A spring family getaway in Chaudière-Appalaches

When nature wakes up after the long months of winter, it’s the perfect time for a family adventure. In May, we headed off to Montmagny for three days of discovery, relaxation and wonder. Here’s the story of our trip.

Relaxation and gourmet pleasures

Our adventure begins as soon as we arrive at Hôtel L’Oiselière in Montmagny. We were quickly charmed by the warm atmosphere and soothing surroundings. Our room, completely renovated, invites us to relax, but it’s in the atrium that we choose to unwind. Located in the centre of the hotel, the atrium is a large, bright, exotic garden with a heated swimming pool, spa and sauna. It doesn’t take long for the children to get comfortable, and it’s in the water that they move around, have fun and expend all their energy.

For dinner, our choice is the Microbrasserie Côte-du-Sud (link in french), just 2 minutes from the hotel. Children are given a warm welcome. They are given a colouring book with crayons and a menu specially designed for them. We enjoyed the friendly atmosphere and the appetising food.

Back at the hotel, we take advantage of the spacious lounge where board games are available. In this elegant yet friendly space, there are televisions, unlimited coffee and hot chocolate, and a bar area. This simple but precious moment allows us to slow down and laugh together before a good night’s sleep.

Massages and nature

The second day begins with breakfast at La Couvée restaurant, located right in the hotel. With a table adjacent to the atrium, it’s in a tropical atmosphere that we savour our delicious meal.

With our bellies full, we headed for the hotel’s health centre, where Romie was treated to a very special moment: a 30-minute children’s massage. As this was her first experience, the massage therapist took the time to explain everything to her. Romie was treated with the utmost care, and was even fitted with heated slippers.

In the afternoon, we put on our shoes for a walk to Pointe-aux-Oies. The site, vast and peaceful, is the scene of an impressive ballet of geese. The children enjoy jumping from rock to rock while observing these graceful birds. At the end of the trail, there’s a 30-foot-high observation tower from which you can take in the surrounding panorama.

For dinner, the À la Rive restaurant (link in french) exceeds our expectations with the range of choices on its menu. The pizzas, abundantly topped, are impressive and tasty.

Meet the little penguins

On our last day, we head for the Berthier-sur-Mer marina to board Razorbill Observation Cruise with Croisières AML. We take our seats on the first deck, well sheltered from the wind.

Accompanied by a naturalist who tells us the history of the Isle-aux-Grues archipelago with passion, we sail to the Pilier de Bois, an isolated rock where little penguins return every year during the breeding season. We stop for a moment to observe these birds in their natural habitat. On a few occasions, we were lucky enough to see them fly past the boat. Being so close to these specimens, right in the heart of the river, is both fascinating and moving.

Back on dry land, we stayed a while at the marina to enjoy the river park. The children dipped their feet in the river and had fun bouncing pebbles on the water. A simple moment, but so representative of what we love about our escapades: nature, freedom and the pleasure of being together. We leave with our heads full of memories and our hearts full of gratitude.

Photos : Sarah Witty