After all, the G7 prime ministers and presidents don’t stay just anywhere, which explains the upscale appeal of each of the 16 chalets (with a 17th under construction, plus a yurt for glamping). Even the Papineau Lake boathouse, with its cozy Booze & Plank bar, looks like it belongs on a movie set.  All the chalets are secluded, and each faces a river, a lake or a mysterious marsh. “Last time I checked on this yurt, there was a moose on the balcony,” reports general manager Simon Trudeau. There are three types of chalet accommodation: the Heritage log cabins dating back to the days of the Seigniory Club in the 1930s (and built of logs recovered from the construction site of the Château Montebello), vintage chic and very comfortable; the more modern Classic series, built in 1975; and the Deluxe chalets built by the new administration in the last few years. These can have up to seven bedrooms and as many bathrooms, with a billiard room and state-of-the-art solar energy system. All the chalets are located in settings whose natural beauty is equalled only by the chalets’ luxury and comfort.

Hunting and fishing are still popular at Kenauk, but the outfitter has made a deliberate shift towards ecotourism. Thus, activities now include hiking (on a 60-km trail that will eventually be 100 km long), climbing on a brand new climbing tower more than 18 metres (60 feet) high, and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on 48 km of winter trails. In summer, there’s a beautiful beach at Poisson Blanc Lake, and kayaks, canoes, rowboats and SUP are available for motor-free navigation (fishing rod optional). Kenauk Nature continues to offer its traditional, more specialized activities, including skeet shooting, axe throwing and marksmanship, all led by highly experienced guides.

As for fishing, the outfitter is proud to have reopened a fish farm that allows it to stock its lakes with brook, rainbow and brown trout, and offer fish levels comparable to those of the 1930s—that is, very abundant. Overall, Kenauk offers the best of both worlds: a comfortable, enjoyable experience in a rich, carefully preserved natural environment. Once the exclusive preserve of the Château Montebello, Kenauk opened to the public only fairly recently. Best of all, this vast unspoiled territory is easily accessible from Gatineau and Montreal. Plan your visit today! Looking for another other outfitter experience? Read one of Alexis' stories.   *A story of Alexis de Gheldere, journalist, director and Jack-of-all-trades.