A stay in a tiny cabin in the vastness of the Eastern Townships

Between lakes and mountains, LAO is more than 60 acres of preserved wilderness in Racine, in the Eastern Townships. A territory crisscrossed by streams and dotted by rocky headlands, with a dozen tiny cabins nestled in between. Far from noise and distractions, there’s just you and the immensity of nature. Here is an overview of the perfect summer weekend at BESIDE LAO.

Many kilometres to explore, no car needed

After dropping your bags off at your cabin, stretch your legs and take a look around. Check out the host of activities available on site, which could shape your entire weekend.

There are four kilometres of trails maintained year-round on the grounds, with six more in the adjacent Parc national du Mont-Orford. Your car keys can stay in your bag from Friday evening until Sunday. Those who want more nature can explore the Les Sentiers de l’Estrie trail network and the Lac-Brais nature preserve. And while wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, if you keep quiet and still, you might just spot deer in the woods or get a glimpse of some birds in the forest canopy. When night falls, spend the evening watching the dancing flames in your fire pit (included with every cabin). 

And if you bring your canine companion along on every adventure, you’ll be happy to know that dogs are permitted at several of the cabins.

Cool off or relax in the water

Nature invites not only adventure, but also relaxation. On the site, access to water is a focal point of the experience. The easiest way to cool off on a hot summer day is at À Paul Lake. If you want to take a refreshing dip, it’s just a short walk away through unspoiled wilderness. For more active guests, paddleboards and kayaks are available on a self-serve basis. No reservation required. Brais Lake, backed by Sépaq parkland, is a second option for those looking for a change of scenery while McKenzie beach and the sandy shore of Brompton Lake are perfect for families.

Prefer the comforting sensation of warm water? Located near the main pavilion, the thermal area, with its outdoor hot tubs and sauna, will become your favourite place to relax. All you need to do is reserve a 45-minute time slot to enjoy the facilities in complete privacy after a day in the great outdoors.

Admire the region, and taste it too!

Since exploring builds up an appetite, private chef and culinary creator Ariane, alias @_ririiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii, prepared a guide of the best foodie destinations in the area for BESIDE. This selection of her favourites (article in French) to try in the Eastern Townships is the perfect starting point for a bit of exploration.

Fromagerie Nouvelle-France is in Racine, on your way, and you’ll want to stock up on their delicious cheeses and other products. Brasserie La Ferme grows the grains and hops it uses to brew its beer. The Babar restaurant is Ariane’s hands-down favourite, and not just in the area. Fill your cooler with mouthwatering products, which you can then grill outside your cabin while you also get the fire started for later.

Between soaking up nature and trying local flavours, BESIDE LAO is a little slice of paradise, the ideal glamping destination in the Eastern Townships.