Lac-Simon is surrounded by activities for all seasons. On site: 150 feet of private beach, 2 kayaks, 1 pedal boat, and a private dock — all included. Within 20 minutes: the Lac-Simon Nautical Centre for pontoon rentals, the SEPAQ Tourist Centre with 17 km of trails, and Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve for fishing and canoe-camping. Here are the best activities by season.
On the lake — summer
The property sits directly on Lac-Simon with 150 feet of private sandy beach, a private dock, 2 kayaks, and 1 pedal boat — all included with the rental. The gradual sandy slope is safe for young children. Lac-Simon Municipal Beach (about 5 minutes): free public beach with lifeguards and kayak / SUP rentals (Padkay). Lac-Simon Nautical Centre (846 chemin du Tour-du-Lac, about 20 minutes, 819-428-3097): pontoon boat, fishing boat, and rowboat rentals. Reservations recommended in peak season. Public Boat Launch (850 chemin du Tour-du-Lac, about 20 minutes): public ramp. Non-residents: $110 for a 48-hour pass per launch. Hull wash required before every launch. Lac-Simon Tourist Centre — SEPAQ (1216 rue Principale, Duhamel, 819-428-7931): 2 km of beach, 17 km of trails, camping, equipment rental. Open all four seasons.
Nature & hiking — spring, summer, fall
Papineau-Labelle Wildlife Reserve — SEPAQ (5000 ch. du Lac-Gagnon O., Duhamel, 819-428-7510, about 25 minutes): 1,600 km² of forest and 760 lakes. Hiking, canoe-camping, fishing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and dog sledding depending on season. Route des Zingues Trail (Duhamel, about 35 minutes): 20 km of Sentier National trail between Lacs Gagnon and Preston. Lookouts and old-growth forest. Allons au Bois Trails (Chénéville, about 10 minutes): 3 km trail network behind Parc Robert-Latour with a village lookout. Denis-Papin Lookout (2000 chemin du Tour-du-Lac, about 10 minutes): panoramic view over Lac-Simon and Creuse Bay. Fishing: lake trout, smallmouth bass, walleye, and more — directly on the lake. Quebec fishing license required. Ice fishing in winter at Lac de la Ferme near Duhamel.
Golf, sports & outdoor activities — summer
Parc de l'Amitié — 6 Sports (915 chemin du Tour-du-Lac, about 15 minutes): 18-hole mini-golf, tennis, pickleball, basketball, pétanque, and table tennis. Open June 20 through September. Lac-Simon Golf Club (440 chemin Stéphane-Richer, Montpellier, 819-428-4653, about 20 minutes): 18-hole par-72 course with pro shop and restaurant. Parc Alpha Dog Park (Route 321 & chemin du Parc, about 10 minutes): fenced municipal dog park. Berry picking (blueberries and raspberries in season) in the Papineau-Labelle Reserve (about 25 minutes).
Fall foliage & hunting — September to November
Late September to mid-October: the forests around Lac-Simon and the Papineau-Labelle Reserve deliver spectacular fall foliage. It's also the quietest and most affordable season. Moose hunting: Zones 12 and 14, September–October. 2026 antlerless draw available. Papineau-Labelle Reserve is 25 minutes away. White-tailed deer: October–November, firearms and archery. Small game (grouse, hare, waterfowl): September to March depending on species. Quebec hunting license required for all species.
Winter activities — December to March
Lac-Simon Winter Activities (105 chemin du Parc + 475 Route 321, about 10 minutes): lit forest skating trail, sledding hill, 13 km of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Heated cabin on site. Free. Montagnes Noires Park — Ripon (39 ch. de la Montagne-Noire, 819-983-1087, about 25 minutes): snow tubing, snowshoeing, fat biking, skating. Family-friendly rates. Mont-Tremblant (about 1 hour): 102 alpine ski runs, gondola, pedestrian village, and spa. Eastern Canada's largest ski resort. Snowmobiling — Trans-Québec Trail 43: access to the network from the shoreline depending on ice conditions. 2,280 km of trails in the Outaouais region. Ice fishing at Lac de la Ferme near Duhamel (about 15 minutes) depending on ice conditions.
Day trips & excursions — year-round
Parc Omega (399 Route 323 Nord, Montebello, 819-423-5487, about 45 minutes): drive-through safari on 2,200 acres — moose, bison, wolves, and bears. Open year-round. Kenauk Nature (1000 chemin Kenauk, Montebello, 819-423-5277, about 50 minutes): 70 lakes, fly fishing, hiking, dog sledding, and floating sauna. Fairmont Château Montebello (about 45 minutes): the world's largest log cabin. Fine dining and a renowned Sunday brunch. Fromagerie Montebello (664-A rue Notre-Dame, Montebello, about 45 minutes): artisanal cheeses, charcuterie, fresh bread. Open year-round. Ottawa (about 1h30): Parliament Hill, Rideau Canal, ByWard Market, and national museums. Gatineau (about 1h30): Canadian Museum of History and Casino du Lac-Leamy. Mont-Tremblant Village (about 1 hour): pedestrian village, shops, restaurants, and Casino.
Local restaurants & food
In Chénéville (~10 minutes): Chez Seb (44 rue Principale, 819-428-1250) — inventive cuisine and craft cocktails, brunch and dinner; La Villa Du Bifteck (58 rue Principale, 819-428-3240) — steaks and grills; Bistro Bar le 321 (160 rue Principale, 819-428-3044) — pub fare and local beers. In Lac-Simon (~10 minutes): Casse-Croûte Lac-Simon (889 ch. du Tour du Lac, 1-888-661-6786) — poutine, pizzas, and sandwiches with a lakeside terrace. In Duhamel (~10 minutes): Carbo Barbecue (1348 Route 321, 819-428-9085) — Texas-style BBQ smokehouse with a riverside terrace; Auberge Couleurs de France (212 chemin des Jonquilles, 819-743-5878) — French gastronomic dining on Petit Lac Preston. Les Pommes Perdues Cidery (92 rue Mangin, Chénéville, 819-431-8507, about 10 minutes): artisanal cider, tastings and shop. Domaine Mont-Vézeau (365 route 321, Ripon, 819-428-2291, about 25 minutes): vineyard, u-pick strawberries and raspberries, wine tastings.