At the Cottage: Escape, Reconnect and Recharge in the Heart of Quebec
I slip on my winter boots, my warm coat, and throw my backpack over my shoulder. Inside, I pack my plaid pajamas, a few different beanies (I’m addicted to beanies!), books by local authors, magazines (Caribou, Beside, Corsé), one or two bottles of Quebec gin (always!), and coffee for those soft, quiet mornings by the fire. The ritual of getting ready to head to the cottage already makes me feel good—almost as much as the moments of relaxation and contemplation waiting for me at the end of the road.
Between the two lockdowns, I asked my friend if I could stay at his cottage for a few days. “For how long, and what dates?” he asked. I replied, “Anytime, for however long—but soon. I need to get away.” That pretty much summed up how I had been feeling over the previous few months. Lockdown had forced me, among other things, to cancel both short trips and longer journeys that had always been such an important part of my professional and personal life. Like everyone else, I felt as though normal life had been put on one very long pause.
When I arrive at the cottage, even before opening the door and the shutters, I already feel as though I can breathe more easily. The air here simply seems fresher than anywhere else. The sight of the forest all around instantly quiets the anxiety of the past few months, while the lake—even frozen and completely still on the surface—draws me into a state of contemplation that feels deeply soothing. Like me, it looks peaceful on the surface while everything continues to move within. I have always felt that nature carries some of life’s most beautiful metaphors.
I open the door and, as always, I am overcome by the feeling that the place has been waiting just for me. My arrival somehow unfreezes both the space and time itself. I am the one bringing life into this quiet place, while it gives me the inner calm I have been longing for. It already feels as though we have a lot to offer one another.
The cottage is one of the only places where I am not afraid of silence. Of course, I play music I love while I cook, but when I read, think, nap on the sofa, or write, I prefer the silence.
A silence that calms me by leaving room for all the little sounds around me: birds singing far away or nearby, the river flowing, the rain, the wind, or snow falling gently—or sometimes heavily—around me, making me feel even more sheltered and secure. And then there is the fire, crackling softly and hypnotizing me in the most perfect way.
At the cottage, even when I am alone, I no longer feel lonely. I feel fortunate.
With one friend or several—in normal times, in the life we once knew and the life that will soon return—I am the happiest city girl, someone who needs nature to keep her life in balance.
I am not very far away, only a few hours’ drive from home, and yet I feel as though I am travelling.
I am travelling through a forest that could just as easily be in Estonia or the Czech Republic, surrounded by scenery that reminds me of some of the most beautiful journeys of my life. More than anything, though, I am travelling inward, away from the whirlwind of uncertainty brought on by the pandemic.
In uncertain times like these, more than ever, I need these moments of renewal at the cottage. I need these little escapes whose benefits have nothing to do with the length of the stay.
Just a few nights here are enough to recharge my batteries and shift my state of mind.
At the cottage, I sleep better. I take guilt-free naps. I escape through reading, and I write—a lot.
The calm inspires me and soothes me.
I go outside to play, too. I walk, run, and cycle in the summer. I breathe deeply. I walk with an empty mind and a joyful heart—full, satisfied, restored.
I take the time to cook in a way I rarely do anywhere else.
Time here no longer has the same value. It does not slip through my fingers, but neither does it stand still.
At the cottage, time finally returns to its natural rhythm. It begins to make sense again.
And so does my life.
Life all around me seems to regain its place and its freedom during a simple walk through the forest. It is almost as though “everything is the way it used to be”—at least the parts that were beautiful, gentle, and peaceful.
The things that connect us with nature and with what is real.
Eventually, I close the shutters again, leaving everything tidy inside the cottage—just as things now feel tidy inside my mind and within myself.
As I turn the key in the lock for the final time, I thank this place for welcoming me the way one welcomes an old friend: with warmth, openness, simplicity, and gentleness.
And I promise myself that I will return to a cottage whenever I need a little extra softness and energy in my life. Whenever I need the benefits of temporarily settling into a different daily rhythm surrounded by nature—and whenever I need to reconnect with what makes me deeply, genuinely happy.
With my little bag over my shoulder, I head back toward the city, a place I love just as deeply, only differently.
My heart is not divided in two.
Instead, it feels ready to open twice as wide.
FAQ – Escaping and Recharging at a Cottage in Quebec
Why does a cottage getaway make it easier to disconnect from everyday life?
A cottage getaway allows you to slow down and temporarily step away from everyday obligations. The peace and quiet, natural surroundings, beautiful scenery, and simple activities such as reading by the fire, cooking, walking through the forest, or enjoying the lake create an environment that is especially well suited for rest and relaxation.
How long should you stay at a cottage to truly disconnect?
You do not need to spend an entire week away. Even a two- or three-night cottage getaway can help you change your pace, spend more time in nature, and return home feeling refreshed. That is also one of the main ideas reflected in the experience shared in this article.
Which region of Quebec should you choose for a cottage getaway surrounded by nature?
Quebec offers many regions that are ideal for a cottage getaway, including the Laurentians, Lanaudière, Mauricie, Charlevoix, the Eastern Townships, Outaouais, and Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean. The best choice depends mainly on the scenery and activities you are looking for.
Can you rent a cottage in Quebec for a last-minute getaway?
Yes. Some cottage owners offer last-minute availability and discounts to fill dates that would otherwise remain vacant. It can be an excellent way to enjoy a spontaneous getaway while sometimes benefiting from a more attractive rate.
What type of cottage is best for a relaxing getaway?
A secluded cottage in the forest, a waterfront cottage, or a cottage with a hot tub can be especially well suited for a relaxing escape. An indoor fireplace, beautiful views, outdoor living spaces, and peaceful surroundings can also help create a true sense of disconnection from everyday life.
What activities can you enjoy at the cottage to relax and recharge?
The simplest activities are often the most rewarding: hiking, reading, cooking, relaxing by the fireplace, swimming, snowshoeing, observing wildlife and nature, or simply taking the time to do nothing at all. The goal is not necessarily to fill your schedule, but rather to reconnect with a slower and more natural rhythm.
Is it enjoyable to go to a cottage alone?
Absolutely. A solo cottage getaway can be a wonderful opportunity to read, reflect, write, spend time outdoors, and simply enjoy some time to yourself. A cottage can also be the perfect place to reconnect as a couple, with friends, or with family, depending on the experience you are looking for.
How can you find a cottage to rent in Quebec for a relaxing getaway?
On Chalet à Rabais, you can discover cottages in several regions across Quebec and search according to the type of experience you are looking for, whether it is a cottage with a hot tub, a waterfront cottage, or a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature. Last-minute availability may also make it possible to enjoy a spontaneous getaway at a better price.