This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
It’s not because the cold season is here that we should give up on discoveries linked to our terroir. There is also no shortage of opportunities to enjoy the joys of winter, while supporting our agricultural producers who never hibernate!
Winter means short, sometimes freezing days and, often, more time spent at home. But it is also a particularly magical season to embrace the Nordic nature of our territory by living extraordinary experiences. With its free or paid activities, agrotourism is an opportunity to create new traditions as a couple, between friends or family.
Here are some ideas for exotic destinations less than two hours from Montreal. Amazement guaranteed!
1. Ice Trail on a Honey Farm
Put on your skates! The 15-kilometer ice of the Domaine de la Forêt perdu, in Mauricie, offers a magical setting in the heart of the protected agricultural territory. Visitors can skate freely there, through trees and animals of all kinds. It’s perfect for getting a breath of fresh air while not being too far from the city!
The entry ticket also includes a local product in tasting format. You will be able to taste the honey from the small family business, sold on site.
Domain of the Lost Forest, Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel
2. Discovery trail among the bison
At La Terre des bisons, nature lovers enjoy an outdoor outing, while learning about these large woolly-haired bovids, of which only a few wild herds remain. Farmed game takes the spotlight at the interpretation center, which has several exhibition rooms. Then, we put on our snowshoes and venture onto a network of trails that border the enclosures.
At the store, we stock up on bison or elk meat. We particularly appreciate the different kinds of sausages, tourtières and pâtés, not forgetting the tartin, a bison spread that is very popular with visitors.
Bison Land, Rawdon
3. Forest meal in nature
Val Notre-Dame Abbey offers different gourmet activities throughout the year. For a romantic Valentine’s Day, you will have the choice between a culinary workshop among the trees during which you will learn the basics of cooking over a wood fire (followed by a meal in the yurt) and a 100% romantic dinner. forest. On the menu: cocktail and four-course table d’hôte, including a spruce and Radoune gin and tonic, soup, main course and dessert.
Arrive a little early and browse the monastery shop, which is full of local products, some of which are made by the monks themselves. And if you miss Valentine’s Day dinner, no problem: watch their calendar for other winter activities, including forest barbecues.
Val Notre-Dame Abbey, Saint-Jean-de-Matha
4. Frozen apple picking
After being suspended during the pandemic, frozen apple picking is back this year for a twentieth season at Domaine Lafrance, in the Basses-Laurentides. The concept ? Help harvest the fruit that will be used to prepare the next Special Cuvée. A free activity, which takes place during the last two weekends of January, and which will delight young and old alike.
By reservation, Éric Lafrance, grandson of the founder, introduces visitors to ice cider. You will be able to learn more about the methods of manufacturing this elixir, and taste different pairings created on site.
Apart from this collection, the walking and snowshoe trails are accessible free of charge during opening hours. It’s a great outing to do as a family, according to Émilie Patry, communications and marketing manager. “We created outdoor activities to bring people closer to agriculture,” she says. Those who want to have new experiences, families who want to enjoy the joys of winter and do a free activity with the children or people who love the outdoors will find what they are looking for. »
Domaine Lafrance, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac
5. Alpacatherapy session on the farm
Walk in the forest with an alpaca? Located in Mont-Saint-Hilaire, Domaine Poissant welcomes visitors day and evening, summer and winter. It’s the perfect activity for households who want an immersive and soothing experience, even more magical under the snowflakes. “During the cold season, we welcome families looking for memorable adventures, couples wanting to share romantic moments in the heart of nature, as well as grandparents accompanied by their grandchildren for a unique intergenerational experience,” indicates the owner, Natacha Gagné.
Extend your visit by stopping at the boutique, where you will find stockings, tuques and scarves made from wool produced on site.
Alpacas from Domaine Poissant, Mont-Saint-Hilaire
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.