On our very first night ascending the mountain towards our log cabin in Quebec we spotted a moose. It was young just standing by the side of the road, looking straight at us. My husband was driving very carefully on this gravel road as we ascended the mountain but we only startled her for a moment… then she was gone. She slowly ducked back into the heavily wooded area. With that short encounter, we knew we were in it now, the beautiful Quebec wilderness and we were ready for it all.
We climbed slowly to our home for the next four nights, Domaine Valga, a beautiful log cabin in Quebec, deep in the boreal forest that you find in this part of Canada. We had only entered the Bas St. Laurent (Lower St. Lawrence) region earlier that afternoon but by now, we were keen to get home, get settled and have a rest after our long drive from Montreal. We had left London, Ontario a few days before but knew that a stop was needed to bridge the drive.
As we approached Domaine Valga, I have to admit, the road is best suited to a 4WD SUV or a pickup truck but our trusty rental van got us to our destination. Undercover of darkness so we had no idea what spectacular views were just off the large patio deck. We sorted ourselves out, picked rooms, unpacked groceries then settled in for a bit of TV and a good night’s sleep.
This is what we found off of the back deck in our yard very early in the morning: a spectacular private lake and trees for as far as the eye can see. With a cup of coffee in hand, I ventured outside and I took a deep, deep breath of fresh mountain air. I let it all settle in – we were finally on vacation! I cannot tell you how relaxing it was to be in the middle of nowhere watching the beavers play in the water.
You can either stay in a log cabin or at the main lodge. There are rooms available from large suites to cozier rooms. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing plain about this lodge, it is spacious, warm and welcoming and I can see the attraction that many have in this all-season vacation property. All the logs were procured from the property itself and were the labour of love for this French Canadian family.
They continue to expand with this spring’s opening of a cabane a sucre (or a sugar shack) so you can experience a full maple syrup experience. They tap their many maple trees on the property to produce the perfect sweet elixir that is so famous here in La Belle Province.
During the winter, It is a snowmobiling paradise with fresh power, wooded trails all around. If you stay in the main lodge, there is a hearty breakfast and in the evenings’ dinner (depending on the package you choose). The owners were warm and welcoming. There is a lounge area with a large TV and a fireplace if you wanted to just sit back and read a book.
Log Cabin in Quebec
There are also three log cabins that may suit larger parties. They can accommodate anywhere from 2 – 11 people with a variety of room options. It is a combination of a queen bed, twin (single) or roll-out beds. The bathrooms are all upgraded and modern. With plenty of hooks to hang your gear when you come in from the cold.
The benefit of being in your own log cabin in Quebec is that you can bring in groceries as the kitchen is fully stocked with some additional essentials that you may need.
Below is a very short video of the aerial adventure park at Domaine Valga. The family loved the high ropes course and the many zip lines. It was too bad we were unable to use the kayaks and canoes but that means we will have to return!
Rustic accommadations with all the luxuries of home
On Site Amenities
- Non-smoking room
- WIFI access
- TV with cable channels
- fully equipped kitchen
- living room
- air conditionin on main floor
- 1 main floor bedroom with queen bed
- 1st floor full bathroom
- 2nd floor full bathroom
- 1 bedroom with 1 queen bed
- 1 bedroom with 2 queen beds + 2 twin beds
- spectacular views to the lake & wooded area
- outdoor area includes large deck
- fire pit + wood
- row boat
Abundant Outdoor activities
Open year-round, Domaine Valga offers several services and activities depending on the season, including multiple aerial courses in the Forest of Maître Corbeau, canoeing/kayaking, paddle boarding and guided off-trail snowmobile excursions. You can also hike or keep the kids entertained at the outdoor playground.
Bounus Activity – The aerial adventure park (called “Forêt de Maître Corbeau”)
When you have three adult children and you are on a family vacation, you need to provide the perfect balance between outdoor fun and challenging activities. The benefit of staying at Domaine Valga is the aerial adventure park. The aerial adventure park (called “Forêt de Maître Corbeau”) offers 94 aerial games in 6 courses at the heart of an exceptional old-growth forest in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. You will need to set aside at least three hours to get the best of this challenging course.
The course was challenging and my husband and the children loved the exertion it provided. We realized it is a huge benefit of staying at Domain Valga (although you can still use the course if you are not a guest). These courses are guided but can also be tried during the winter months. I was so proud of how my son (usually a shy, non-sporty type) took the hardest routes. He grew more and more confident as he proceeded through the 6 different courses and ended with the epic zipline trek through the woods. Honestly, I cannot recommend this enough!
Domaine Valga
Propriétaire: Chantal Vallée & Éric Gagné
300 Chemin des Écorchis,
ST GABRIEL DE RIMOUSKI
QC G0K1M0 – CANADA
+1 418 739 4200
info@domainevalga.com
Website
Facebook
Tél./Télec.: 418-739-4200
Courriel: info@domainevalga.com
Disclosure: Our family was a guest of Domaine Valga and Quebec Maritime. This is part of a series written to introduce my readers to the beauty of this region. All opinions are mine and 100% genuine.
More posts to read about Quebec Maritime
- 10+ Quirky and Unique Accommodations in Quebec Maritime
- Quebec by the Sea – The Lighthouse Trail in Quebec Maritime – Detailed Itinerary
- 6 of the Best Road Trips in Quebec Maritime
- Family Travel in Quebec Maritime – Ferme 5 Etoiles Family Farm is a must-see
- A Comprehensive Guide to Whale Watching in Tadoussac, Quebec – Saguenay-St. Lawrence Marine Park
- International Garden Festival – Large Scale Garden Installations in the Jardin Metis/Reford Gardens
- Percé Rock in the Gaspésie Region of Quebec–#QuebecMaritime
- From Working Farms to Futuristic Pods in the woods: Your Guide to Where to stay in Quebec
- Video – FB Live of Jacob the Wolf at Ferme 5 Etoiles in Quebec Maritime
- Video – Lighthouse Trail in Quebec Maritime Part One and Part Two
Margarita Ibbott is a travel and lifestyle blogger. She blogs about travel in Canada, the United States and Europe giving practical advice through restaurant, hotel and attraction reviews. She writes for DownshiftingPRO.com and other online media outlets.