Updated July 2026 · by John, owner
Chalet Beach House is a private lakefront chalet on Lac-Simon (Outaouais) where fall colours peak from late September to mid-October — shoulder-season rates from about $475/night, 1 h 30 from Ottawa and 2 h from Montreal.
Fall on Lac-Simon is when the lake gets its quiet back and the hills around pick up the colours you see on tourism posters. Just 1h30 from Ottawa, you drive into the Outaouais foliage as you arrive. The summer crowd is gone, rates drop, and the wood fireplace starts earning its keep several times a day. When the Indian summer lingers, the 2,000 sq ft terrace still catches afternoon sun into mid-October.
The chalet in fall
Indoor heating: wood fireplace active from late September Main floor temperature: 20–22°C (heat pump backup system) Firewood: stored dry on the back deck and ready for use Outdoor fire pit: used on the beach during cool afternoons Terrace: 2,000 sq ft with sun exposure until mid-October Games room (basement): air hockey, foosball, ping-pong Capacity: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 10 (max 8 adults recommended) Kitchen: fully equipped, Nespresso + drip coffee maker Internet: 1 Gbps fiber Best for: fall colours, quiet retreats, fireside evenings, seasonal stays
What to do in the region in fall
Thanksgiving (October 12, 2026): long weekend at peak colour — book early Peak fall colours: September 25 – October 15 (varies depending on first frost) Belvédère Denis-Papin (~10 min): panoramic lake views at peak foliage Scenic drive: Route 315 east (Chénéville → Ripon), then Route 323 north Best window: October 1–15 Hunting season (regional areas 12 & 14): Moose: late September Deer (rifle): early November Note: hunting takes place in surrounding regions, not on the property Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon (~25 min): ~3-hour mixed forest hike (maple, beech, birch) Best for: photography, foliage drives, nature stays, quiet retreats
Rates and booking
Rate: $500–$750 per night (off-peak fall season) Minimum stay: 2 nights Booking window: Peak foliage (early October): 6–8 weeks in advance November: flexible, often last-minute availability Included: firewood (indoor + outdoor use), linens, towels Tax: 3.5% Quebec lodging tax Payment: Interac e-transfer with signed agreement by email Direct booking advantage: typically ~20-25% lower vs AirBnB Hunter stays: must be declared at booking (terms and storage rules specified in contract)
Frequently asked questions
Is the chalet a good Thanksgiving long-weekend choice?
Yes — Canadian Thanksgiving (the second Monday of October) lands right at peak colour on Lac-Simon. Three nights with the fireplace going, a hike at Montagnes Noires and a family dinner in the big kitchen: it's the most requested fall weekend, so book a few weeks ahead.
When are the fall colours at their peak near Lac-Simon?
Peak colour typically runs September 25 to October 15, varying with the first frost. Shoreline maples turn first, then the hillside hardwoods. The Denis-Papin lookout (~10 min) gives the widest view at peak.
How far are the fall colours from Ottawa or Montreal?
The chalet is about 1h30 from Ottawa and 2h from Montreal via Autoroute 50 — you drive into the Outaouais and Petite-Nation colours as you arrive.
Why visit Lac-Simon in fall?
It's the quietest and most affordable season: the summer crowd is gone, rates drop, the wood fireplace and the beach fire pit get daily use, and the foliage is spectacular.
Can I hunt during a fall stay?
Hunting zones 12 and 14 are nearby (in the surrounding region, not on the property). Moose opens late September, deer rifle in early November. Mention it at booking — terms are specified in the contract.