This text is part of the special Plaisirs booklet
Increasingly diversified, the accommodation offer in the Outaouais is in itself a reason to explore the neighboring region of Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the Laurentians. Three tracks to get away from it all in nature.
Rustic microchalets in the mountains
Michael Mercier and Vicky Veilleux lead a double life. Along with their career in the world of education, the couple gave birth to Carpe Diem Aventures after a series of accidents. “I am a fairly committed person,” says Vicky Veilleux, who grew up with parents gravitating in the world of entrepreneurship. […] I helped a service coop because there was no convenience store in a village. The cycle path had just been redone there… ”The idea of a bicycle rental company then began to germinate. Quickly, the couple added boat rentals to enjoy the charming Petit Lac Perdu – that’s really its name – to their offer.
Four years later, Carpe Diem also offers around fifteen suspended tents in summer and six micro-shelters without four-season services, four of which were inaugurated this year. No wifi or electricity in the cabins: here, we are “far in the woods”, as Vicky says. Visitors have access to a sanitary block with hot water.
Lovers of the outdoors will soon be able to stay for the first time in the cottages in winter. “The microchalets have a fire and a barbecue, but are not equipped to cook more elaborate dishes,” explains the co-owner. On the other hand, you can cook in a collective chalet, where there is also a fireplace. We want to encourage meetings, a bit like in a youth hostel. “
Alpine and snowshoe hikes can be practiced this winter, and dogs are accepted. Reservations will be possible around mid-November. Starting at $ 148.75 per night.
Cozy dome for confident glampers
Rather want luxury? Fanny Roy too. This is the reason why she created her dream accommodation on family land, on the mountainside, about an hour from Gatineau. “The starting point was a crush,” says this physiotherapist. I saw a dome in my Facebook feed. I have always looked for a tourism project in Lac-Sainte-Marie, without knowing what exactly. I found that with domes I brought something different to the region. “
Although she admits that she does not like camping, perhaps the most surprising thing is that she had never experienced a dome stay herself before building one with her father and her partner. She wanted to create a tailor-made environment for people like her, who seek comfort as much as a connection with nature. Bathroom, radiant floor, wood fireplace, stove, refrigerator, air conditioning, barbecue, spa … Everything is there to feel in a cocoon. Well maintained, the 5 kilometers of trails nearby welcome hikers in summer and winter.
Success is at the rendezvous. “Between July and December 2021, I have about two nights available. My next available weekends are in March. “Fanny Roy hopes to be able to offer other domes in spring 2022. To find out about cancellations, it is best to monitor the company’s social networks.
Starting at $ 250 / night, two night minimum. Up to four people. And no wifi!
Shelters with fitted out domes
In 2022, the Air-Eau-Bois outdoor base will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary. First a vacation camp known for its canoe-camping expeditions, the site diversified its activities during the pandemic. “We welcome families with or without entertainment,” explains Patrice Tremblay, general manager. If, in the summer, several camping sites delight outdoor enthusiasts, five propane-heated shelters have been offering visitors to stay on site also in winter since 2019. “We call it camping without the inconvenience of the tent,” says Patrice Tremblay. There are two bunk beds, an outdoor barbecue with a cooking ring, but you must bring bedding and equipment. “
Holidaymakers looking for a little more comfort can opt for a prospector’s tent with a double bed and a wood-burning stove. A large chalet divided into two sections that can accommodate 24 people on one side and 12 on the other – or 36 in total – with bathrooms is also available.
Two new geodesic domes with double bed, bedding and cooking necessities will also be inaugurated by the end of the year on the edge of the Poisson blanc reservoir. “We are targeting couples looking for more luxurious accommodation for a quiet weekend. »The area is ideal for Hok skiing or snowshoeing.
The rental date for the new domes will be announced on the company’s Facebook page in the coming days.