The Centre touristique du Lac-Simon, run by Sépaq in Duhamel (about 15 minutes from Chalet Beach House), is the lake's main public outdoor hub: a 2 km beach, 17 km of trails, canoe/kayak/SUP rentals, camping, and — in winter — 12 km of cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and ice fishing.
The Centre touristique du Lac-Simon is a Sépaq establishment (Quebec's parks network) on the lakeshore in Duhamel. It's the heart of public outdoor recreation around Lac-Simon, open all four seasons. Here's what it offers, and how to enjoy it from the chalet.
Where it is and what it is
The Centre touristique du Lac-Simon — Sépaq is at 1216 rue Principale in Duhamel (819-428-7931), about 15 minutes from the chalet. It's a four-season public park: day access, equipment rental, camping, and accommodation. Reserve online through the Sépaq website.
Summer: beach, water and trails
Beach: about 2 km of fine sand and clear water — the lake's largest public beach. On the water: canoe, sea-kayak and stand-up paddleboard (SUP) rentals on Lac-Simon; canoe and kayak also on nearby Lac de la Ferme, a quieter natural setting. Trails: 17 km of multi-purpose trails for walking and cycling, including a stroller-accessible 2 km trail toward the village of Duhamel. Families: trampolines, climbing games, slides and organized activities, free for guests who camp overnight.
Camping and cabins
The Centre is best known for its vast campground under a beautiful forest canopy: serviced or semi-serviced sites, ready-to-camp tents, compact cabins, and fully-equipped cabins that sleep five to six. It's the option for those who want to camp rather than rent a private cottage — reserve online, especially in peak season.
Winter: cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and more
Cross-country skiing: 12 km of groomed trails. Other activities: snowshoeing, snow tubing, and ice fishing. Wildlife: 1,000 to 2,000 white-tailed deer visit the Lac-Simon area in winter — they're often seen.
The Centre touristique or the chalet?
They complement each other. The Centre touristique is ideal for a day out: rent a canoe or sea kayak, walk the trails, or enjoy the large public beach. Chalet Beach House offers the opposite: your own private 150 ft sandy beach, kayaks and a pedal boat included, and the privacy of a chalet rather than a campground. Many visitors stay at the chalet and spend a day at the Centre for the trails and boat rentals.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon, and is it far from the chalet?
It's in Duhamel (1216 rue Principale), about 15 minutes from Chalet Beach House. It's a Sépaq park, open all four seasons.
Can you visit for the day?
Yes — day access is available (beach, trails, boat rentals), in addition to camping and cabins. Fees and reservations are on the Sépaq website.
Is the Centre's beach the same as the chalet's beach?
No. The Centre has a large 2 km public beach in Duhamel; Chalet Beach House has its own private 150 ft sandy beach reserved for guests. They're two separate spots on the lake.
Can you rent a kayak or canoe there?
Yes — the Centre rents canoes, sea kayaks and paddleboards on Lac-Simon, and boats on Lac de la Ferme. (At the chalet, two kayaks and a pedal boat are already included.)
What is there to do in winter?
12 km of cross-country ski trails, snowshoeing, snow tubing, and ice fishing. The area also draws many white-tailed deer in winter.