Northern Quebec: Winter Lodge Escape

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Settle in and scan the winter scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle between Montreal and Saguenay. There will be a stop along the way in Quebec City area to break up the journey and to have lunch at a nearby local spot.

Visit an authentic Quebec Sugar Shack, known as a "cabane à sucre" in French and enjoy an introduction to the maple syrup production process and an included lunch of traditional dishes to the province. These shacks are often located in maple groves, and while used mainly for maple processing, during the off-season of "sugaring" they are used as gathering places for communities and families to celebrate and enjoy togetherness throughout the cold winter and spring. Traditional meals of hearty dishes like pea soup, maple-smoked ham, baked beans, and of course maple syrup can be found here, along with other seasonal activities.

Set off on a brief orientation tour of the property to get your bearings. Your CEO will explain a bit about the lodge and prepare you for your stay over the next four nights. Afterwards, take some time to get settled in.

Carved by glacier forces thousands of years ago, the Saguenay fjord is located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. This location is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts looking to encounter breathtaking scenery. Stretching over 100 km, surrounded by steep cliffs, the fjord is so deep, it attracts whales at its mouth to the river. Located right next to the cozy Auberge du Cap au Leste, this unique microclimate of abundant snow offers a variety of winter activities that create an unforgettable experience. From snowshoeing to backcountry skiing, your stay at this property allows you to enter the peace and quiet of a Canadian winter wonderland in a serene setting.

Experience incredible panoramas from the highest cliffs 200 metres above the Saguenay Fjord on a snowshoeing hike to the fjord's lighthouse. Start the hike right near the lodge and wander along the snow-covered trails of Cap au Leste. You'll be walking through Quebec's boreal forest that stretches for miles through unspoiled wilderness, offering many viewpoints along the way. Once at the lighthouse the group will enjoy some hot chocolate to warm those hands before the hike back to the lodge. The hike and stop at the lighthouse will be about 3hrs round trip.

Guided by your CEO the group will spend the afternoon learning about forest survival at the nearby frozen lake. Enjoy an ice fishing demonstration, and learn about the different techniques and ways of mastering this winter activity. Then, enjoy an introduction to some handy survival skills like how to build a camp fire on the snow, and how to build a Quinzhee, cousin of the Igloo and typical outdoor shelter made of large piles of loosely shaped snow in southern Quebec. Return to the lodge feeling more confident in your ability to attempt some essential forest survival tactics should you ever need them.

Take advantage of a few free hours to relax back at the lodge's property. The sun will have set and warm firelight will be creating a cozy atmosphere inside.

Bundle up and gather around the campfire outside where the group will toast S'mores in the flames, tell stories, and enjoy the crackling wood radiating warmth around the circle. *Please note, this activity could be done before dinner depending on timing.

Carved by glacier forces thousands of years ago, the Saguenay fjord is located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. This location is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts looking to encounter breathtaking scenery. Stretching over 100 km, surrounded by steep cliffs, the fjord is so deep, it attracts whales at its mouth to the river. Located right next to the cozy Auberge du Cap au Leste, this unique microclimate of abundant snow offers a variety of winter activities that create an unforgettable experience. From snowshoeing to backcountry skiing, your stay at this property allows you to enter the peace and quiet of a Canadian winter wonderland in a serene setting.

Take advantage of a few hours of free time to relax in the lodge's cozy winter setting.

Venture back outside beneath the darkened sky for a night snowshoe stroll along a path lined with torches to light the way. The group will enjoy time to star gaze in the inky black night, and if clear with hardly any moon, the stars will be brighter than many are used to being away from the light pollution of nearby cities.

Your CEO will take the lead this afternoon and help guide the group through two typical Canadian winter activities. The first will be a hockey game. Split into two teams and with hockey stick and ball, challenge eachother to a group game on the hard snow. Boots will be worn instead of skates. Afterwards, grab a tube and fly down the hill as you remember how much fun playing in the snow can be.

Meet the group outside after breakfast and get ready to spend time snowshoeing amid new trails along the Saguenay fjord. This will be an interpretive CEO-led hike in which you will learn more about the surrounding environment and the various flora/fauna of the fjord.

Carved by glacier forces thousands of years ago, the Saguenay fjord is located in the stunning Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec. This location is a true gem for outdoor enthusiasts looking to encounter breathtaking scenery. Stretching over 100 km, surrounded by steep cliffs, the fjord is so deep, it attracts whales at its mouth to the river. Located right next to the cozy Auberge du Cap au Leste, this unique microclimate of abundant snow offers a variety of winter activities that create an unforgettable experience. From snowshoeing to backcountry skiing, your stay at this property allows you to enter the peace and quiet of a Canadian winter wonderland in a serene setting.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle during your roundtrip transportation between the lodge and the dog sledding facility. The transfer will take a total of 30 minutes; 15 minutes each way.

Connect on a deeper level with nature today as you admire the area's wild beauty, smell the fragrance of the evergreens, and listen to the joyful barking of the dogs as they work hard to pull your sled through the snowy forest. You will experience firsthand the mode of transportation invented by Native Americans during the 19th century and still available recreationally in Quebec. Start by meeting the dogs and mushers before receiving instructions on how to be a passenger and how to drive the sled. Then, depart for about two hours along the trails as the dogs pull your sled through the wintry weather and you enjoy the rush of the fresh air in this magical and dazzling white landscape.

This afternoon back at the lodge, split into small groups and enjoy time to experience the rejuvenating benefits of the sauna and relax in the heated pool with incredible views of the snowy landscape and Saguenay fjord.

Settle in and scan the scenery from the comfort of your private vehicle back to Quebec City from Saguenay.

Enjoy time to explore on your own in Quebec City. From Christmas Markets in December, to Ice Castles in January, and the winter carnival in February, there will be no shortage of events taking place around the city that you can be part of during your free afternoon here.

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.