Summer fun at Fairmont Le Château Montebello
Summer is shaping up to be busy, with a multitude of activities for a memorable family vacation. On the water or on land, at Fairmont Le Château Montebello there’s no shortage of ways to make the most of the summer season. I recently had the opportunity to experience a day filled with sun, relaxation and adventure! Here’s what I liked best.
A unique resort
Renowned as the largest log cabin in the world, Fairmont Le Château Montebello is a landmark in Petite Nation. From the moment you step through its doors, you can’t help being amazed by its imposing façade, massive fireplace and extensive wooded grounds overlooking the Ottawa River. With its guestrooms combining comfort, luxury and elegance, its outstanding customer service and its proximity to nature, this resort delivers an experience you won’t soon forget. This wasn’t my first visit to Fairmont Le Château Montebello, but I never tire of returning. There’s always something new to try, and you honestly feel like you’re on holiday from the moment you step inside. It’s a beautiful place, you get a warm welcome, and you have everything you need to enjoy the moment.
Each season there are special offers that combine activities, overnight stays and meals. The Summer Fun package includes accommodation (minimum 2 nights in July and 3 nights in August), breakfast, daily activities and a visit to a historic site, plus credits on spa, golf and dining. Plus, children (17 and under) stay for free (room only)!
Activities for the whole family
The summer activity program has something for everyone, whether you want to relax, have fun, explore, or satisfy your curiosity.
Open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Sports Chalet next to the hotel offers equipment rental (no reservation required) for a whole host of activities: cycling, mini-golf, tennis, horseshoes, remote-controlled cars, bocce, croquet, basketball and volleyball. When it’s time to cool off, the outdoor pool awaits, surrounded by sun loungers and parasols (you can also book a private cabana). This is my favourite place to spend an afternoon in the sun. Kayak, canoe and paddleboard rentals are also available for aquatic adventures on the calm waters of the Ottawa River.
Speaking of adventures, a new activity will soon be added to Fairmont Le Château Montebello’s recreational offer: BRP Experiences allows you to explore this immense playground aboard a motorized vehicle, on water or on land. During my visit, I tried out two of these activities: the Can-Am off-road side-by-side and the Sea-Doo Switch pontoon boat. The first one combines adrenaline with the outdoors and is ideal for people with a need for speed! Always looking for new ways to get out of my comfort zone, I enjoyed driving the side-by-side along the muddy trails, splashing through puddles as we went. Be warned, it can get messy! This activity lasts about three hours and takes you all the way to Plaisance Falls. As for the pontoon boat, it was nice to get out on the water and see the Château from another angle. The guide who accompanied us was friendly, adapting the excursion to our preferences. I can only imagine how magical this activity must be at sunset! Other experiences will be added later in the summer, including Sea-Doo and Can-Am on-road trips.
For cycling enthusiasts, there’s a lot to discover! Pedego Montebello rents electric bikes on site, while Montebello Mountain Bike invites you to ride 20 km of trails for all levels. The trails around the Château can also be explored on foot, by horse-drawn carriage or on an electric scooter with Geo-Explora Scootrek.
In short, your stay at Fairmont Le Château Montebello will be anything but dull!
A truly memorable stay
In terms of accommodation, the recently renovated rooms have a luxurious feel, while others have a casual, rustic feel that reflects the hotel’s history. The beds are comfortable, the rooms are quiet, and some of the rooms have magnificent river views. Deluxe rooms are also available, popular for their elegance and spaciousness. In short, the hotel has everything you need for a comfortable stay.
When it comes to dining, there are a number of gourmet options available. The breakfast, served in the Aux Chantignoles restaurant, is simply delicious. I love the French pancakes with maple butter. Take the opportunity to sit on the terrace and admire the fountain and the flower gardens. For lunch, I recommend a picnic basket, to be enjoyed on a blanket on the lawn by the river. Sandwiches, house-made chips, cheese curds, raw vegetables, watermelon and desserts—it’s as delicious as it is generous! At Happy Hour, the Riverain terrace offers a menu of refreshing drinks (cocktails, wine, beer, etc.) as well as sandwiches, salads and burgers. Finally, for dinner, nothing beats the hotel’s famous barbecue, served on the terrace in the sun (Wednesday to Sunday from 5:30 to 9 p.m.). From appetizers to desserts, each course outshines the last. This is truly an experience not to be missed!
Your visit to Fairmont Le Château Montebello promises to be filled with fun, family time and sunshine. It’s the ideal place in Petite Nation for a family vacation, a romantic getaway or a holiday with friends. The Summer Fun package is available until September 4, 2022, and room availability varies, so book your stay now!
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Extend your stay by visiting nearby attractions, including the village of Montebello, whose many gourmet stops are well worth a visit. Kenauk Nature and Parc Omega are also great family-friendly destinations.
