Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Jun 6, 2024
Over the last five years, our contributor Ariane Arpin-Delorme has travelled extensively throughout the Eastern Townships (her home region). She never tires of meeting people who share a passion for their terroir, of reaching the summits of mountains with their breathtaking panoramas, of riding her gravel bike and, above all, of discovering unusual and environmentally friendly accommodations. Here are eight of these little gems that have offered her some truly unique experiences.
By Ariane Arpin-Delorme
When I think back to my two stays at the Boisé Rivière country B&B, I'm filled with a sense of comfort. After walking for days on end on the Circuit de l'Abbaye, I was delighted to return to this little haven of peace. Nathalie and Andrée, the owners, are the sweetest hosts and do everything they can to make you feel at home, including serving hearty breakfasts made with local ingredients. At the crossroads of Orford, Magog and Owl's Head, this bright three-bedroom B&B, surrounded by gardens as far as the eye can see, is perfect for a weekend in the great outdoors or even for teleworking. In summer, I recommend a swim in the North Missisquoi River, which runs right by the house, followed by a relaxing break in the big Adirondack chairs.
During a hiking trip in the Mount Shefford area, I fell in love with this concept offered by the friendly Beatnik Hotel complex. Its country location and the funky decor of the common areas foster the community spirit culture that reigns here. Although simple, all the rooms are unique and cozy. After a dip in the pool, I loved being able to enjoy an aperitif in my bathrobe by the outdoor fireplace, followed by supper under the ambiance lighting of their old converted barn. The close contact with nature and the friendly atmosphere certainly helped to calm any stress I might have accumulated.
Good to know: breakfast (and access to the bagel bar) are included with your overnight stay. What's more, a number of renovations and improvements will make your stay even more comfortable!
Between two gravel bike outings, being able to relax inside an amazing yurt at the Auberge du Changement d'Ère was just what I needed. The founding architects, Joël and Chloé, are extremely inspiring and innovative with their Ultra-Yourtes and Gouttes d'Air, both eco-futuristic accommodations able to lodge up to four people. I enjoyed a very special experience in the Ultra-Yourte de L'Artiste. The moment I walked through the door, I immediately felt as though I landed in another civilization. Made up of a happy blend of prehistoric materials and clean lines, the yurt was designed as a real work of art. My imagination had no alternative but to wander and expand in this unique mini-home of utopian proportions!
Nestled in the heart of a 1,000-acre natural playground surrounded by a mature forest, Le Vertendre’s ecotourism cottages and Zoobox cabins combine contemporary architecture with energy efficiency. When the first Zoobox cabins were built, I was lucky enough to try out this 100% self-sufficient accommodation and test their electricity-generating bicycle. This open-plan loft with an indoor climbing wall and outdoor shower really helped me unwind for a while. And what can I say about the rolling bath that moves around on the large balcony, except that it’s perfect for relaxing in the middle of nature!
It was while visiting friends who live in the Domaine Chéribourg—which played an important role in the development of the region—that my boyfriend and I discovered the existence of these six Hygge chalets. Tastefully renovated in a Scandinavian style, they’re ideal for getting together with friends or family. All spacious and well equipped, the chalets are nestled in the middle of a mature forest, ideal for walks with your pooch ... because yes, dogs are welcome in the Hygge Chalets.
It was during my walking pilgrimage along the Mini-Compostelle route in the heart of Mégantic that I first set foot on the Hébergement aux Cinq Sens site. I stayed in one of the five comfortable yurts, each named after one of our senses. The accommodation offer also includes mini-houses, a forest cabin without electricity, an eco-chalet, a studio and, in summer, hammock tents and campsites for tents. What a wonderful discovery it was! The site is enchanting and the philosophy at the heart of the project is inspiring (eco-responsible charter, permaculture garden, rainwater recovery system and passive solar greenhouse).
I had the opportunity to speak with Paule, the founder and a member of the Huron-Wendat Nation, on several occasions, and to take part in a number of activities designed to give me a better understanding of nature and how we’re inextricably linked to each other. The establishment also received the Reconnaissance Tourisme Autochtone Québec award in 2021.
Along with a friend of mine, I was lucky enough to spend a couple of nights in one of the mini-cabins offered at Laö Cabines and to experience “living outside inside.” Since 2019, owners Marie and Vincent have been welcoming travellers looking for a quiet, intimate environment thanks to their contemporary tiny houses established within 66 acres of pure nature. They developed their project inspired by their own travel experiences abroad as well as their attentive efforts to protect the environment. In fact, the cabins were built on stilts to reduce the ecological impact on the ground below. Although a little small for two guests, I found the Luv cabin super cozy and well equipped. And with the platter of local Racine specialties that I had pre-ordered for our aperitif on the porch, it was truly a wonderful stay!
My stay at Les Loges was one of my best thermal therapy experiences ever ... and that’s saying a lot! The fact that I was able to enjoy the facilities at my own pace and in the intimacy of a private chalet certainly had an impact on my sense of well-being. More than just mini-homes, each lodge includes a Jacuzzi, a dry sauna (with a dome on the ceiling), a steam sauna, two showers and a cold waterfall on your terrace. Since 2023, massage therapy services have also been available in the swivel-bed guest room, as well as the chance to buy local products. What more could you want?
Accommodations
5 Good Reasons for Choosing a B & B for Your Getaway
