A classic Canadian charmer: Montebello

Located in Quebec about an hour’s drive east of Ottawa, the delightful village of Montebello (population 1,000) has become quite a tourist mecca. As well as a main street bustling with little shops (a chocolaterie, a craft brewery, cheese shop, restos and more) the village is home to the renowned Fairmont Chateau Montebello, a remarkable and historic inn.

Originally built as a private country club in 1930, the Chateau holds the record as the largest log building in the world. Incredibly, it took just four months to construct – it’s amazing what you can do with a team of 3,500 workers. As well as locals, many European labourers, known for their expertise in building with wood, worked 10 hour days to meet the July 1st grand opening deadline.

Today the property is renowned for its rustic luxury. The eye-popping main lobby with its exposed wood and massive multi-sided fireplace is truly the heart of the hotel. Surrounded by acres of peaceful forest, Chateau Montebello is a true four season getaway, with summer sports including tennis, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, cycling and swimming. Thanks to the hotel’s partnership with Land Rover, you can even take off-road driving lessons. Come winter, there’s skating, hockey, sleigh rides, dogsledding, snowshoeing, cross country skiing and ice fishing. Many of the activities are included in the resort’s $25 per room per night activity fee.

And don’t worry about working up an appetite: the hotel is justifiably renowned for its cuisine combining traditional French and Canadian dishes. Or just cozy up to the fireplace with a hot toddy and get to know the resident black lab Bello.

No wonder the Fairmont Chateau Montebello is a four time recipient of the prestigious Condé Nast Readers’ Choice Award! Your Vision travel advisor can help you plan a lovely getaway here – perhaps in combination with a break in nearby Ottawa and/or Montreal.