Four ideas for a Duchesnay getaway
Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a short vacation with family or friends, a solo telecommuting stay, or even a day of cross-country skiing, Duchesnay is the destination of choice for outdoor enthusiasts! Located on the shores of Lac Saint-Joseph in Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, just 30 minutes from Québec City (about 2.5 hours from Montréal), the site offers a vast array of activities for fun in the snow and hassle-free enjoyment of nature's bounty.
Here are four different scenarios to inspire you to discover the location and plan your next getaway.
First, a word about Duchesnay
Duchesnay is the preferred all-inclusive vacation resort for outdoor enthusiasts. Auberge Duchesnay offers cozy rooms and a restaurant showcasing local cuisine. Furthermore, the site features 14 fully-equipped, contemporary cabins for 4 to 16 guests.
It's also one of the finest cross-country ski centres in the greater Québec City region. The site offers 65 kilometers of well-groomed trails and superb snow conditions. It's a first-rate destination for ski enthusiasts, but also for the curious who want to learn, as equipment rental is available on site and there are trails adapted to all levels. Other activities include snowshoeing, snow tubing, ski-snowshoeing, ice fishing, dog sledding, skating, and trail walking.
1. A lovers' weekend
Are you looking to add some spice to your routine as a couple, but don't have the energy to concoct complicated plans? Booking a room at Auberge Duchesnay for a few days is an excellent solution! The advantage of this option is that the organization required to make the most of your stay is minimal. No need to plan meals, fill the cooler, prepare sleeping bags and pillows... everything is provided right on site.
The choice of activities also lets a twosome enjoy the great outdoors and take a break from the daily grind. Snowshoeing or trail-walking are terrific activities to share with your beloved, as you can chat about anything and everything while out and about. The site offers over 22 km of marked trails through the snow-covered forest. To decompress after a few hours walking outside, we recommend trying out the new outdoor hydromassage pools. Perfect for warming up before sipping an aperitif!
To round off the day in style, you can enjoy an intimate dinner at Bistro-bar Le Quatre-Temps, the Auberge restaurant. Fish, game, and grilled meats are on the menu, highlighting Québec’s traditional cuisine. Try to book a table by the stone fireplace and make sure to save room for dessert, as the chocolate fondant is a pure delight!
Little cabin vacations in the company of family or friends
On the Auberge Duchesnay site, around Lac Saint-Joseph, you'll find 14 superb cabins of contemporary design, sleeping between 4 and 16 people. Ideal for short family vacations or annual get-togethers with your group of friends!
Bright, modern, and warm, Duchesnay's cabins are truly cozy nests. They're fully equipped and even come with a few nice extras: gas fireplace, Internet access, cable TV, and even a washer-dryer.
Duchesnay's spacious cabins are ideal for receptions and large festive gatherings. That's why so many people assemble here each and every year to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, and other special occasions. The open-plan kitchen is the perfect place to congregate for a raclette, Chinese fondue, or a simple potluck meal. While you prepare the feast, your guests can gather at the kitchen island to chat and enjoy an aperitif.
Just a few minutes' walk away, the snow-tubing facility and heated indoor pool offer great activities for young and old alike. Ice hockey enthusiasts can bring their skates or rent a pair at the rental centre and organize a friendly tournament on the rink! It's the best way to arrive with rosy cheeks for a happy hour snack around the fireplace.
3. A few days of solo telecommuting
Did you know that nature has a stimulating effect on creativity? If you work remotely and are looking for a place in the woods to spend a few days on your own, a stay at Auberge Duchesnay is an excellent option.
The hotel rooms are quiet, bright, and offer a lovely view of Lac Saint-Joseph, frozen in winter. They’re equipped with a desk area, as well as high-speed Wi-Fi. So you can work in comfort, without distractions. Perfect for immersing yourself in an important file and completing several hours of concentrated work!
When it's time to eat, there's no need to get out and drive, as breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all available at Bistro-bar Le Quatre-Temps. The menu features health-food choices, light fare, and vegan options. As an added bonus, free coffee is available on demand.
During your break periods, between video calls, or at the end of your work day, you can enjoy the benefits of nature on the cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking trails. In the evening, to help you get a good night's sleep, we suggest that you relax in the outdoor hydromassage baths or swim a few laps in the heated pool.
4. A day of cross-country skiing with colleagues
With 65 kilometers of well-groomed trails, circuits for all levels, excellent snow conditions, and an equipment rental centre, Duchesnay is one of the top spots in Québec for cross-country skiing.
If you're looking for an original way to bond with your colleagues, why not give this sport a try? After an invigorating outing on the snow-covered trails, you can round off the day with a team dinner at the bistro. If you live out of town, you can spend the night and enjoy the buffet breakfast the next morning, before hitting the road again.
The hassle-free joys of winter
For those who want to enjoy a hassle-free chilly season, Duchesnay is the destination to discover. It's the place to go for a romantic getaway, a get-together with family or friends, a solo escapade, or even a chance to bond with work colleagues. At the hotel or in a cabin, for a weekend, a short vacation, or just for a day, Duchesnay offers fun, rest, gastronomic delights, fresh air, and the best of winter for all to enjoy.