I’m walking down the street near my home when a group of kids playing ball catches my attention. Partly because they seem to be having such a great time outside, of course, but also because both teams are made up mostly of girls. Even the goalkeeper is a girl.
That simple scene takes me back to my childhood, when I had neither the confidence nor, at the time, the interest to play ball or take part in any other outdoor activity. Oh, how I would have loved to be that goalkeeper if the outdoor-loving woman I eventually became could travel back in time.
I became an outdoor person maybe 10 years ago, when I decided—on a whim and for work—to spend 9 days walking 200 km along the French section of the Camino de Santiago.
Adventurous and probably a little naive, I bought myself a pair of sneakers—which tells you just how far I had to go—and flew to France without really having trained.
And beyond the knee pain that screamed at me during the descents in the second half of the journey, what surprised me most was how much I loved being outdoors and pushing myself beyond my limits. That feeling quietly told me I had made the right decision.
Because somewhere deep inside me—who would have thought?—there was a woman who would eventually make outdoor adventure one of her greatest passions, especially while travelling to different corners of the world.
“Sweetheart, what happened to you?” my mother often asks with a laugh.
She had always known me as the writer who spent a lot of time shut away in her bedroom, listening to music, scribbling in notebooks, and dreaming—about what came next, about boys, about travel.
I would say that the most beautiful thing happened to me, Mom: I realized that happiness can be found outside and in movement.
I discovered that my happiness lives in the balance between my need for the excitement of the city and my need for the calm of long hikes leading to mountain summits, across desert dunes, or through forests where demanding trails offer some of life’s greatest lessons.
If I sometimes regret the years I spent not appreciating everything around me—especially considering that I grew up in the countryside—I comfort myself by thinking that I have more than made up for it over the past decade.
I have taken long hikes through the Sahara Desert in Morocco, across Newfoundland, in Snowdonia National Park in Wales, on glaciers in Alaska and Iceland, across nearly untouched landscapes in Greenland, Nunavut and Labrador, through colourful forests in Japan, and while immersing myself in the history of the Czech Republic and Germany.
I have walked the Inca trails of Peru, explored the landscapes around Lake Titicaca and the salt desert of Bolivia, climbed among smoking craters in Colorado and Nicaragua, stood at the foot of Mount Kenya, crossed the golden mountains of Rajasthan, and explored Vietnam.
And I have also discovered extraordinary adventures much closer to home, here in Quebec, whether challenging myself on the Matawinie National Trail or spending several days on the walking route through Mégantic, a kind of Quebec version of the Camino de Santiago that winds through the beautiful Eastern Townships.
So now, whenever I see young girls playing ball, just as when I walk through the forest, I smile.
Because I was lucky enough—even if it happened a little later in life, even while living in the big city I had always dreamed of—to fall in love with all the possibilities that come with discovering nature and wide-open spaces.
I wish you just as much love, experienced with a smile on your face and the wind gently brushing against your skin.
FAQ – Enjoying the Outdoors During a Cottage Getaway
Why choose a cottage to enjoy the outdoors in Quebec?
Renting a cottage allows you to stay close to nature and easily enjoy the outdoor activities available in the surrounding region. Depending on the season and the cottage location, your stay can include hiking, swimming, kayaking, cycling, snowshoeing, or simply relaxing by a lake.
What outdoor activities can you enjoy during a cottage stay?
There are many possibilities, including hiking, cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, ziplining, and via ferrata. The best options depend mainly on the region and the time of year.
Which regions of Quebec are ideal for an outdoor cottage getaway?
The Laurentians, Lanaudière, Charlevoix, the Eastern Townships, Mauricie, Outaouais, and the Quebec City region all offer many opportunities to combine a cottage rental with outdoor activities.
Can you enjoy outdoor activities in Quebec year-round?
Yes. Summer is ideal for water activities, hiking, and cycling, while winter is perfect for skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and many other winter activities. Fall is especially popular for hiking and enjoying the changing colours, while spring offers a chance to rediscover trails and landscapes as nature comes back to life.
How can you find activities near your cottage?
On Chalet à Rabais, many cottage listings feature nearby tourist attractions and activities. This makes it easier to choose accommodations based on the type of experience and outdoor activities you are looking for.
Is an outdoor cottage getaway suitable for families?
Yes. Many outdoor activities are family-friendly, including hiking, swimming, kayaking, cycling, treetop adventure courses, and certain winter activities. The key is simply to choose activities that are suitable for everyone’s age and ability level.
Why combine outdoor activities with a cottage stay?
A cottage allows you to enjoy outdoor adventures during the day while returning to a private and comfortable space in the evening. It is a great way to combine adventure, relaxation, and quality time as a family, couple, or group of friends.
Can Chalet à Rabais members get discounts on outdoor activities?
Yes. Chalet à Rabais members can enjoy discounts with certain tourism partners and outdoor attractions across Quebec, in addition to the benefits available on cottage stays.