A Winter Wonderland on the Ottawa River

If there’s any season that warrants a restorative long weekend it’s winter. We’re spending our l‘hiver at Fairmont Le Château Montebello a luxe log “cabin” overlooking the Ottawa River. Luminaries like Bette Davis, Pierre Trudeau and Joan Crawford have each laid their pretty heads at this heavenly Québec resort, a perfect blend of rustic and charm. —Marianne Wisenthal

sleep. All plaid curtains and bear-lamps, we’d describe Montebello’s rooms as 1930’s-style chalet chic. Happily, the comforts are marvelously millennial. Beds are uber plush, the wifi is speedy and each room is plentifully stocked with Le Labo toiletries and Fairmont’s in-house Lot 35 tea blends. Book a corner Signature Suite for the bay windows and sweeping views of la rivière. Fairmont Chateau Montebello, 1-866-540 4462, fairmont.com

eat. With its soaring ceiling and oversized chandeliers Aux Chantignoles restaurant is as grand as they come. Dishes are seasonal and ingredients locally sourced (some from the resort’s own herb garden). In the a.m. sit by a sunny window while brunching on rolled French crêpes with maple butter and whipped cream. And for dinner, the Fish Tourtière with maple glazed cipollini onions is sublime. By the time you’ve finished your crème brulée and Montebello Delight cocktail, you’ll probably be speaking fluent French.

do. While the temptation to spend all day by the fire is fierce, it’s de rigueur to get outside for a sleigh ride, snowball fight, skate (there are two outdoor rinks) or dog sledding adventure along the lovely Kenauk nature trail. No snowsuit? No worries. The resort loans parkas, boots, snow pants and mittens. When it gets too chilly, retreat to the Château’s grand lobby for hot chocolate and board games next to one of six blazing fireplaces.

swim + spa. It’s pretty much mandatory for all snow days to end with a rendez-vous at the spa, n’est-ce pas? Do try the soothing Bio-Maple sugar body scrub or Quebéc Nature body wrap with local Golden Moor mud. Follow up with a soak in the hot tub or a dip in the glorious 75-foot swimming pool under a coffered cathedral roof. Bliss.

more things you’ll love. The hotel’s resident Black Lab Bello can often be found napping near the check-in desk. He’s a tad shy so if you get a wag, consider yourself blessed.

Hotel and activity photos courtesy of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Bello photo courtesy of One Tree Studio Inc.