Photos by Emily Cordonier
The Fairmont’s Chateau Montebello is a wonderful place to go with the family at any time of year, but in the winter it seems extra special. For anyone who hasn’t been, Montebello is a small Quebec town around an hour drive from Ottawa. While the town is small and sleepy, it makes for a perfectly tranquil setting for the Chateau Montebello resort.
The Chateau Montebello is a massive cedar hotel situated along the Ottawa River. Built back in 1930, the three main buildings are composed of 10 000 red cedar logs. The Chateau will leave you with a lasting impression, particularly in the wintertime with the snow falling all around.
The Chateau Montebello is well known for its beautiful grounds, luxurious spa and delicious dining. But what keeps many families coming back again and again, is just how kid friendly the resort is. Here are the top 5 reasons Chateau Montebello is such a great winter destination for the family.
Kid Friendly Atmosphere
Upon walking through the front doors of the Chateau Montebello you will be greeted by an open lobby with a huge, multi faced fireplace. Despite its size, the lobby is cozy and welcoming. It’s not unusual to see little kids exploring the area or visiting with the hotel’s resident dog, a black lab named Bello. The lobby provides a place where parents can enjoy a glass of wine while their kids sip on the Chateau Montebello’s famous hot chocolate. There are plenty of couches and comfy chairs, and families can enjoy a board game in the playing areas set up on the second level overlooking the lobby.
So Many Activities
There is no shortage of things to do with your kids at the Chateau Montebello. There is a resort fee of $25 per room a night, and that gives guests access to the following activities: 42 km of cross country skiing trails, two ice rinks, hockey sticks and pucks, curling clinics for beginnings, disc gold, snowshoes, plus the indoor pool, squash courts, gym and indoor tennis.
There are other activities available for a fee including: tube sliding, sleigh rides, dog sledding, curling, ice fishing and snowmobiling.
Parents Can Enjoy Some Luxury Too
Although there are so many family activities to keep you busy at Chateau Montebello, parents can also find time to soak up some rest and relaxation too. The hotel offers a children’s program with supervised evening movies on weekends and during school breaks. There is also children’s daycare offered upon request. So, it is possible to free up some time to go and enjoy a treatment at the hotel’s award winning spa or simply relax in front of the fireplace.
The Food
During the wintertime, there are two restaurant dining options at Chateau Montebello. There is the main dining room Aux Chantignoles, and a more casual dining option the Bar La Seigneurie.
Kid menus are available, and with so many options even the pickiest child will find something they like. Even better – kids under 5 eat free. There are also booster seats and high chairs available at both of the restaurants. And, if your kids are getting antsy waiting for their food, there is an arcade full of fun games for all ages right next door. Children can stay busy there until the food arrives.
Park Omega
When you’re ready to venture off the resort grounds, you just have to drive a few minutes up the road to find Parc Omega. Omega is a Canadian safari, and it truly is an unique experience for all ages. Visitors drive through a huge park full of wild animals in their natural habitat, such as elk, caribou, wild boars, wolves, buffalo, bears and more. It is especially beautiful in the winter when everything is covered in snow, and the animals are still so active. You can purchase bags of carrots at the entrance and feed many of the animals along the drive.
