This text is part of the special Plaisirs booklet
Here we are: that time of year when it is sometimes difficult to designate the season. The best autumn has to offer, its colors and its first cool days, is behind us. Winter, its white carpet and its blushing outdoor activities have not yet settled. What to do in this interval to get away from everyday life, to recharge the batteries a little before the holidays? Some ideas and suggestions in this period when several establishments are often less busy.
Manon Lefebvre, Marketing Director of Tourisme Laurentides, strongly believes in the potential of the inter-season that this pre-Christmas period presents. “You can plan a getaway anytime,” she says without hesitation. November and early December [sont des moments parfaits] for the cocooning and indoor activities, but also for the outdoors. Our region is undoubtedly a vacation destination that offers activities throughout the year. “
Same story with Tourisme Cantons-de-l’Est, according to which the regions of Quebec can be visited without hesitation over four seasons: “Several attractions are open year round and our members compete in imagination each season to offer new products across the country, describes spokesperson Lysandre M-Verreault. Outdoor enthusiasts, epicureans, culture enthusiasts and those who wish to treat themselves to a moment of relaxation in the spa or in a warm inn are not left out in the Eastern Townships. “
A stop at the spa
Hot and cold baths, dry or steam sauna, pools and waterfalls, the Nordic experience with its thermal circuits does not only have to be lived with your feet in the snow and the tip of your nose frozen. With spas all over the province, a little zen before the holiday marathon allows you to put your body and soul on pause without having to go too far. This time of year is the perfect time to recharge your batteries and take advantage of the many packages and deals offered by inns, hotels and spas to attract customers during this usually quieter time.
The Eastman Spa, the oldest in Canada, offers a complete experience with stay, invigorating cuisine, treatments, exercise sessions and conferences. A particularly welcome all-inclusive in this gray period.
In the village of Old Chelsea, in the Outaouais, on the outskirts of Gatineau Park, the Nordik Spa-Nature is positioned as the largest spa in North America. This relaxation center offers among other things 10 outdoor baths, 9 saunas, 4 restaurants, a panoramic swimming pool, a floating saltwater pool and various pavilions in nature.
Why not take advantage of a stay at the spa to relax even more, with a yoga session? In the heart of nature, the Ofuro spa, in Morin-Heights in the Laurentians, offers thermal experiences, several types of massages as well as an accommodation offer, as well as yoga sessions.
Skiing, waiting for the (real) snow
Skiers and snowboarders are impatient to see the mercury drop and beg the sky to drop some snowflakes so that the ski lifts and snow cannons can be activated. Some mountains of Quebec have already started to welcome athletes, as is the case north of the metropolis among others for the Sommet Saint-Sauveur, open since November 19, as well as the Ski Chantecler station, which was to inaugurate the season this weekend. The zone.ski website allows you to follow the opening dates and news of several stations in Quebec.
Although a stop at the Laurentian Ski Museum in the municipality of Saint-Sauveur certainly does not replace a good slalom, the visit allows you to see from another angle the sport which has largely contributed, on the social, economic and tourist levels. and even cultural, to the development of the Laurentians.
Culture broth
Theater, dance, music … the cultural re-entry at the beginning of autumn confirmed that local artists and creators have a lot to say, in this unique period, when theaters are starting to welcome visitors again. . Now is the perfect time to browse the performing arts calendar. And while planning an outing, why not take the opportunity to visit a venue outside the metropolis? The Palais Montcalm in Quebec will open on the 1ster December its new room Chez Madame Belley, a distribution space devoted mainly to emerging artists.
Culinary pleasures
No need to believe in Santa Claus to hope to be spoiled in turn. Treat yourself to a moment of discovery at the table will suddenly make you forget the grayness, the cold and the too short days. Brunch rather than the traditional dinner at the restaurant is also a great option. In Saint-Joseph-du-Lac, La Bullerie, renowned for its picnics among the vines and its natural wine tastings, offers an authentic lunch-dinner experience where the products of the region are highlighted by the know-how by chef Roberto Pietrollino.
And before leaving, regardless of your choice, it is recommended that you consult the latest updates concerning the health measures put in place by the Quebec government. Certain activities or visits require a reservation.