Updated November 2026 · by John, owner
For Christmas and New Year's, Chalet Beach House is a 4-bedroom lakefront chalet on Lac-Simon (Outaouais) that sleeps 10, with a wood-burning fireplace (firewood provided), a full kitchen for the holiday meal and a games room, 1 hour 30 minutes from Ottawa. The holiday window, December 22 to January 2, has a 4-night minimum stay.
The holidays at the cottage mean the whole family under one roof, a frozen lake beyond the terrace and a wood fire that burns all evening. Here's what to know before you book Christmas or New Year's on Lac-Simon.
Holiday dates and the minimum stay
The holiday window runs from December 22 to January 2, with a 4-night minimum stay. Christmas and New Year's are among the most requested weeks of the year and often book months ahead; the site's calendar shows live availability. Holiday rates are higher than the regular season — exact rates are on the Rates page.
Early December: Christmas markets and shorter stays
From December 1 to 21, the minimum stay is 2 nights and rates are lower. In late November and early December, the Montebello and Chénéville Christmas markets fill the weekends; the site's events calendar lists this year's dates.
At the chalet over the holidays
The wood-burning fireplace warms the open living area under cathedral ceilings, and dry firewood is provided. The full kitchen (oven, dishwasher, Nespresso and drip coffee maker) handles the holiday meal; the dining table seats 8 and the island seats 3. Four bedrooms and three bathrooms sleep 10 (8 adults maximum), and the lower-level games room (air hockey, foosball, ping-pong) keeps kids busy between meals.
Things to do around Lac-Simon in December and January
Skating: Lac-Simon's lit forest skating trail is free. Snow tubing and snowshoeing: Montagnes Noires Park (~25 min). Alpine skiing: Mont-Blanc (~55 min) and Mont-Tremblant (~1 h). Parc Oméga (~35 min): drive-through wildlife safari, open year-round. Spa: the Fairmont Le Château Montebello spa is about 40 minutes away. Lac-Simon typically freezes by late December.
The winter drive
An all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle is strongly recommended from December through March, and winter tires are mandatory in Quebec from December 1 to March 15. The driveway is cleared after every snowfall. Check-in is at 5:00 PM and check-out at 10:00 AM; stock up at the Metro in Chénéville, about 10 minutes from the chalet.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum stay over Christmas and New Year's?
The minimum stay is 4 nights during the holiday window, December 22 to January 2. From December 1 to 21, it is 2 nights. The exact minimum for your dates appears in the site's availability calendar.
When should we book the holidays?
Book as early as possible: Christmas and New Year's are among the most requested weeks and often book months ahead. The site's calendar shows live availability, and the owner typically replies within a few hours.
Can we cook a holiday dinner for 10?
Yes. The kitchen is fully equipped, with an oven, a dishwasher, a Nespresso, a drip coffee maker and enough cookware for the whole group. The dining table seats 8 and the island seats 3. Stock up at the Metro in Chénéville, about 10 minutes away.
Do we need a 4WD vehicle to reach the chalet in December?
An all-wheel-drive (AWD) vehicle is strongly recommended from December through March, and winter tires are mandatory in Quebec from December 1 to March 15. The chalet's driveway is cleared after every snowfall.