Floating accommodations | A studio on the water in Abitibi

(Preissac, Abitibi) Since the summer of 2023, four floating accommodations have appeared on the banks of the immense Preissac Lake, in the heart of Abitibi.

Sonia Houle and Raphaël Landry, two local entrepreneurs, are behind the arrival of these cabins where you can sleep lulled by the sound of lapping water. The name of their company, Audacieuses Évasions, is intended to reflect what they want to offer travelers.

“Raphaël and I have always been interested in slightly unusual architecture, and in alternative and unusual accommodation,” says Sonia Houle. The audacity therefore lies in this desire to offer places to stay that stand out. Hence the idea of ​​floating chalets, which will be followed by land-based accommodation with astonishing shapes. There is no shortage of ideas, assures the co-founder.

“Next summer, we are thinking of offering a rolling chalet that will be moved as needed. Our plan is to add a new accommodation each year,” adds this former elementary school teacher.

The duo also offers customers unusual boats to explore the 73 km^⁠2 of the lake, such as floating electric scooters or water bikes. Stand-up paddleboards and kayaks complete the fleet. Next year, decked pedal boats and boards equipped with kites will be added.

As for the term “escapes” that completes the name of the company, its meaning is obvious to anyone who drops off their luggage in one of the four units. Because a night on Lake Preissac is an experience like no other.

After the rain, the stars

This is what we discovered during a night in the Microvasion, the second smallest chalet owned by Audacieuses Évasions. This former fishing cabin transformed into a small floating nest was moored not far from an island. When Raphaël and Sonia dropped us off at the chalet in the motor barge, the lake was covered in ripples, formed by the storm wind that was blowing. The spectacle promised to be noisy.

And it was. For a good half hour, lightning streaked across the darkened sky, accompanied by the rolling of thunder. It was nice to be dry in the chalet, watching the rain beat down on the skylight installed above the bed…

By the middle of the night, however, the storm clouds had given way to a completely starry sky, the likes of which are no longer seen in latitudes more affected by light pollution.

And the next morning, it was the song of two courting loons that woke us from bed. A little mist floated over the lake, which had become calm again.

In short, our little shelter on the water allowed us to have a front row seat to witness the ever-changing spectacle of nature.

This perfect lookout post was not devoid of comfort. On the contrary. Our little chalet was equipped with a freestanding toilet and a shower, as well as a sink for cleaning dishes. It was also fully equipped for preparing meals: small propane BBQ, cooler, plates, utensils…

Better still, the bed was equipped with a NeuroSpa system that emits gentle vibration waves supposed to bring relaxation to those who cannot switch off in this setting of pure beauty.

In short, our modestly sized Microvasion was perfect for accommodating two adults and a dog for one or two nights. Any more than that and we would have felt cramped. However, Audacieuses Évasions has two new, larger studios, launched just a few months ago. Designed in Trois-Rivières, these studios are eye-catching with their very clean lines and modern layout. They can accommodate up to eight people and are equipped with a private spa and an outdoor fireplace.

The company also offers land camping packages where all necessary equipment is provided. Including the paddle board to access the site.

Beauty all year round

While summer remains a busy time for the owners of Audacieuses Évasions, they don’t limit their offering to the summer months. The chalets and studios can accommodate guests all year round. In the fall, the spectacle of colors must be splendid. And when Lake Preissac is frozen, guests swap their water bikes for snowshoes.

“The smaller chalets are heated by solar energy, with a wood or electric backup heater. The studios are heated by electricity and propane heating is added to combat the extreme cold of Abitibi.” And the spas? “They are open even in winter.”

“The clients who come to us want peace,” says Sonia Houle. “They want to be able to disconnect and reconnect with nature. Here, you don’t hear any cars passing by, and boats are rare in the bay. You really feel like you’re alone in the world.”

Price: between $95 and $500 per night depending on the unit and the season

Visit the Audacieuses Évasions website