Every good adventure includes a cozy refuge in the heart of the forest. For my stay, I opted for the Coyote ready-to-camp, a roomy prospector-style tent. Surrounded by the beauty of the wilderness, I was all set for two peaceful nights. The living area was sensational and offered all the features of glamping in the wild. Inside, there was enough space to sleep a family of five comfortably. All the essentials for an enjoyable stay were provided: a double bed, three single beds, a small stove with oven, a mini fridge and a USB port. I was even able to relax in the cocoon swing and leaf through my book while sipping a glass of wine.  And then there was the outdoor space! I fired up the on-site BBQ and did some grilling in the fresh air, then enjoyed my meal at the picnic table with its gorgeous view of the forest and lake. I appreciated the evident attention to detail, with everything practical and in the right place: large washbasin, dry toilet nearby, propane-heated shower, and campfire wood. For camping veterans and novices alike, this is an incomparable experience and a great way to immerse yourself in nature without sacrificing comfort! 

What can I say about the beautiful expanses of water surrounding me? To my great delight, a dock on magnificent Papineau Lake was just a stone’s throw from my campsite. Once again, everything I needed was right there: life jacket, canoe, kayak and paddleboard. Some of the accommodations even have their own private lake! I enjoyed paddling on the lake at sunset, the water was so calm. It’s a truly peaceful oasis and a favourite spot for fishing enthusiasts.  In fact, it’s recognized as one of Quebec’s most popular fishing destinations. Did you know that Kenauk Nature has a fish farm that produces over 100,000 fish a year? I’m impressed by their conservation mission and their values based on sustainable development. On the way back to the dock, I took a moment to quench my thirst with a Kenauk Ale, a beer made from honey produced on the reserve and brewed through a great local partnership with Les Brasseurs de Montebello. 

After a good night’s sleep, I was ready for an active day! My first challenge was tackling the six-storey climbing tower. At 14.5 metres (48 feet) tall, it’s quite imposing! Surprisingly, I felt quite comfortable in the air. The guide’s enthusiastic instructions, the climbing equipment and the assisted system made me feel quite safe. After figuring out the holds, I was treated to a panoramic view of Lac du Poisson Blanc. It was so beautiful from above! I rediscovered my childhood petulance when it was time to head back down. For my second ascent, I tried the moulinette technique, where the guide belays you manually. It certainly makes for a relationship of instant trust!  The activity whetted my appetite! After all that effort, I headed for the picnic area near the beach and the mountains. Wherever I was on the Kenauk Nature site, I felt totally cut off from the hustle and bustle of the city.

My second challenge of the day, and no small one, was clay pigeon shooting. I couldn’t have picked a better place to try it out. With its practice area and nine stations, the Kenauk range is the ideal place to test your skills and advance from one level to the next. My guide was there for me from start to finish, explaining how to load the rifle, hold it properly and aim accurately. After putting on the safety equipment and taking a few practice shots, I headed for the first station. I really pushed myself as I tried to hit the flying targets from left to right. It’s a real art to know the exact moment to take the shot. To finish off the afternoon, I tried my hand at axe throwing. If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s an original family activity that’s well worth discovering! 

A visit to Kenauk Nature definitely deserves more than a single day! There are plenty of ways to extend your holiday. Whether From aquatic activities to fly fishing, hiking, relaxing in the floating sauna or discovering a magic bus, Kenauk has everything you need for an unforgettable time. To round out your trip, head to the pretty village of Montebello to stock up on local finds at the Lavandine et Cie boutique, the ChocoMotive chocolate shop, the Fromagerie Montebello cheese shop and the Brasseurs de Montebello microbrewery and pub.  + Enjoy the great outdoors this summer! Check out all the outdoor activities you can do in the Outaouais.