The world's largest log cabin is just an hour from Ottawa and it's the perfect fall escape
It's not too late to go on a cozy fall adventure before the winter months arrive! Just an hour outside of Ottawa, there's a hidden gem that feels like the ultimate autumn escape.
Fairmont Le Château Montebello is a huge, rustic log cabin surrounded by 300 acres of forest and nestled beside a river. During the autumn, the trees turn shades of orange, red, and yellow, making the "world's largest log cabin" look straight out of a fall postcard.
Whether you're craving an outdoor adventure, looking to unwind by a roaring fire, or just want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, this cozy spot has a little something for everyone—and it's so easy to get to from Ottawa.
Fairmont Le Château Montebello, located in the quaint town of Montebello, Quebec, is the perfect place to explore and unwind during the fall. Built with massive red cedar logs, the whole place feels like a cozy, oversized chalet, giving you that classic Canadian cabin feel.
Road-tripping to Montebello from Ottawa takes only about an hour, but the trip itself is beautiful. You'll cruise along Highway 50, all while enjoying an autumn show of leaves as you approach the Quebec border.
Once there, the options for fall fun are endless. At the Château itself, you can dive into all kinds of classic seasonal activities. There's a cozy bonfire set up every evening from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., where guests and visitors can gather, roast marshmallows, and craft the ultimate s'mores.
There's also a hiking trail, tennis courts, a scavenger hunt, and more. When the winter rolls around, there are also activities like dog sledding, tube sliding, ice skating and more. Available activities vary depending on the dates you visit, so be sure to check in advance if you want to try something in particular!
An on-site spa offers exclusive treatments like a maple sugar body scrub or green blanket body wrap. You can also soak in the 75-foot-long indoor heated swimming pool, unwind in the indoor whirlpools or steam away your worries in the dry saunas.
One of the Château's most spectacular features is its giant central fireplace, which has multiple fires burning at any given time. You can cozy up beside the fireplace on one of the many tables, armchairs or sofas, and curl up with a book or order a coffee or hot chocolate to sip while you unwind.
Even if you're not staying overnight at the hotel, you can pay separately to take part in activities or to use the spa, which offers panoramic outdoor forest views designed to help you truly relax.
Montebello itself is a cute little town with a few stops worth making. Just a short drive from the Château is Parc Omega, a huge wildlife park where you can see animals up close, like bison, moose, elk, and wolves.
And if you're hungry or want a little taste of local flavour, drop by Fromagerie Montebello for some award-winning cheese or head to Microbrasserie Les Brasseurs de Montebello for a craft beer with a side of small-town vibes.
So, if you're ready for a fall escape with plenty of character, Fairmont Le Château Montebello has all the charm, relaxation, and nature you could ask for.
Fairmont Le Château Montebello
Address: 392 Rue Notre Dame, Montebello, QC
Why You Need To Go: With activities for everyone and stunning scenery all around, it's the perfect place to spend a day—or maybe a weekend—soaking up the end of the fall season.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.
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