For people who love the open air, wide open spaces and outdoor activities most of all, available onsite and with a lovely hotel or inn for a base. These establishments go the extra mile by offering activities for all tastes, in addition to the fine cuisine and comforts they are known for. The circuits can be grouped by region, so you can also visit other tourist attractions along the way.
Most activities are available free of charge. Some involve a fee. Simply visit the establishments' individual websites.
Day 01 : From Montréal Auberge du Lac Taureau : Located approximately 15 km past Saint-Michel-des-Saints, in the forest and by a lake, which is actually a reservoir, for activities year round, summer or winter.
Day 02 : Ville de Saint-Alexis-des-Monts Auberge Lac-à-l'Eau-Claire : Nestled deep in the heart of the woods, next to a lake, a little past the village of Saint-Alexis-des-Monts, northwest of the town of Trois-Rivières, roughly a 90-minute drive. The Abenaki Indians used to fish in this lake and hunt on this land.
From Montréal : 3-hour drive
From Lac Taureau : 1.5- to 2-hour drive
Fishing : The main activity (trout, bass, Arctic char). Stocked with 150,000 trout each year. Boats available onsite.
Day 03 : Saint-Paulin Auberge Le Baluchon : South of Lac-à-l'Eau-Claire, about 30 minutes from one establishment to the other. A vast estate in charming surroundings, next to Rivière du Loup and near the Magnan waterfalls (hydrotourist station). Approximately 1 hour by car northwest of Trois-Rivières. The inn houses its own microbrewery, stages plays on the river in summertime and operates a first rate spa year round.
Day 04 : Continuing toward Québec City If continuing toward Québec City : Recommended stop at Auberge du Lac Saint-Pierre, just before Trois-Rivières, or Auberge Godefroy, on the south shore of the St- Lawrence river, in Bécancour.
Day 01 : Mont Tremblant Le Grand Lodge Mont-Tremblant : The hotel is located as you enter the Tremblant resort area, bordering Lac Ouimet and only minutes away from the ski hills (thanks to the hotel's shuttle service). Numerous activities each season. The 2 main activities: golfing in summer alpine skiing in winter.
Day 02 : Ferme Neuve Le Village Windigo : This property, nestled in the middle of the forest and on the shore of a large reservoir (Baskatong), offers lodging in chalets and condos far away from the hectic life of the cities. Numerous activities all year long.
Day 03 : Back toward Montréal Recommended stop in Val-David for a gastronomic meal at Hôtel La Sapinière.
Québec & Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean
After visiting Québec City, head for nature again, toward Lac St-Jean, using Route 175, direction Ville Saguenay. A 2.5-hour drive north of Québec City.
Day 01 : Stoneham Le Manoir du Lac Delage: This inn is directly lakeside, at the foot of the mountain. An oasis of tranquility that features a renowned spa and many activities.
Day 02 : La Baie Continue your road toward Lac St-Jean, using Route 175, direction Ville Saguenay until La Baie. A 2.5-hour drive north of Québec City. Auberge des 21: This inn is renowned for its gourmet dining, its wine cellar and its spa. It offers a magnificent view over the Saguenay Fjord, in the middle of a breathtaking nature.
Suggested itinerary for the return trip: Drive along the Saguenay river, in direction of Tadoussac (whale watching cruises), then take Route 138 along the St- Lawrence river, pass through La Malbaie, where you'll find two charming inns for either a fine meal or an overnight stay.