Canadian Destinations

Québec offers out-of-the-ordinary lodgings

If you are interested in staying somewhere out of the ordinary, there are some great places in Québec. How about a tree, a cell, a lighthouse, a cave, or even a submarine? Here are 10 places to spend an unforgettable night.

A treehouse just for you

For a thoroughly out-of-the-ordinary stay, and maybe even the fulfillment of a childhood dream, make it a point to visit the Au Diable Vert mountain resort in Glen Sutton. You'll see log cabins perched between the trees, with steps or ramps leading up to them. You can roost in one of two rustic treehouses. A night in a cabin 12 or 15 feet above the ground, like the birds.

The Old Prison of Trois-Rivières

You’re looking for a prison experience but don’t care for a criminal record? Thanks to the Musée québécois de culture populaire, you can now be "Sentenced to One Night" behind bars in the Old Prison of Trois-Rivières, a unique opportunity offered irregularly by the Musée and usually reserved for groups.

After being greeted by the prison warden, you will be sent to the bull pen for your "welcoming" rites to this history-laden institution. The warden will then fill out your prisoner’s file, including your picture and fingerprints, and will give you your prison garb. In the crowded wing where so many prisoners preceded you, a former inmate-guide will describe prison life as it was and as it is now.

Phare des îles du Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie

The lighthouse of the Îles du Pot à l’Eau-de-Vie is now more than 140 years old. After a complete restoration, this venerable guardian of mariners once again shines on the St. Lawrence every night. In addition to being in working order, the Brandy Pot, as the locals call it, offers the more adventurous a chance to spend a night at the lighthouse, letting the river’s tides and winds set the pace. Come enjoy the superb view from the top of the lighthouse and give in to nostalgia for the tradition of the lighthouse keepers.

The Onondaga

After patrolling Canada's coasts and taking part in various NATO missions, the Onondaga is now Canada's only submarine open to the public. The vessel, which saw active service from 1967 to 2000, is now one of the attractions of the Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père in Rimouski.

Visitors can satisfy their curiosity and gain some insight into the sophisticated workings of the submarine. To live the ultimate experience, that of a submariner, visitors can stay aboard for an evening and even an entire night. A word of caution though, the submarine has nothing in common with a five-star hotel.

Thanks to an audioguide, visitors can discover the daily lives of the roughly 60 men who spent months in the 90-metre submarine's cramped quarters and learn about the vessel's complex machinery and underwater detection systems.

Laflèche Cave

How about sleeping underground, in a cave? Located at Val-des-Monts, on the site of Aventure Laflèche, the Laflèche cave is considered to be the largest visitor-accessible cave in the Canadian Shield. Since its temperature varies between 4ºC and 7ºC, warm clothes and a winter-weight sleeping bag are a must for a good night's sleep. Definitely not for claustrophobics!

For further suggestions and information go to www.bonjourquebec.com.