This text is part of the special book Plaisirs
Think you don’t like winter? Escape the city and go to one of these regions sublimated by snow and ice. You will be amazed!
You may be afraid of winter. If you spend it every year in town, that can be understood! But as soon as you reach the forests and the countryside, its powerful magnetism is revealed naturally. The best way to fall under the spell is to take a cross-country ski trail or snowshoe undergrowth, to unfold kilometers of trails in front of you in fatbike or to explore a vast territory by dog sled. Along the way, it is all the beauty of winter that dazzles: its sparkling light, its padded conifers, its contrasting reliefs and its frosted waterfalls that tumble down the mountainside. Here are three regional destinations where you can spend your next vacation and learn to love winter again.
On the North Shore, the 5-star farm
People come here to immerse themselves in the magnetic landscapes of the Saguenay Fjord and for the wide variety of activities that can be practiced on site. In terms of accommodation, there is a range of options to suit all tastes and budgets: chalets, family apartments, studios and rooms. On the Domaine de la Ferme 5 étoiles, which extends to the fjord, you can practice ice fishing and snowshoeing on 17 km of trails (guided outings are also on the menu). We learn to dog sledding, and the more daring can opt for the half-day package to explore the surrounding territory. Snowmobilers have access to the farm, but their playground is outside the outdoor perimeter. Farm obliges, families will like to feed the animals in the morning – moose, lynx, bison, wolf – some of which are rescued rescued. Nearby, head to Parc national du Fjord-du-Saguenay for a great day of snowshoeing or Nordic skiing in the La Baie-Éternité and L’Anse-de-Tabatière sectors.
Practical information: La Ferme 5 étoiles offers packages of two nights and two activities, offered with breakfast and dinner. Most chalets include a kitchen.
In Témiscamingue, the Auberge Camp du trappeur
This hidden treasure is nestled in a region that is just as hidden. Témiscamingue has a bewitching rural charm, and visitors are sure to enjoy a faultless welcome. Le Camp du trappeur, in Fugèreville, is above all the project of a lifetime, that of Joël Payette, who transformed a small chalet into this inn with a chic rustic decor after 22 years of work and passion. Today, it welcomes nature lovers in its six superb double occupancy rooms. Winter packages are offered, with dinner and breakfast included. On the outdoor side, there is plenty of fun nearby in magnificent rural landscapes, including cross-country ski trails and ideal terrain for snowshoeing, as well as an ice rink on Lac Argentier. From the estate, there is access to the Récré-eau des Quinze trails, a 25 km network that runs along the watershed and is dotted with panoramic lookouts. The region is also rich in agrotourism stages.
Practical information: The Auberge Camp du trappeur can be rented as a group for a minimum of three nights (with or without meals at the country table).
The Coop de l’arrière-pays, in Témiscamingue, offers the rental of specialized equipment for the winter: Nordic skis, expedition tents, stoves, sleeping bags, fat bikes.
In Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, Imago village
Those who have already had the experience of spending the night in one of the Imago village yurts know it: it is a privilege to immerse yourself in such a grandiose landscape in comfortable accommodation (mini kitchen included). Each of the five yurts can be reserved in winter, as well as a novelty: spherical dwellings (for two to four people), all at the forefront of Monts Valin, particularly magnificent under the abundant snow. From the site, you can go snowshoeing or fat bike to the alpine village sector thanks to a partnership concluded between Imago village and the municipality of Saint-David-de-Falardeau. Nearby, head for Parc national des Monts-Valin and its incredible terrain to explore on snowshoes (77 km of trails), cross-country skiing, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing. fat bike. A must: access the famous Vallée des Fantômes (to see its conifers mummified by snow) by boarding the Fantôme-Express shuttle from the Discovery and Visitors Centre. Le Valinouët ski resort, and its 100% natural snow cover, is nearby.
Practical information: It is possible to have breakfast served in the yurt. New this year: a bistro dinner.
This special content was produced by the Special Publications team of the To have to, pertaining to marketing. The drafting of To have to did not take part.