Every year we plan a trip to Quebec to enjoy a week of nature and to disconnect from the world. This year we decided to go in the winter time to enjoy the snow.

On our way, we stopped in Ottawa for the Winterlude Festival which celebrates winter and all things fun in the snow. The highlight of the festival is the Rideau Canal Skateway which at 7.8 kilometres (approximately 5 miles) is the largest skating rink in the world. There was also magnificent sculptures during the International Ice-Carving Competition.

We stayed in nearby Gatineau on the Quebec side at Spa Nordik – it’s a huge amazing spa with outdoor hot tubs, saunas and cold plunges. There is also a very cool Källa treatment – Källa is a large floating salt-water pool dug 5 metres deep into the rock which contains 10 tons of Epsom salt in 1,200 cubic feet of water. Nordik spa’s Källa pool is only the second of its kind in the world, the other being in Switzerland. The spa also has two lodges for overnight guests and they are beautiful. They are full equipped with everything you need including your own private outdoor sauna.

We also made some amazing meals in between enjoying Ottawa and the spa facilities…

After Ottawa we drove about an hour and half east towards Montebello in Quebec. Just past the small town of Montebello is Kenauk.

Kenauk is located north of the Ottawa River and only 1.5 hours from either Ottawa or Montreal, Kenauk Nature is one of North America’s largest and longest-established private fish and game reserves, boasting more than 60 lakes within its borders. Cool history fact: It was originally granted by the King of France in 1674 and It is a great way to experience the Canadian wilderness firsthand! Arriving at Kenauk – it really feels like home as this is our 8th year visiting this region.

The land is beautiful and very private. They lodges are very spread out so you have your own private lake and forest. You can stay in there for a week and never see another person. It takes anywhere from 30-45 minutes just to drive from the front gate to your private chalet. This time we stayed in the Pine chalet.

The chalets are rustic but comfortable. There is running water (hot and cold), solar powered fridges, propane lights and gas stoves. We call it glamour camping or glamping =) We had everything we needed but there’s no electricity or cell phone reception which sounds scary at first but then is the best way to make sure you spend time enjoying nature and each other’s company.

We spent a lot of time cooking and enjoying our meals….

And of course we spent a lot of time outside enjoying the fresh winter air. Snowshoeing was a lot of fun!

Trips like this definitely turns moments into valuable unforgettable memories. Stay tuned for our summer trip to Kenauk! Can’t wait!!