Ange and her family enjoy winter at the Dôme de la rivière Alick

Would you like to wake up to the enchantment of a snow globe, you know the one with a soft winter landscape that you shake to see the snowflakes waltz by? That’s what we did to get the year off to a great start at the enchanting Dômes de la rivière Alick in Notre-Dame-du-Rosaire.

We love nature at any time of year, and to say that this experience was a “coup de coeur” would be an understatement. First, there’s the view: you take a secret path (not yet on Google, but very well explained by the owners) down to the dome, which is on the banks of a cascading river in the heart of a forest of giant spruce.

The place is designed to showcase nature and offer a unique intimacy that makes you feel totally immersed. The minute we stepped out of the car, our nervous system went into standby mode.

The children immediately set off to explore the area! A deer track here, a stream there, nearby, a chipmunk nibbling on a pine cone as we settled in, the flora visibly generous and dormant for the winter. In the background, the sound of the river moving and the ice forming. This soothing white noise reverberates gently inside the dome, its shape giving the effect of a shell when you put your ear to it. Holiday music!

It’s a luxurious experience, too, with all the comforts you could wish for! Two large, cosy beds, full kitchen and bathroom, heating, electricity, spacious surroundings, wood-burning stove for atmosphere and a spectacular view of the forest almost 180 degrees away. The private outdoor hot tub is also a relaxing way to enjoy a chilly day after hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in the area.