Roughly equidistant from Gatineau, Montréal and Tremblant, Fairmont Le Château Montebello is a destination that appeals equally to outdoor enthusiasts and to couples looking for a relaxing getaway. On-site activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides, curling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, skating, snow tubing, fatbiking, bonfires and heritage tours—and that’s only the beginning. Did you know that this majestic hotel, built in 1930, is recognized as the world’s largest log castle? From season to season, the site transforms to reveal its most beautiful features. Winter is definitely my favourite season to stay there, and you’ll soon see why. I invite you to accompany me and my friends on a trip to discover everything this unique place has to offer.

As we arrive on the premises, we can’t help being impressed by the grandiose sight that meets our eyes. As we enter the lobby, we immediately notice the imposing six-sided central fireplace and the warm (in both senses of the word!) atmosphere. All we want to do is stretch out on one of the sofas and enjoy a hot chocolate in front of the crackling fire. After putting our bags in our rooms, we venture out for a walk before dark. As we stroll along the paths around the hotel, we discover three areas equipped with outdoor fireplaces surrounded by wooden benches, with blankets to keep warm. It’s inviting, and the setting is beautiful! When suppertime comes, we find a table at Nymark restaurant. With a glass of wine in hand, we savor ancestral dishes reinvented with local flavors. I opt for the squash ravioli with Adoray and cedar sauce and Lodi squash pickles. A rich, succulent dish! We can't help but succumb to the delicious plate of mignardises and s'mores with fir, maple taffy, sea buckthorn sphere and beet baba. One of the best desserts I've ever had!

We awaken the next morning well rested and more than ready to try all the activities on our agenda! We start with breakfast in the dining room of the Aux Chantignoles restaurant, overlooking the backyard and the icy river. The generous portions and variety of dishes on offer are the perfect start to the day. We bundle up and head to the ski chalet, where equipment can be rented: cross-country skis, skates, snowshoes and hockey sticks (all included in the resort experience fee!). The shop also serves as the reception area for the Montebello Mountain Bike, in case you want to inject a little adrenalin into your day, on a fatbike! Curling is much more than a sport, it's a fun experience! Stepping out of our comfort zone to try it for the first time, we let ourselves be guided by an instructor who introduces us to the basics of this discipline that combines precision, coordination and balance. The objective: slide a heavy stone with a broom across the ice to reach the target. It's not that easy, but trying it out with friends guarantees laughter and memorable moments! For those who have already mastered the basics, it's also possible to rent the ice for hour-long blocks.

Our day continues with a cross-country skiing expedition. In total, there are more than 15 kilometres of trails on the property, ranging from easy to difficult. We opt for the 4.5-km loop around the Château, but other trails go across the golf course or into the village, and offer beautiful scenic views in the heart of the forest. These same trails can also be explored on snowshoes. In the afternoon, after a hearty lunch, we head to the spa for a peaceful interlude of self-care. Body treatments, facials, massages and balneotherapy are offered. I especially enjoyed the lounge, with its fireplace and luxurious couches, and the indoor pool and whirlpools. Relaxation at its finest! We conclude our wonderful stay by taking a few minutes to read quietly by the fireplace and enjoy a cocktail at Le Foyer bar, with its selection of beers, wine and spirits.

All in all, you’re sure to fall in love with this place, as I do every time I visit. Whether in the comfort of your room, breathing the fresh air in the forest or skating under the garlands of lights, every moment spent at Fairmont Le Château Montebello will be part of your most cherished winter memories. Book your stay now and start making those memories!

+ There’s lots to see and do in the village of Montebello! Stroll down Notre-Dame Street and visit one (or more!) of the gourmet stops along the way: sample microbrewery beers at Les Brasseurs de Montebello, fine chocolates at ChocoMotive, fresh cheeses at the Fromagerie Montebello, and pizza cooked in a wood-fired oven at the Bistro de Montebello. Sheer delight awaits you!