Just about 7 hours from NYC is a real life winter wonderland offering 9 miles of truly magical ice skating through enchanting forests, the chance to feed exotic animals, and a cozy cabin to snuggle up in with a steamy cup of hot cocoa. And sure, NYC has a few ice rinks of its own, but we mist admit: none are anything like this.
Located halfway between Montreal & Québec City in the heart of the Mauricie region is Domaine Enchanteur, the most unique skating trail where you can lace up your ice skates and glide along icy trails in a snow-capped pine forest. Can’t ice skate? No problem! It isn’t the only thing you can do here!
Domaine Enchanteur is also home to a nearly 3-mile-long snowshoe trail, and regardless of which trail you choose to set out on–skating or snow shoeing–at each bend you’ll come across adorable animals such as sheep, goats, alpacas, llamas, fallow deer, emus, and more that you can feed along the way. You’ll also find café’s along the path to stop for donuts, cocoa, and other yummy treats.
If you don’t have a pair of skates of your own that’s not an issue either–Domaine Enchanteur offers a rental service for skates, snowshoes, sleds, grab bars, and helmets. They also offer a skate sharpening service and locker room rental.
Once you’re ready to retire for the night what better way to escape the cold than in their warm cabin, where you’ll get to cozy up with hot chocolate and a gooey grilled cheese sandwich.
And, as if things couldn’t get any better, Domaine Enchanteur is also dog-friendly, so you can bring your furry friend along!
Lodging is available from December to mid-March, and the fun continues once the warmer season hits.
In the summer you can hop on a train ride, walk or bike along the same trails that are open in the winter (albeit minus the ice), embark on a guided tour of the wonderful world of bees (where they produce their own honey!), discover a mealworm farm, test your bravery on their aerial course, and hangout with all the resident animals.
There are also plenty of tables to have yourself the perfect summer picnic. Learn more about Domaine Enchanteur and all the fun they offer on their website.
📍 Domaine Enchanteur – 1180 Rang St Félix E, Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, QC G0X 3J0, Canada