With more than 6,000 accommodations located almost everywhere in Quebec’s countryside, the various accommodation facilities in Quebec offer you very interesting options for a stay in a chalet or other.
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Now that the pandemic is over and, above all, the various hygiene measures have been lifted, it is possible to have free access to these quality infrastructures, be it the inn, the chalet ready to camp or the campsites in exceptional natural environments.
Many people are looking for places to spend a vacation in a chalet, away from the city noise, with the opportunity to engage in interesting activities. Outfitters, Game Reserves, Zecs and National Parks can offer you these products.
With 4,395 residential units, the world of amenities has the most impressive offering. This number is distributed over 3278 huts, 776 campsites, 126 refuges and 88 inns. There are also 54 pavilions, 32 hotels, 31 houseboats and even 10 private residences.
As you can see, the choice is large.
Without neglecting the hunting and fishing activities, the outfitters have developed over time service offers that meet the needs of the customers of the 2000s.
Take the example of Pourvoirie du Lac Blanc, which lies between the Lanaudière and Mauricie regions. While retaining outfitter status, it has evolved into a true outdoor center with fishing, holidays, hiking, swimming – with a stunning beach – and quad biking, and an inn with excellent gastronomy. All very well looked after by professionals.
Photo provided by Karl Tremblay
While you have access to fishing, you can enjoy various nautical activities during your stay, as seen here on outfitter Aventure Nature Okane’s website.
You can get there without driving on a forest road. There are even charging stations for electric cars.
In the same part of the country, in Saint-Alexis-des Monts, the Auberge du Lac-à-l’Eau-Claire has a very high quality infrastructure. You can stay there in an inn, condominium or chalet with all the services you need, both for a stay in the American plan and in the European plan.
A SERIES OF CHOICES
Among the places with a very well equipped, comfortable inn offering various services and more, we can add the Pourvoirie Némiskau in Mauricie.
In the Charlevoix region there is the Auberge du Lac Moreau and soon a new inn will open at outfitter Domaine du Lac Brouillard. And the list could be extended, because with a total of 88 companies you are guaranteed to find what you are looking for.
The best way is to go to pourvoiries.com. There you will find a search engine. By entering your desires such as region, services, activities and others, you will find the destination you are looking for.
If you are a fan of stays in the forest, away from everything, in peace and quiet, outfitters from all regions of Quebec can meet your needs. In the Monts-Valins, in Mauricie, on the North Coast, in Gaspésie, in the Laurentians, to name but a few regions, there is what you need.
Yes, there will always be fishing, but there are also many other opportunities for activities.
KNOW HOW TO ADJUST
Outfitters have understood for years that they need to adapt their service offerings in different locations if they want to appeal to a modern clientele.
This is how super comfortable chalets were created, fully equipped and with the same comforts as at home. The pioneer in this field was Réal Massé. I remember visiting certain areas where there was only one log cabin, no shower and a stern hatch for the toilets. I went back there.
Now there are comfortable chalets fully equipped for your needs with full bathroom, shower and very decent kitchen facilities. You have adapted.
Today, while staying with an outfitter, you can hike, enjoy massage therapy, swim at a beach equipped with water features and lifeguards, paddle boats, paddle boards, kayaks, and more.
Everything depends on your choice, either through the search engine of the Fédération des Pourvoiries or by consulting their guide on paper or online.
So if you are looking for a cottage to spend a quiet, comfortable vacation, enjoy nature and enjoy many activities, you should choose Quebec Outfitters as your travel destination. It is certain that renting a chalet will not cost you a fortune.
Since many outfitters are based in regions where there is a lot to visit or discover, they are even better suited.
Game Reserves, Zecs and National Parks
There’s no doubt that the Society of Outdoor Establishments of Quebec’s network of 13 wildlife sanctuaries and 23 national parks can satisfy your thirst for outdoor adventure.
In total, Sépaq offers the rental of 752 cabins, 7,380 campsites and 692 units ready for occupancy. You will admit that the range of possibilities is still impressive.
The different courses are designed to make you feel integrated into the natural environment. Of course, the different types of chalet all have their own charm, but I have to admit that I really fell in love with the Horizon chalets. With their large windows, they give you the impression of being outside. There is no physical barrier blocking your view of the lake.
Photo provided by Karl Tremblay
The landscaping and huge windows of the Horizon Chalets make you feel literally integrated into the natural surroundings, with all the necessary amenities and more.
Photo provided by Karl Tremblay
Also, their interior design is such that you would think you are in a house. The kitchen, appliances, all cooking utensils not to mention the full bathroom and very comfortable bedrooms make them excellent holiday destinations.
They also have heritage huts in various reserves, such as the Portes-de-l’Enfer site in the Laurentides Game Reserve or the Shawinigan sector of the Mastigouche Game Reserve. The Papineau-Labelle reserve also hides small treasures of huts.
If anglers are not left out with no fewer than 12 species that can be fished in the Sépaq network, lovers of outdoor activities will also be delighted. We can talk about hiking and hillwalking, discovery activities, pedal boats, canoes, kayaks and more. Everything has been thought out so that every member of a stay in nature will find what they are looking for. Above all, we should not forget the quality of the landscape that nature offers you.
Internet access is available in most places, sometimes in the area overseer’s cabin or residence. Note that in the Mastigouche and Rimouski Reserves you can even go fishing or just go on a pontoon ride. There are also electric bikes and more.
THE READY TO CAMP
Another solution available to you for an interesting stay in reserves and national parks is ready-to-camp.
The 692 units are divided between the two networks. You have two choices. First there is the more conventional model, if we can call it that, with a fully equipped tent that sleeps four people comfortably.
All kitchen appliances are available. All that’s missing is your linens, personal belongings, and clothes. In this case there is no toilet or shower inside. You must use the modern sanitary blocks that are very close to the various locations where these tents are set up.
The other solution is the Étoile ready-to-camp. This is a concept invented by Sépaq. In this case you will discover a middle solution between a chalet and a tent. These units are installed on a wooden floor with a canvas covered wooden structure.
Here, too, you have all the necessary equipment and comfort for four people. You have to use the sanitary building for toilet and shower.
Of course, if you already have your camping gear, you can use one of the 7,380 campsites spread across the facilities of the two networks. In some cases you can use a tent and the camper.
Whatever choice you make, you’re still entitled to a variety of activities. For more information: sepaq.com.
THE ZECS
Some zecs members of the Zec network also offer great accommodation options at very reasonable prices. You have the choice between cabins, yurts, ready-to-camp and fully equipped caravans. All these places are very comfortable, very well located to allow you to live an experience close to nature and to practice different activities including fishing.
To fish in a zec, nothing is very complicated. You must have your fishing license, register at reception, pay your fishing fee and report your catch on your return. In most Zecs, fishing is free for youth under the age of 17 accompanied by an adult.
The Zec Network just revamped their website. It’s more user-friendly and contains relevant information on everything you can find in a zec’s field. It is therefore preferable to consult it in order to make an informed choice. reseauzec.com.
