Station touristique Duchesnay

Delve into nature and enjoy our 30.5 km of marked snowshoeing trails. A warming hut awaits you on one of the trails. For an evening escapade, you can take our lighted hiking trail (1 km). Free for our overnight guests (room or villa). Snowshoe rental included with vacationing package (room).

Map of trails (in French only)

Each year we make a skating rink. People of all ages love to go skating in Duchesnay's forest setting. Free for our overnight guests (room or villa). Skate rental included in vacationing package (room).

Kids and adults adore our snow-tubing hill! It's near the Horizon Lodge and the sugar shack. There's no chair lift, so, along with fun, you'll also get more exercise! Free inner tube loans for our overnight villa or vacation package guests (room).

Ice fishing is available in Baie de Duchesnay. With family or friends, tantalize speckled trout and smallmouth bass, among other fish species.

This activity is offered in conjunction with Association chasse et pêche Catshalac.

For information, call Odette Paré, 418 875-0357

Start your excursion from the Station. The forest is beckoning! Rental by day and half-day.

Information: 1 866 683-2711 #0

This old form of transportation is an increasingly popular activity in Québec. Witness the teamwork of the musher and his dogs while exploring the forest. This unique outing is the result of a partnership with Aventure Inukshuk.

nformation: 418 875-0770

Have you heard of Hok skis? Very similar to meta skis, this versatile gear combines the qualities of cross country skis and snowshoes. They are almost exclusively used off track. The bottom of the ski is partially covered with a climbing skin for uphill traction. It also has a universal binding that fits several kinds of boots. Hok skis are very easy to handle and are therefore perfect for beginners, whether children or adults. They allow faster off-track displacement than snowshoes. Experience this new snow toy, which was apparently inspired by a thousand-year-old activity practiced in the Altaï Mountains.

Details:

• Hok skiing takes place on old cross country skiing trails that are no longer surfaced.
• A 1¾ h introduction to Hok skiing will be offered at Duchesnay along with the activity, which can be practiced autonomously. 
• Hok skiing is one of the activities included in the Vacation Package.
  

The Tyst Trädgård - Jardin de détente Scandinavian Spa is on the Duchesnay grounds by Lac Saint-Joseph. It offers a relaxing break in an enchanting setting. Alternate between hot and cold water: sauna, whirlpool bath, cold water basin and waterfall... Or have a massage in a room with your choice of ambiance. See our packages with accommodations. Offered in collaboration with a partner.

Period: open year-round except December 25, 2010 and January 1, 2011

Information: 418 875-1645

A pathfinder course with GPS. Introduction to orienteering and navigation with this equipment. Discovery of control points and 2 km of off-trail hiking through the forest. Free for vacation package customers.

Details

Schedule

Have fun with family or friends. There's no lack of games at Duchesnay: croquet, shuffleboard, lawn bowling, badminton, volley-ball, horse shoes... Inside, you'll also find: billiards, ping-pong, table soccer and board games. Free access for guests staying at the Station (room or villa). Equipment loan included.

Enjoy your favourite boating activities on Lac Saint-Joseph, a big lake. Canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, rabaskas and S.U.P. board are available for rent. Free for villa and vacation package guests (for 2 h at a time, a limited number are lent out).

Periods: 

• June 4 to 19, 2011 (weekends only):
  • Saturday: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last rental: 4 p.m.)
  • Sunday: from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (last rental: 2 p.m.)
• June 20 to September 5, 2011: 7 days/7
  • from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. (last rental: 6 p.m.)

The station offers 25.7 km of easy-going hiking trails. You'll make many discoveries in the forest, such as rock shelters, a geological phenomenon that fascinates young and old alike.

Map of trails (in French only) (pdf: 491 KB)

Kids and adults love Lac Saint-Joseph. The sandy beach is ideal for games and relaxation (the playgrounds are marked off). Safety assured: supervised swimming area. Private beach, for clients with accommodations only.

Guaranteed fun for people of all ages! Find the centre of the wooden labyrinth and the exit, and get hints along the way by answering questions during an educational and humorous rally. It's 275 one-way doors! This 1 ½ h activity is accessible to the mobility-impaired. Package available for school groups. Offered in collaboration with a partner.

For information:
418 875-0770
www.aventureinukshuk.qc.ca
info@aventureinukshuk.qc.ca

Period: May 14 to September 9, 2011

The Young Adventurers' Day Camp is designed for children from 5 to 12 years old. The Station can accommodate 15 kids per day. Our devoted camp monitors love living at the pace of the youngsters. They'll make sure your child has a magical day! The kids can try rock climbing, archery, take a rabaska canoe ride or go kayaking. All of these activities are supervised by our monitors. Every staff member involved in your child's experience has had training in first aid. The Station also provides additional training to the staff to ensure safety and quality service during outdoor activities. The Horizon Lodge is where your child will arrive, leave and have lunch. Lunch boxes and extra clothes can be left here.

Details:

• Registration: upon reservation of your stay, by phone, or at the Station before 4 p.m. for the next day.
• The Young Adventurers' Club Formula is included in all of the hotel, lodge and villa packages. You must fill out the registration form (in French only) (pdf: 105 KB) to make your reservation.
• Summer 2011 rates (plus taxes) for children not staying at the Station: $26/child (9 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
• Meals: Overnight guests of the Station can have a lunch box made for their child by contacting the hotel reception desk. We ask those not staying at the Station to make a NUT-FREE meal for your child (microwaves available on site). Also pack two (2) healthy snacks including vegetables, fruits and bottled water.
• Children must have the following items in their bag: hat, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, bathing suit and beach towel, a change of clothing and rainwear.
• Schedule: Our monitors supervise the children from 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. They'll enjoy a full day in the company of a dynamic and enthusiastic team. At 4 p.m. your child will be waiting for you at the Horizon Lodge. Late fees apply after 4 p.m.

Period: July 18 to August 21, 2011

This tree-top adventure can be found right here at Duchesnay. Four circuits are available, with a total of 72 stations that have progressive levels of difficulty: gangplanks, nets, footbridges, and so on. Thrill-seekers will adore the new extreme loop. Better be in shape! Offered in collaboration with a partner. Details

Reserve your spot by calling 418 875-4522 or 1 866 444-3824

Periods:

• from May 14 to June 17, 2011: weekends only
• from June 18 to September 5, 2011: 7 days/7
• from September 6 to October 30, 2011: weekends only

Cycling paths or forest roads: take your pick! The 68-km Jacques-Cartier-Portneuf cycling path passes by the Station. Linked to Corridor des Cheminots, it goes all the way to Québec City. Nearby, Chemin de la liseuse runs alongside Rivière Jacques-Cartier for 13 km. You can also discover 65 km of forest roads that wend through the Station. Free access for guests staying at the Station (room or villa). Bike rental not included.

Periods:

• May 16 to June 19, 2011:
  • from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., weekends only (last rental: 3 p.m.)
• June 20 to September 5, 2011:
  • from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., 7 days/7 (last rental: 5 p.m.)

Map of trails (in French only) (pdf: 424 KB)

From the top of the observation tower bordering the beaver's natural habitat, you can watch black bears in total safety. They show up here in late afternoon almost daily. Beaver, white-tailed deer and several bird species also frequent this spot. And, who knows, maybe you'll even hear a wolf howling! Activity offered at the end of the day.

Period: mid-June to mid-August.

Short hike (5 to 7 km) during which a guide presents the local vegetation and its uses. Identification of tree species, the forest history of Duchesnay and forest harvesting techniques. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule

Interpretive activity about bats. A talk followed by a walk on the grounds to locate bats. Observation and listening with the help of an ultrasound detector. Duration: 1 ½ h. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule

Introduction to archery techniques. Presentation of the equipment, archery techniques, practice and games. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule

Hike by night or take a ride in a 12-seat rabaska canoe. Destination: the secret beach where animation and a campfire await you. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule

Discover rock climbing with this introduction to basic techniques. You can climb our artificial wall or the face of a cliff. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule

With this water sport, a distant cousin of surfing, you’ll see Lac Saint-Joseph from a different angle. Test your balance as you stand on a big surf board with your paddle in hand. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule

Interpretive kayaking activity on Rivière Ontaritzi. Talk, observation and information about the river and wetlands. Free for vacation package customers.

Schedule

Located at the hotel, Bistro-bar Le Quatre-Temps overlooks Lac Saint-Joseph. Sample our bistro menu featuring regional produce. Enjoy the country charm of this restaurant and its fireplace. Perfect for romantic encounters, family parties or business suppers. Accessible to everyone who visits the Station. Seating capacity: 125 places.

A glance at the menu

Chef Sébastien Rivard's menu consists of light menus and delectable full-course meals featuring fish, game, cheese and grills. You'll find an excellent selection of wines to accompany your meal on our wine list. By the glass, private imports, good quality-price ratios...Connoisseurs and wine lovers alike will find what they're looking for. 

Details:

• Breakfast from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.
• Lunch daily from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.
• Table d'hôte from 5:30 p.m.
• Menu of the day starting at $17.50 (plus tips and taxes)
• Table d'hôte menu starting at $33.75 (plus tips and taxes)
• Free parking

For reservations and information: 418 875-2711 ext.  2238

Discover our menu (pdf: 811 KB)

Every Sunday, the restaurant serves the Hiker's Brunch, featuring freshness, quality and variety. A meal that fans of the great outdoors like to combine with one or more of the Station's activities.

• Every Sunday 8:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• $19.95 per person (plus tips and taxes)
• $9.98 for 6 to 12 year-olds (plus tips and taxes)
• Free for children under 5

A snack bar at the Horizon Lodge is open during the ski season. Skiers and snowshoers appreciate this fast and easy formula. More elaborate meals are available at Bistro-bar le Quatre temps in the hotel.

For a large reception or a small business committee meeting, treat your guests to a delicious meal! Chef Sébastien Rivard and his team offer fine meals at competitive prices. Served in the cozy Bistro-bar or in the meeting rooms. Customized menus available.

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On the bistro terrace, savour the meals...and the view! Lac Saint-Joseph, the forest, the sun, the birds-total immersion in nature. The terrace seats 50 people and the bar 35. The bar is open from 11:30 a.m. to closing time.

Station touristique Duchesnay offers a broad and varied program for school groups. The educational and outdoor activities are for elementary and high school students.  They meet the objectives of Québec's Department of Education. The program is offered year-round to groups of 20 to 200 youngsters.

Forfaits scolaires à Duchesnay (pdf : 3 mo)

Consult the brochure School activities in the Sépaq network (in French only) (pdf: 4 MB)

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The Station has 11 meeting rooms that seat 5 to 180 people. Four of them are in the hotel, Auberge Duchesnay, (spacious lobby, fireplace and cathedral ceiling). The 7 others are spread among the lodges. Windows and wireless high-speed Internet in most of the rooms. Audiovisual and coffee-break equipment available upon reservation.

Why choose Duchesnay? For its enchanting natural setting, fine dining, wide range of activities for all, high-quality country-style accommodations, excellent service, Scandinavian spa and massages and its proximity to Québec City. The lake and the forest make an ideal atmosphere for a business meeting. Concentration, teamwork and profitable discussions are on the agenda!

Room layout

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A wide range of group activities are available. Businesses, associations, social clubs: let us know what you need. From 1 ½ h to a whole day, these activities take place outside. Team building and discovery of the senses are on the program. Available year-round during the day and sometimes in the evening. Packages available.

Details about corporate summer activities (pdf: 6.7 MB)

Details about corporate winter activities (pdf: 3.3 MB)

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At the end of the day, relax with your colleagues while discovering our new Winter Bar. This open-air bar on the hotel’s outdoor terrace will enchant you: ice glasses, lounge atmosphere, fireplace, and a view of Lac Saint-Joseph... a magical setting! Available for group reservations only. Capacity of 20 to 100 people.

Brochure (in French only) - to come

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Period: until March 31, 2012 (depending on weather conditions)

Throw an amazing Christmas party for your team. Spa, outdoor activities, excellent service, fine dining and quality accommodations. Everything you need for an unforgettable moment!

Brochure (pdf: 936 KB)

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An enchanting site, a large reception capacity, fine dining and top-quality service. Everything you need to celebrate a great event with family or friends. Enjoy this unforgettable moment. Our experienced team will take care of every detail.

2012 Wedding Brochure (pdf: 3.8 MB)

Note: rates valid until December 31, 2011.

Room layout

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Your guests will appreciate the benefits of the Tyst Trädgård Scandinavian Spa, located right here at the Station. During a break in a business meeting, what could be better than a chair massage? Guaranteed success with your employees or partners...

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