Take a daytrip to an enchanting winter wonderland
Tourisme Montréal
This article was updated on December 9, 2022.
Montréal is an open-air playground every season of the year, with dancing in the streets—even in snowsuits. When nature whispers beckoningly in your ear, though, how about exploring the winter wonderland of the Outaouais? This region between Montréal and the national capital of Canada, Ottawa offers dreamy and unique wintry experiences both in the thick of the boreal forest and in the nice villages peppered throughout. From wolf sightings to forest skating to incredible spas, each of the following destinations makes for a fantastic day trip.
In collaboration with Tourisme Outaouais.
Val-des-Monts
For an otherworldly stayaway, whisk someone special off to Val-des-Monts, where Terre & Neige offers luxe mini-chalets amid the deep boreal forest. Each of the cottages on site is different, so pick your favourite and book a stay for a real refuge away from city stresses—but not away from the lap of luxury, thanks to the magnificent amenities and gourmet offerings. Breakfast is included in the price of the stay, and they also offer freshly prepared, seasonal and locally inspired meals, including picnic lunches or festive dinners, delivered directly to the cabins. Onsite you can snowshoe, stroll the paths, or better yet, relax in a one of the wood-fire heated exterior tubs.
Chelsea
A well-worth two and half hours from Montréal, Nordik Spa-Nature in Chelsea is a haven of relaxation like none other—and North America’s largest spa, with 10 outdoor baths, 9 saunas, two restaurants, a lounge and more. (There’s even a cottage you can rent onsite.) With all its exterior environments, this twinkly escape is a magical place in winter, when the best cold treatment for your thermotherapy circuit is the actual outdoors! Indulge in the benefits of their incredible thermal circuit before trying one of the massages or body treatments, including the Källa treatment: this large Epsom-saltwater flotation pool is dug 5 metres deep into the rock, underground, and will immerse you in a quiet atmosphere and the peerless experience of weightlessness.
Montebello
Where the wild things are… is at Parc Oméga, a wildly popular attraction in Montebello, less that a two-hour drive from Montréal. Visit this amazing natural-environment animal-preservation park from within the comfort of your car. You can explore 12 km of circuitous roads throughout the park’s 2,200 acres as 400 indigenous animals roam free around you—including wolves, coyotes, foxes, caribou, bison and more. There are also special activities to take part in, including footpaths to explore, shows and a special wolf observatory. Then just down the road, stop into the largest log cabin in Canada: Fairmont Le Château Montebello. Stay overnight in one of the 210 rooms, hike some of the beautiful forest trails onsite, refuel at the restaurant and chill at the spa—you can even play a game of curling here.
Wakefield
Grab your skates a set out for an unforgettable setting! It’s worth the drive all the way to Parc Nature Éco-Odyssée, in Wakefield, which you can explore on either skates or snowshoes. Skate to your hearts content throughout this frozen labyrinth, featuring 50 intersections set over a 4 km stretch. Alternatively, Lac-des-Loups, just a little further, offers a 3 km skating trail through a forest. You can lace up in the heated change room before setting out on this wooded experience and take breaks in the many pitstops along the way, so you can take in the beautiful fauna at your rhythm. Bring the family—it’s free for anyone under the age of 5.