Entries in ‘Canada’ Journal

Auberge du Lac Taureau Lake Resort, Quebec, Canada

Friday December 21, 2012 at 5:05 AM | 2 Comments

View of the Auberge du Lac Taureau

The Lanaudière region is like a fine wine, it should be sipped and savored over time. I recently had the pleasure of visiting Auberge du Lac Taureau in Saint-Michel-des-Saints.

The 100 room, four-star, family-friendly resort offers hotel rooms with forest and lake views. If I were traveling with my family, I would recommend a classic condo rental, complete with kitchen and lounge area.

My room, #1221, rented for $409, which included breakfast and a four-course gourmet dinner for two persons. The room featured a queen bed, a view of Lake Taureau with outdoor balcony, fireplace, television and a ceramic shower in the bathroom.

The pool at Auberge du Lac Taureau

Indoor and outdoor activities at Auberge du Lac Taureau

Summers in Quebec are meant to be spent on the lake. At Auberge du Lac Taureau, there are plenty of activities to keep adults and children entertained; from kayaking, canoeing, and bear viewing, to taking a hydro plane ride over the Saint-Michel-des-Saints region.

Winter time activities include dog sled rides, snow mobiles, ice fishing, winter hiking, snow shoeing, cross-country skiing and ice skating on the Auberge pond.

For year round relaxation enjoy the indoor swimming pool or schedule yourself a spa treatment. I tried the Maple Exfoliation & Scrub ($75. for one hour spa treament) and my skin felt as smooth as a silk sheet. Check the website for current pricing and details.

Gourmet dining at Auberge du La Taureau

Fall had arrived during my early October visit and the menu reflected the seasonal change. From cream of mushroom soup, to local Quebec cheese and elk sirloin, the menu shouted hunter/gatherer, but in a good way. Of course, vegetarian and seafood options were also available at the restaurant.

"Classic Condo"

Auberge du Lac Taureau Classic Condo #1221

In addition to trying the regional specialties, I couldn’t resist the opportunity to taste Domaine Le France, and ice cider after dinner drink. Magnifique!

The breakfast buffet is served daily from 7 – 10 a.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Teepee"

Auberge du Lac Taureau massage teepee

Insider tips 

 

Have you ever wanted to have a massage over the water, in a teepee? You can in the summer time at Auberge du Lac Taureau Resort in Quebec, Canada.

For additional insider tips follow Luxury Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown on Twitter and follow Auberge du Lac Taureau Resort on Twitter.

Check in: 4:00 p.m.

Check out: 11:00 a.m.

What are your favorite things to do in the regions of Lanaudiere and Mauricie, Quebec, Canada?

 

If You Go:

Auberge du Lac Taureau 450-833-1919 or 1-877-822-2623

1200, chemin Baie du Milieu
Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Quebec
CANADA J0K 3B0

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Auberge du Lac Taureau  and Tourism Quebec.

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Auberge de la Montagne Coupee

Things to do in Lanaudiere and Mauricie, Quebec, Canada

Auberge de La Montagne Coupée, Nature Nourished in Quebec, Canada

Friday December 14, 2012 at 5:05 AM | 1 Comment

Perched in the crown of the mountain, Auberge de la Montagne Coupée, is the ideal location to re-connect with nature. I was in Montreal, Canada for business and decided to take advantage of the leaf peeping season in Quebec. The fall colors were show-stopping in early October.

The rear of Auberge de la Montagne

Hotel employees purchase Auberge de la Montagne Coupée

The 47 room inn is owned by business partners Suzi Beaudry and Marie Prefontaine. Upon the death of the Auberge de la Montagne Coupée’s owner, the former employees had the chance to purchase the four star property. Dedicated to providing excellent customer service, the ladies jumped in with both feet and have run the inn for the past seven years.

Built in 1989, and renovated in 2011, Auberge de la Montagne Coupée, caters to families, couples and the business retreat customer. With its large dining room, the property can accommodate groups, too.

Auberge de la Montagne Coupee #205

 

 

 

My room, #205, was a standard room with two queen beds. Check the website for package deals. My rate quoted was $135 per person without meals, $232, including breakfast and dinner. And what a dinner it was, vegetable soup, an appetizer, rack of lamb and chocolate peanut butter cake with vanilla ice cream for dessert were my menu selections. I ordered the maple waffle for breakfast, topped with fresh fruit.

 

 

Sports and nature await at Auberge de la Montagne Coupée

Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the nearby walking and hiking paths, while those looking to enjoy the view, need simply walk to the back of the property. An indoor, salt water swimming pool was on the first floor; a great follow up to an afternoon massage.

With four golf courses and Nordic baths nearby, as well as horseback riding, spring, summer and fall months are covered. I’m told the cross-country skiing is very scenic in the winter.

Auberge Montagne Coupee Maple Waffle with fruit

Insider Tips: Carmel lovers take note, stop at the nearby Val Notre-Dame Abbey and pick up a jar of hand crafted sauce made by the local monks.

If you have never visited Quebec, Canada in the Fall, Auberge de la Montagne Coupée is an ideal location for leaf-peeping. The colors will dazzle your mind and camera lens.

Check in: 4:00 p.m.

Check out: noon

What are your favorite things to do in the regions of Lanaudiere and Mauricie, Quebec, Canada?

If You Go:

Auberge La Montagne Coupee

1000, Chemin de a Montagne Coupée

Saint-Jean-de-Matha, Quebec, Canada JOK 250

The pool at Auberge de la Montagne Coupee

 

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Auberge de la Montagne Coupée  and Tourism Quebec.

Related Post:

Auberge du Lac Taureau, Quebec, Canada

 

Chateau Versailles offers Joie de Vivre in Montreal, Canada

Friday December 7, 2012 at 5:05 AM | 0 Comments

You know you are in Montreal when your hotel serves afternoon tea. The Chateau Versailles, a former 19th century home, is ideally located in downtown Montreal. Shoppers will be happy to know that this boutique hotel is located within the Golden Square Mile on Sherbrooke Street West, home to high-end retailers, jewelers and fashion houses.

Rooms reflect Quebec design

The 65 rooms are brightly colored, reflecting the Joie de vivre of Montreal and the collaboration with Quebec artists, furniture makers and designers. Rooms are available with single beds, queen and king beds. My room, #309, is a deluxe queen and rents for $185, including a complimentary deluxe continental breakfast. Check the website for AAA rates and package deals.

 

Breakfast is served daily in Le Boudoir from 7:00 – 10:30 a.m. However, individual coffee service from Keurig is available in room, as is room service.

Chateau Versailles Deluxe Queen #309

 

 

 

Additional amenities include afternoon tea, served from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Le Boudoir, cotton robes, Crabtree & Evelyn toiletries and access to a business center.

 

 

 

 

Chateau Versailles Le Boudoir

Keeping fit on the road

The Chateau Versailles offers a fitness center and sauna for its guests. Additionally, the property is pet-friendly for those who prefer to travel with man’s best friend. As of this review, the dog fee is $17 additional, per night.

Insider Tips:

Chateau Versailles offers complimentary wifi on the property and in the bedrooms.  With my impending hip replacement surgery, I look at hotels from a different perspective. If you have trouble negotiating stairs, be aware that Chateau Versailles does not have an elevator. You’ll want to request a room on the first floor.

Check In: 3:00 p.m.

Check Out: 12:00 p.m.

The lobby at Chateau Versailles

 

If You Go:

Chateau Versailles

1659 Sherbrooke Street West

Montreal, Quebec H3H 1E3 Canada

514 933-3611

Article written by and photos courtesy of  Travel Writer Nancy D. Brown of What a Trip, Travels from Northern California. I was a guest of Chateau Versailles and Tourism Quebec.

Related Post:

Things to See and Do in Montreal, Canada