Savour autumn in Petite Nation
In Petite Nation, there’s lots to do when the trees are displaying their most beautiful colours. Explore the region in gourmet mode, and make the most of your outing by adding a cultural visit or a relaxing outdoor interlude.
Delight in every bite
With so many different flavours to sample, Petite Nation is a foodie’s delight. Among other things, the region is known for its cheese factories. Meet Alain Boyer, the artisan behind the Fromagerie de Montebello. For dessert, learn more about the world of chocolate at the ChocoMotive chocolate shop and economuseum. Sample the chocolate delights made on site or warm up with a cup of hot chocolate. Don’t forget to stock up for Halloween!
It’s time to make some new gourmet discoveries! Stop by the Brasseurs de Montebello microbrewery and pub for a refreshing hoppy beer, or sample Domaine Mont-Vézeau’s strawberry and raspberry wines. For a great selection of craft beer and a local snack to go, head to Le Brasse-Camarade specialty convenience store.
On Saturdays, the Coopérative Place du Marché farmers’ market in Ripon is the place to go for quality products such as local fruits and vegetables, cheeses, organic flours, breads, meats and charcuterie, wines, marinades and much more. Harvest beautiful decorative pumpkins in the farm fields of Les Jardins Deschamps. A fun pick-your-own activity in the autumn sunshine!
A cultural excursion
Cultural activities are popular in Petite Nation. Take a guided tour of the Manoir Papineau National Historic Site in Montebello. As a family, solve riddles and take on challenges to learn more about the historical figure Louis-Joseph Papineau. During your visit, have tea in the drawing room, then take the Montebello Heritage Tour, a guided tour organized by the Société historique Louis-Joseph-Papineau that traces the history of Montebello through different themes.
Enjoy the fall colours in a new way by visiting Parc Omega. Feed the deer from your vehicle along a 12-kilometre safari trail highlighting Canadian wildlife. Learn about Indigenous culture on the First Nations Trail. Stroll down the Allée des arbres qui parlent (“Talking Tree Lane”) lined with Algonquin totem poles and a series of inukshuks. Extend your stay in one of the 13 new wolf and bear suites. From this spacious, modern accommodation, you can get a close look at the coexistence of these two magnificent species. A unique wilderness experience!
Admire the colours in a different way
Pack up the gear for a camping trip amid the magnificent fall colours at the Lac Écho campground in the heart of the Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve. Admire the leaves by day and the stars by night. Book your site today! If Mother Nature allows, pull on a sweater and play a round or two at the Lac-Simon Golf Club. The enchanting setting is sure to make your last golf games of the season magical.
Relax for a day at the Fairmont Le Château Montebello Spa. Sit back in a chair, breathe in the fresh air and sip a hot beverage to warm your heart. Revitalize yourself with a trip to the Centre de vie de Ripon wellness centre, where you can recharge your batteries in a beautiful natural setting. Treat yourself to some well-deserved R&R. On your way home, plan a stop at Lavandine et Cie to freshen up your beauty ritual. Choose from a wide range of soothing personal care products made with natural ingredients.
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For more food-themed ideas, read our blog post about the Petite Nation Gourmet Tour Route.
