hides five ready-to-camp pods. They include: cooking equipment, a large water container, one or more “double” beds, a futon bed, an indoor electric fireplace and an outdoor wood-burning fireplace (summer only). A sanitary block (heated) is nearby.
- 4 seasons
- Up to 6 people (in some pods)
- From $ 109 per night
- Info: massifdusud.com
3. NATUR’EAU SPA & ACCOMMODATION, MANDEVILLE
Lanaudiere
A day at the spa followed by a night of glamping in a pod? This is possible at Spa and Chalet Natur’eau, which has two of these small accommodations with pointed roofs. They are fully equipped (lounge area, kitchen area, bathroom, bedroom with double bed and futon), but without Wi-Fi to allow a real disconnection stay.
- 4 seasons
- Up to 4 people
- From $ 215 per night for 2 people
- Info: natureau.com
4. MOUNT EXPERIENCE HEREFORD, EAST HEREFORD
Eastern Townships
Two of Mont Experience Hereford’s pods are available even in winter: the Goose Neck and the Hereford. They include: bedroom with double bed, futon, basic kitchen, full bathroom and electric fireplace. Perfect little cocoons to warm up after a day of off-piste skiing or snowshoeing on the mountain.
- 4 seasons (but closed from October 11 to December 15, 2021)
- Up to 4 people (2 adults and 2 children)
- From $ 139 per night
- Info: hebergementmonthereford.com
5. BETWEEN CIMES AND ROOTS, BOLTON-EST
Eastern Townships
Named the Hobbit, this lodge is not a “classic” pod, but it certainly has something to pique your curiosity with its green roof and its Lord of the Rings look! The interior is stone, open concept, and includes a dining room, kitchenette and bedroom with two bunk beds.
- 4 seasons
- Up to 4 people
- From $ 185 per night
- Info: entrecimesetracines.com
6. BATISCAN RIVER PARK, SAINT-NARCISSE
Mauricie
If you book this park’s pod you will have a rustic glamping experience. The mini-refuge is located near the river, 1 km walk or snowshoe from the parking lot. You will have neither electricity nor running water and, in winter, the sanitary block will not be accessible to you (you will have access to a dry toilet). On the other hand, it will be very cozy inside, since you will find a wood stove, cooking facilities, a dining area and two double beds.
- 4 seasons
- Up to 4 adults (or 2 adults and 3 children maximum)
- From $ 99 per night
- Info: parcbatiscan.ca
7. CAMPING AVENTURE MÉGANTIC, FRONTENAC
Eastern Townships
In addition to its tent and RV sites, this large campground has 11 ready-to-camp sites, including a few pods. Some of them, megapods, are offered even in winter. They include 2 double beds and a sofa bed, an equipped kitchenette, a toilet and a sink. On site: ice skating trail in the forest, tube sliding and snowshoe trails.
- 4 seasons (for megapods)
- Up to 6 people
- From $ 180 per night
- Info: campingaventuremegantic.com