For the second year in a row, I returned to Chalet Beside in Rawdon and this time, with a couple of friends. Last year, my boyfriend surprised me by taking me there for my birthday, and I absolutely fell in love with the place! This year, we decided to go back and share this unique spot with our friends.
Between nature hikes, indoor and outdoor fires, good meals, Quebec wines, board games, and long conversations, we really took the time to slow down and recharge.
An easy and accessible getaway
We left Thursday evening after work and returned Sunday afternoon. Without traffic, Rawdon is about 45 minutes from Montreal, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway without having to travel long distances.
Arriving on Thursday evening allowed us to fully enjoy our stay and have a full 48 hours at the cabin. On Friday, our friend Juliette was working from home. During that time, my boyfriend Didier, his friend Émile, and I simply took the time to settle in, prepare meals, tend the fire, and read our books. A truly relaxing moment!
It was our friends' first experience at Chalet Beside, and they were immediately charmed by the minimalist architecture, natural light, and soothing atmosphere. The chalet is very well equipped, including everything needed for a Chinese fondue. In fact, that's what we chose for our first dinner!
Winter hiking and time spent outdoors
Saturday was a bit more active, but still very pleasant and relaxed. We took advantage of the trails right on the property for a hike. The resort has over thirty chalets, allowing for plenty of space to explore a vast area surrounded by nature.
Walking along the snowy trails, we admired the small fir trees covered in snow, a particularly beautiful winter landscape. With temperatures nearing -25°C, we were well-equipped with our Fosfo overalls and jackets, which kept us comfortably warm throughout the outing.
Juliette wore her Pop coat, Didier his Fosfo Pullover , and I had my Maxi coat in the ash mauve color, which I love! Émile wore his Audvik coat, the Phoenix II model, in amber. He found it both very warm and surprisingly breathable, which is really important for outdoor activities in winter. What I particularly love about this type of hike is the absolute peace and quiet. You're surrounded by trees, snow, and nature, with very few people around. It's exactly the kind of environment that allows you to completely disconnect.
Outdoor fire and evening at the cabin
After the hike, we extended our time outdoors by lighting a fire near the cabin. In winter, keeping a fire going outside requires a bit more planning than during the summer season, but the experience is just as enjoyable.
With all the accumulated snow, we even had to create a small passage to access the outdoor fire area, which made the activity even more memorable.
In the evening, the fireplace inside created a particularly warm atmosphere while we prepared supper. We opted for a simple meal, accompanied by Quebec wines, before ending the evening with board games.
Sunday morning arrived far too quickly. Before hitting the road again, we took the time to prepare a brunch with the leftovers from the weekend, then we set off again in the early afternoon, rested and with our heads full of wonderful memories.
Why I love Chalet Beside so much
I particularly love Chalet Beside for its minimalist architecture, its warm atmosphere, its indoor sauna and, above all, for the real sense of disconnection you feel throughout your stay! It's a place where you can truly take a break, slow down and recharge your batteries.
Whether you're a couple, a group of friends, a family, or even traveling solo, it's the perfect destination for a short getaway in the heart of nature. We're already planning our return for the third year in a row!
I wish you a wonderful rest of winter and hope you enjoy it to the fullest. Spring is coming soon!
We'll be back soon with another story, but this time, camping style. 😉
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