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! Ready for a beer break? Visit the Brasseurs de Montebello microbrewery and pub. Colder weather means darker beers. It’s time to try some new brews!
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. Keep your eyes peeled for the most beautiful pumpkins!
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. While you’re there, learn about Indigenous peoples’ close ties to nature. Let the trees tell you legends.
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!
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.
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.
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For more food-themed ideas, read our blog post about the Petite Nation Gourmet Tour Route.
