Updated July 2026 · by John, owner
Chalet Beach House is a 4-bedroom lakefront chalet on Lac-Simon (Outaouais) that stays open all winter — wood-burning fireplace, from about $525/night, with alpine skiing at Mont-Blanc (55 min) and Mont-Tremblant (1 h), 1 h 30 from Ottawa.
Winter is the season the chalet was built for. The wood fireplace burns every evening, the cathedral ceilings in the living room fill the space with heat, and the Petite-Nation regional snowmobile trail network is accessible nearby.
The chalet in winter
Indoor fireplace: real wood (not gas), cathedral ceilings amplify the heat Main floor temperature: 20-22°C (heat pump backup) Firewood: stacked and dry on the back deck, restocked between guests Heating: true four-season setup with solid insulation and double-glazed windows Parking: 4 vehicles Driveway: plowed after each snowfall Winter: AWD or winter tires recommended Capacity: 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, sleeps 10 (max 8 adults recommended) Kitchen: fully equipped, Nespresso + drip coffee maker Internet: 1 Gbps fiber Games room (basement): air hockey, foosball, ping-pong Best for: fireside stays, skiing, snowmobiling, family getaways
What to do in the region in winter
Skiing: Les Montagnes Noires at Ripon (~25 min) — cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking Mont-Tremblant (~1 hour north) — alpine skiing Snowmobiling: access to the Petite-Nation regional trail network nearby (mid-January to mid-March depending on ice and conditions) Ice fishing: available in the region at designated sites such as Lac de la Ferme near Duhamel, depending on seasonal conditions and municipal operations. Equipment rentals and guided packages may be available locally during the winter season. Montebello Christmas Market (~40 min): the first two weekends of December — lit trails, artisans, hot chocolate Fromagerie Montebello (664-A Rue Notre-Dame, ~40 min): open year-round Groceries: Metro in Chénéville (~10 min), last full-service grocery before the chalet Best for: winter sports, fireside stays, snowmobiling, family getaways, ice fishing nearby
Rates and booking
Rate: $500-$750/night (regular season) $800-$1,000/night (Christmas and New Year's) Minimum stay: 2 nights (regular season) 4-7 nights (Christmas and New Year's) Booking: Christmas and New Year's: 4-6 months ahead School spring break (early March): 2-3 months ahead Included: firewood, linens, towels Tax: 3.5% Quebec lodging tax Payment: Interac e-transfer, signed agreement Direct booking advantage: typically ~20-25% lower vs AirBnB
Frequently asked questions
Can we stay at the chalet for the Montebello Christmas Market?
Yes — the Montebello Christmas Market runs the first two weekends of December, about 40 minutes from the chalet. A 2-night weekend pairs the market with Parc Oméga and an evening by the fire — and early December is still pre-holiday pricing.
Is the chalet a good March break choice?
Yes — it's one of the most requested winter weeks. The games room (air hockey, foosball, ping-pong), snow tubing at Montagnes Noires Park (~25 min), the lit forest skating trail and ice fishing at Lac de la Ferme fill the week without long drives. Quebec's relâche and Ontario's March Break often fall on different weeks — two windows to book, ideally by January.
Is the chalet available for Christmas and New Year's?
Yes — the holidays are one of its most popular times, with the wood fireplace, room for 10, and the games room making it a natural gathering place. Christmas and New Year's weeks book 4 to 6 months ahead and have a 4–7 night minimum, so reserve early.
Do you have to keep the fire going to stay warm?
No. The chalet is a true four-season, well-insulated home with a heat-pump system that holds the main floor at 20–22°C on its own. The wood fireplace is there for ambience and extra warmth — dry firewood is stacked on the back deck and included — but you're never depending on it for heat.
Can you snowmobile from the chalet?
The regional Petite-Nation trail network is accessible nearby (roughly mid-January to mid-March, depending on conditions), so it's an easy staging point. If you're arriving without a sled, rentals are available in Papineauville and surrounding towns — book ahead in good snow.
Is it a good fit for a large or multi-generational winter gathering?
Very — 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms sleep 10 (max 8 adults recommended), with cathedral ceilings and the fireplace for everyone to gather around upstairs and the games room downstairs. Guests have spent winter weeks here with ages ranging from 10 to 75.
What's included for a winter stay, and what should I bring?
Firewood, linens, and towels are included, and the home is fully heated. Plan to arrive on winter tires (AWD or 4×4 recommended for the final hill), and stock up at the Metro in Chénéville (about 10 minutes away) — it's the last full grocery before the lake.