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Forests as far as the eye can see and a sparkling icy lake: Lake Sacacomie.

Leaving the minibus that brought us from Montreal to the Lake, just outside the Mastigouche wildlife reserve, we soaked up, speechless, the gem-like setting:  forests that stretched forever, and, sparkling and still under the moonlight, Sacacomie Lake...

A family history!

In the middle of nowhere, a big but cosy main chalet flanked on each side with others, dotted over several acres, all built in the same simple authentic Canadian style.

To add some protection from the outside elements, large blocks of white pine from Papineauville create a rustic but solid facade.

Yet this house on the lake, belonging to the Plante family, was its owner, Yvon'sdreamchild.  This is a story of love and passion, one that Colombe, the family's close friend and the chalet's director, related to us by a roaring fire, a glass of 'caribou' in her hand...

The dream of his life


Yvan Plante, native, visionary and passionate about his land, bought some public property from the government in '92.  Led by his life's dream, he decided to create a first-class hotel, in the spirit of the chalets of western Canada that preserve the natural character and wildness of their surroundings, in harmony with nature. 

And the name "Sacacomie" came from the Canadian Indian lexicon, both the Algonquin "Saghackhomi" and the Abenaquis "Sajakhimen."




Renewal after a devastating fire 



Destroyed in '96, four months after its inauguration, it was completely designed by Robert Constantin and rebuilt in '98.  Now it has 109 rooms and suites and a state-of-the-art spa called Geos Spa that was opened in July 2009.  The rooms, all wood-paneled and decked by terraces overlooking the lake and its forests, radiate simple and authentic Canadian style, with newly-laid log fires ready to crackle. We found ourselves learning to love the outdoor space, the time and the contemplation.  What a gift for city-dwellers like us in search of some genuine contact with nature.

Exploring the lake by sled dog

Early next morning we joined Nathalie, François and Eric for a tour of this white-covered world by dog sleigh. A soulful two-hour wander across the frozen lake that glinted blue under the reflected sky, framed by miles of forests. A mystical revelation. A tranquil silence bathed the immense space as we took in the wondrous landscape like children spying presents under the fir tree.

Seaplane flight over the property 

Then after a nice hot chocolate in the yurt, to warm us after this extraordinary experience, Alain Priem, the seaplane pilot, showed us over the Mauricie region which covers about 500 km and 170 lakes.  From the air, Mauricie was a huge tapestry with watercourses that connect the various lakes like a spiderweb. 

 


A day dedicated to the joys of snowmobiling



Giddy from the fresh air, when the sun gave way to the moon, with a last glance at the still-quilted wonderland outside, it felt good to be snugly cocooned under the covers as the crackling hearth lulled us into dreamland.  Another day lay ahead.

After a hearty forester's breakfast, the team was ready to climb aboard the snowmobiles for a 50 km ride along specially-designated motor tracks. Our journey began across scenery of untold beauty with a welcome stop at the Trappers Inn.

The Geos Spa, an 85% wooden eco-friendly structure 


Based on two important resources, wood and water-- that are freely available everywhere-- Real Migneault, the project manager, has created an ecological building.

Relying on geothermics, they hollowed out 24 wells 150 meter deep to access and capture heat between 7 and 11°C that is used to warm the chalet.

80% of the chalet's light is natural, thanks to the vast picture windows that look over the lake.  Massages of all types are  given by certified practitioners in ten cabins. And if the mood strikes you, two steaming tubs at 40°C) and another of ice water sit waiting outside.  Tempt yourself!