At the Fairmont Le Château Montebello, they’ve thought of everything to please every member of the family, from the board games you can borrow from the concierge to the breakfast buffet that satisfies all appetites. Don’t bother loading up the car with snowshoes or skis—everything is available on site. You can even try curling or tube sliding! After an active day, the kids can watch a movie while the parents finish (finally) the previous day’s conversation by the fire, sipping a digestif. Sounds good, doesn’t it? If you need more incentive, let me share my family’s experience there last winter, when Henri declared, “This is my favourite hotel in the whole world!”

The château is a self-contained universe, it’s true, but it’s worth venturing beyond the perimeter to explore the surrounding area. The village of Montebello and the Petite-Nation have a lot to offer.

Visiting the Parc Oméga is a must. The park’s wild animals love visitors, especially visitors who bring carrots! On the way back from this magical park, you’ll probably be feeling a little peckish yourself. Luckily, there are several excellent places to eat in the village. Here are some suggestions:

This cozy café is a favourite brunch spot for travellers between Montreal and Gatineau. It’s ideal for a light lunch, a coffee, or a pastry (or all three!). Note: Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

A village classic! With its beautiful contemporary décor, the Bistro has reinvented itself while preserving its family-friendly atmosphere. The wood-fired pizzas are divine.

Take home a souvenir of Montebello by shopping at local businesses. The ChocoMotive chocolate shop (which is also an economuseum) uses only certified fair trade organic chocolate, cocoa and sugar. The Fromagerie Montebello has won several Caseus awards for its delicious artisanal cheeses. Drop by the Brasseurs de Montebello for a chat with the friendly owner, Alain, and sample a Fantôme d’Ezilda or a JackRabbit beer. Read the label of your beer or cheese and you’ll find that history is very much alive in this part of the Outaouais. The Petite-Nation is proud of its roots and its heritage. Speaking of heritage, if you’re interested in historic houses, stop in at the tourist information office and pick up a map of the village. It includes a heritage tour that profiles more than 60 buildings. End your visit on the property of Louis-Joseph Papineau, the patriarch who left an indelible mark on the hearts of the people of the Petite-Nation.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention a few more local treasures that are well worth a detour a little north of Montebello. Brasse Camarade: Located in Saint-André-Avellin, this welcoming business is much more than a corner store. It stocks an amazing variety of craft beers, as well as a range of quality regional food products. Also in Saint-André-Avellin, Bon Thé Divine specializes in unique and exclusive teas and tisanes. The tea sommelière on the premises has even created special blends in honour of local historic attractions, such as the Manoir Papineau in Montebello. One taste of the Chic Poutine at the Café du Bistrot, and you’ll savour the memory of the gravy for the rest of your days. Once is not enough: you’ll definitely be making a return trip to Saint-André. Trust us. Montagnes Noires Park in Ripon: the second highest peak in the region after Mont-Tremblant! The park has snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, as well as a snow park for tube sliding. We hope we’ve succeeded in whetting your appetite for exploring the beautiful Outaouais region! If you’re looking for more ideas for things to do in Montebello, don’t hesitate to call us at 1-800-265-7822.