Montebello

More blue skies and sunshine as we left Montreal.

Once on the Highway away from the traffic jams of the city we settled down for a pleasant drive to Montebello. I was fascinated by this truck in front, which had metal wheels that could be lowered for use on railway lines.

It wasn't long before we were travelling by the banks of the River Ottawa.

We needed to cross the river via a ferry.

We were the only ones on the ferry but it only took a few minutes.

Once across it was a short drive to the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello.








Known as the largest log cabin in the world we decided we would have lunch here.

Historically this was founded as a private club in 1930. It took just four months for this massive cedar Chateau to be built. Hundreds of craftsmen used 10,000 red cedar logs to build the resort's three main buildings, all cut and set by hand.

For 40 years after its completion it remained the private retreat of the Seigniory Club whose membership included Prince Rainier and Princess Grace of Monaco as well as Canadian business men and politicians.

 In 1970 the resort was taken over by the Canadian Pacific Hotels who opened it to the public and renamed it Le Chateau Montebello. Now known as the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello it attracts visitors from all over the world including myself! Historic meetings have been held here including a G7 International Economic summit attended by Ronald Regan, Pierre Trudeau, Francois Mitterand and Margaret Thatcher. So this was the obvious choice for lunch. We had  the buffet lunch and I am just sorry I didn't take any photos. It was fine dining at its best and considering it was a buffet which included lobster and other shellfish, variety of meats, vegetables, salads and numerous desserts it was the best value for money I've had in a long time. To eat as much as you want cost £20 and they refunded the parking fee!

Afterwards we we strolled around the grounds which were extensive and beautiful.

There are lots of things to do here including swimming, curling, cycling, cross country skiing etc. I decided to follow one of the trails through the grounds.

It was a beautiful, peaceful walk.

Light was beginning to fade so it was time to find M

I didn't have to look too far.

We went back inside to sit near the giant fireplace and enjoy a drink.

Another first for me - table ice hockey.


Eventually we had to go and find our hotel - regretting that we hadn't booked to stay at the Fairmont for the night. On reflection we probably did the right thing. A room at the Fairmont would have cost approx £250 for the night without breakfast. We were paying £95 for a room in the town with breakfast. Other than going for a swim I don't think we would have used any more of their facilities during an overnight stay.
We were staying at the Auberge, a large 3 storey hotel with a view of the river. I think there were about 50 rooms. As it was the end of the season only three or four were occupied. It felt very spooky to me. The room was very clean but was long, narrow and dark. In the evening we went out to the local bistro but being a city girl I felt ill at ease walking along the dark, empty streets of the town. M on the other hand, being a country girl, was very much at home. The bistro was full when we got there- obviously the place to be on a Saturday night.