This text is part of the special Pleasures notebook
It’s more than a trend, it’s a tidal wave: comfortable accommodation in the great outdoors is growing like mushrooms all over Quebec.
Planted in a natural environment, these lodges invite you to get closer to nature without compromising on well-being. Some are even models of contemporary design and promise absolute pleasure thanks to high-quality furnishings and appliances. Private spa and terrace, fully equipped kitchen (dishwasher included), high-speed wifi and outdoor fireplace are often part of the services offered in this new generation of high-end accommodation. And, now, they are increasingly offered in winter, a good thing for taking advantage of the cold season and helping to maintain a certain tourist vitality in the region. Here are a few handpicked ones.
Eastern Townships — Mi-Clos
“The atmosphere of a national park, the intimacy of a chalet, the luxury of a large hotel”: this is the promise of these domes located opposite the Orford mountains, on the Mi- Closed. On this enchanting site, trails, streams, sugar shacks and mature forest are accessible to customers. Inside the fully equipped domes: wood stove, transparent panels for a breathtaking view, teleworking space and outdoor spa. Each has a king-size bed and a shower, and the floor is heated. The proximity of Mont-Orford National Park allows residents to indulge in a host of activities: snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, alpine hiking, fatbike and wildlife observation. Plus the charm of Estrie. $255 per night for two people.
Charlevoix — Charlevoix Experience Yurt
In the heart of the spectacular Charlevoix landscapes, in La Malbaie, six yurts open all year round offer a peaceful stay under the starry vault thanks to their transparent cathedral ceiling. These also bear constellation names: Cassiopeia, Orion, Phoenix, etc. All the modern equipment is fitted out there and the mezzanine includes two large beds. Additionally, a futon can convert into a bed. A propane fireplace and a BBQ available during the cold season are added to the appliances. An exclusive on the site: a large yurt transformed into a bistro-relais which offers cuisine with local accents. Nearby, downhill skiing, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing enthusiasts have easy access to Mont-Grand-Fonds. And the Hautes-Gorges-de-la-Rivière-Malbaie national park, open in winter for several years, offers a range of activities in a stunning environment. From $240 to $270 per night for two to five people.
Lanaudière — La Cime
In Sainte-Béatrix, Cime Origine, located on the mountainside, is a microchalet built on stilts, four meters high, which offers a rejuvenating and intimate stay in the heart of nature. Its tall architecture gives its occupants a feeling of proximity to the surrounding forest. A spa and sauna are accessible all year round, as well as a massage therapy service on request. Electric fireplace, BBQ, full kitchen and fiber optic wifi are among the inclusions. And from March, we will be able to rent a second chalet, Cime 02, LEED Gold certified, which promises superior equipment (hammam, heated terrace, radiant floor) in a breathtaking design. A few minutes away, the Chutes-Monte-à-Peine-et-des-Dalles regional park is now open all year round. It’s a superb playground with no less than 17 km of trails for hiking and snowshoeing, including an interpretive trail. You can also practice fatbikewith 7 km of intermediate to advanced slopes, as well as Nordic skiing, with four exclusive slopes. From $350 to $495 for two people depending on the date. Two nights minimum.
Laurentians — Farouche Tremblant
A stone’s throw from Mont-Tremblant National Park – in other words in the middle of nature – this organic Nordic farm brings together on the same territory a warm refreshment bar for after the outdoors and funny shelters with pointed roofs, on the edge of the Devil’s River. Access to a Nordic bath is included with the rental. Inside: minimalist but high quality furnishings. Three of the seven buildings have a private bathroom — the others offer individual but shared bathrooms. Outdoor fireplace, propane BBQ and snowshoes are available to visitors. The refreshment bar offers local cuisine with flavors of local products. Gourmet activities are organized during the harvest season. Throughout the year, packages including activities and tastings are on the program. And for outdoor enthusiasts, Mont-Tremblant National Park offers a host of activities, summer and winter. You can go cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, fatbike and even snow yoga and astronomical observation. From $189 to $289 depending on the date and shelter model. You must book a minimum of two nights without the Ski pass Tonik à Tremblant package (with the package: one night during the week). Internet access is available at the refreshment bar.
Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean — Free field
Spend the night in a grain silo converted into a home comfort : this is the invitation extended to you at Rivière-Éternité, in the heart of nature, for the first time in Quebec. Three of them offer everything you need, including a spa and a covered terrace, in a rustic-chic decor. Everything is there in this round home: mini-kitchen, bathroom, table and lounge area. Not insignificant: these accommodations meet ecological values; their construction as well as their operation are carried out according to sustainable and responsible practices. Nearby, the Fjord-du-Saguenay national park, to contemplate its landscapes enhanced by winter. In the Baie-Éternité and Anse-de-Tabatière sector, we practice snowshoeing and wildlife observation — deer, marine mammals in summer and in the Baie-de-Tadoussac sector — in a pampered environment. From $195 to $250 for two people depending on the date.
Pets Allowed.
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.