Ange and her family enjoy the fall colors at Dômes Bellechasse

Mild fall weather makes you want to spend as much time outdoors as possible! Every year, at the peak of the fall colurs, we plan some family time to wrap up in nature’s magic.

What a privilege it was this time to spend the most beautiful weekend in October (I think!) in a comfortable cocoon on the mountainside in the heart of the Appalachians at Dômes Bellechasse.

As soon as we arrived, Alain, the owner, kindly welcomed us with a tour of the site and then of our dome. Everything has been thought of to ensure relaxation and wonder. With indoor and outdoor fireplaces, a large terrace overlooking the forest with a breathtaking view, comfortable beds, a full kitchen and bathroom, a private spa and relaxation areas, everything has been designed to ensure a memorable stay.

We slept like babies before a day’s hiking in Parc Massif du Sud. It’s one of our all-season classics, but this time we discovered the Abris-sous-roche trail. Really great now that the kids are older! A trail a few kilometers long that took us through a maple grove with its orange canopy, before climbing a series of ladders, skirting rock faces and taking refuge in small caves. Once we’d reached the summit, there were beautiful views of the Collines du Nord.

We then did the hebertism course and went to soak our feet in the icy water of the Bassins trail. These waterfalls are great to dip your toes into in summer, but it was different to discover them dotted with fall leaves in October.

With the great outdoors whetting our appetites, we headed for Café Le Perpétuel in Saint-Damien-de-Buckland. It’s in the heart of the village, where you can grab a bite to eat in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, where local and seasonal produce are showcased. Sandwiches, salads and homemade pastries (I salivate when I think of the baklava!), delicious coffee and beers from local microbreweries are all on the menu. There’s also a small grocery corner where you can pick up a few items from local market gardeners.

As we were leaving, we caught a glimpse of a mural by Cécile Gariépy (who we love!) in a former convent opposite the café. In the heart of Buckland, it was a real surprise to come across the creations of one of our favourite illustrators! The Musée des sœurs de Notre-Dame du Perpétuel Secours chose the Montreal artist to design the visuals for their permanent exhibition Super Héroïnes, with a view to creating a modern, up-to-date look. It’s an interesting journey back in time, highlighting the rich heritage left over more than a century by the pioneering religious congregation in their community.

At the end of the afternoon, we strolled around the dome site, between the spa and the terrace, and really relaxed! The aperitif by the fireplace at sunset will remain in our precious family memories. In the afternoon, we’d passed by La Bouchée Double on the way and indulged in their tartar bar to simplify dinner (and their signature poutine, which we couldn’t resist on the spot). An excellent way to end a perfect day.

On Sunday morning, we slept in, read and played board games, then headed home with one last gourmet stop at Bleuetière Marland. Neapolitan pizzas on the roof overlooking the countryside and probably the last ice cream of the season (with berries, mmm!) made our day.

Fall crossed paths with summer, and we took full advantage!

Photos: Ange Hébert-Corriveau