Monday 13 November 2017

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.

21 comments:

  1. I would have been fascinated by that truck too!Loved the history on that huge beautiful log cabin. You take such wonderful trips!

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  2. That lodge was huge, nice to read all about your travel. Had to smile about your city girl and the dark. Didn't know countrygirls don't have that uncomfortable feeling. I know exactly how you felt!

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  3. What a fabulous log cabin. I can see why it would be so famous, and that buffet sounds divine. I think you made the right decision to go back to your other room. Thank you for the extensive pictures and details, I enjoyed it. :-)

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  4. Thank you for the cyber tour. I am interested in the log cabin.

    Worth a Thousand Words

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  5. I see you were recently visiting in the beautiful province of Quebec. The Fall season is absolutely lovely in Eastern Canada. I hope you enjoyed your trip.

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  6. Wow!! that is a marvelous huge log cabin..

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  7. I had visions of that truck on the Manchester to Euston line! You had a very special time at at a very special location. Great pics once again.

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  8. Hello, I would like to stay at this chateau. It looks beautiful, I love the location, view of the water and that giant fireplace. Happy Monday, enjoy your new week!

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  9. I've never been to Montebello, at least to stop at the Chateau. What a place!

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  10. Oh what a beautiful place for lunch and a walk ~ other lovely places too and divine photos! What a great holiday for you both ~ thanks for the tour ^_^

    Happy Week to you,
    A ShutterBug Explores,
    aka (A Creative Harbor)

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  11. That hotel is magnificent and the grounds are very beautiful as well.

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  12. It looks like a great day - you saw a lot. We have road-rail trucks like that where I live.

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  13. It's a very impressive hotel. We have stayed in two Fairmont hotels and they are very nice. Lol at M 'resting her eyes'.

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  14. That is an amazing hotel. Glad you had lunch there. Keep safe.

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  15. That looks like a fantastic hotel. And that lunch sounds yum!

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  16. What an amazing log structure! Paul and I built a one-story log home from trees on our land and it took us a year. I can't imagine this one going up in five months. Glad you got to have a drink by the fireplace as it looks fabulous.

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  17. Nice place to live ! would suit me too and the fireplace is gorgeous !

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  18. Not the kind of vehicle you see every day. That is some fire place.

    The hills were alive to the sound of cow bells!

    Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne

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  19. I'm a retired teacher (turned administrator) but have put my list all in one bucket. We found a wonderful place to live in British Columbia and have gone through lots of steps to immigrate and become citizens so we can enjoy it full time. Sounds like you really enjoy traveling. - Margy

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