Fairmont Le Château Montebello: A Dreamy Hotel for a Romantic Getaway in Outaouais

With its enchanting decor, stunning landscapes nearby, refined gastronomy, and world-class spa, it’s hard to imagine a more perfect place than Fairmont Le Château Montebello for a romantic getaway in Outaouais. This unique destination had been on our hotel bucket list for a long time, and it truly exceeded our expectations! Discover all the details of our stay to help you plan your next dreamy escape!

An Historic Hotel for a Magical Stay

Nestled along the Ottawa River, halfway between Montreal and Ottawa, the hotel offers the perfect blend of relaxation, luxury comfort, and gourmet dining. Celebrating its 95th anniversary in 2025, Fairmont Le Château Montebello is also the world’s largest log cabin and was built in only three months! Once a private hunting club frequented by many celebrities, this architectural masterpiece has since become a world-renowned hotel that continues to impress guests.

Combining historic charm with modern amenities, Fairmont Le Château Montebello has over 210 rooms. We stayed in one of the renovated rooms in the Lacombe Pavilion, featuring a sleek contemporary bathroom while keeping its character through its furnishings and decor. From the exterior to the interior, you instantly feel embraced by the chalet-style charm, embodying the ultimate Canadian experience.

Endless Activities, Rain or Shine

At Fairmont Le Château Montebello, there’s never a dull moment, no matter the weather! During our visit, the rain gave us the perfect excuse to relax in the hotel’s impressive heated indoor pool, an oasis for a refreshing swim. The hotel also features a sports center with tennis, basketball, and badminton courts, plus chess tables and plenty of board games for cozy fun.

When the sun is shining, you can enjoy the magnificent outdoor pool complete with stylish cabanas overlooking the Ottawa River. You’ll also have access to water sports equipment, including kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, as well as mountain bikes to explore the surroundings in a more adventurous way.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

Deep Relaxation at the Spa

For a moment of pure relaxation, start your day at the Fairmont Le Château Montebello Spa, where a wide range of treatments for individuals and couples are offered. From therapeutic massages and reflexology to hydrotherapy baths, facials, scrubs, manicures and pedicures, the options are endless for a relaxing day. As for us, we tried a mud bath for the first time, a revitalizing and anti-stress treatment while sharing a mimosa! What a way to start the morning!

Ranked among the Top 25 Spas in Canada by the Canadian Spa & Wellness Awards, the spa is located in the same building as the indoor pool, hot tubs, sauna, and sports center. It’s the perfect place to extend your relaxation throughout your stay at Fairmont Le Château Montebello.

A Culinary Experience to Remember

When it comes to dining, the options at the hotel are just as impressive as its setting. For a gourmet brunch or a romantic dinner, book a table at Aux Chantignoles, where seasonal menus highlight the best of local cuisine. We absolutely loved their confit rabbit leg served with cavatelli and a rich creamy parsley sauce. It was simply divine!

If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t miss the unique Le BBQ Outdoor Grill Experience. This four-course table d’hôte includes starters, seafood, grilled and smoked meats, and decadent desserts, all served at the table as an all-you-can-eat formula for $75 per person. Fresh seafood, smoky grilled meats, and sunset views over the river? A must for an unforgettable summer evening.

During your stay, you can also enjoy a casual lunch on the scenic Le Riverain Terrace, and for a cozy ending to your day, grab a s’mores kit to enjoy by the outdoor fire!

What to Do Around Fairmont Le Château Montebello 

By taking one of the Fairmont Le Château Montebello’s walking trails, you can go directly to the Manoir Papineau National Historic Site, about a 15-minute walk from the hotel.

Here, you can take a guided tour of the mansion and learn about Louis-Joseph Papineau, a key figure known for his important role in the Patriots’ Rebellion. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn several surprising facts about the life of the bourgeoisie in the 19th century, all in a setting worthy of a Bridgerton and a dark academia atmosphere that we love. From its opulent salons to the lush orangery, the Manoir Papineau is worth the detour to dive into history and step back in time in one of the most beautiful heritage sites in Quebec.

Near the Fairmont Le Château Montebello, there’s no shortage of interesting gourmet stops. For a colorful and flavorful lunch, stop by Bistro Montebello, famous for its wood-fired pizzas! We recommend the Italian sausage pizza and their delicious Thai salad with pears, pecans, and fried wontons.

Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL

For a sweet treat, head to ChocoMotive, an artisanal chocolate shop located in Montebello’s former train station. With its superb workshop open to the public, its certified organic and fair trade chocolates and as the first Économusée in the Outaouais region, it’s really a must-visit in Montebello. PS: You absolutely have to try their mango sorbet, the best we’ve ever tasted!

Continue your stroll through Montebello’s charming village with a stop at La Belle Pâtissière for a delicious iced coffee or bubble tea. You can also treat yourself to one of their many creative desserts, including their giant gelato-filled macarons, styled like ice cream sandwiches.

Why Fairmont Le Château Montebello is Worth the Trip

Whether for summer or winter, Fairmont Le Château Montebello is a destination to experience at least once in a lifetime. Our summer stay was unforgettable, and we’re already dreaming of coming back in winter, when the snowy setting looks absolutely magical.

We hope our recommendations inspire you to plan your own romantic getaway in Outaouais and discover the charm of Montebello for yourself!

Happy travels! 

*This article was written following a press trip with Tourisme Outaouais and Fairmont Le Château Montebello. It is based on our own experience and authentic opinions.

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