Auberge du Vieux Moulin: An Outdoor Winter Paradise In The Laurentian Mountains

Looking for a family winter getaway? Auberge du Vieux Moulin offers snowshoeing, wildlife, and a warm atmosphere in Lanaudière, Quebec. Plan your unforgettable weekend with our guide.

The snow began falling as we drove through the back roads of Lanaudiere, Quebec. My family of four was halfway through a Quebec winter road trip from Trois-Rivieres to Mont Tremblant, stopping for every adventure that we could find along the way. As we pulled off HWY 437 heading north, we could tell that our next stop would be something special.

The frequency of cars zipping past us on the snowy roads lessened, replaced instead by the high whine of snowmobiles tearing effortlessly along the trails beside the road before turning sharply to disappear into the thick Boreal forest.

Before we knew it, we were there, pulling up to an imposing two-story log cabin sitting beside a frozen lake. This is where all of those snowmobiles were heading: Auberge du Vieux Moulin, a four-season wilderness retreat with all the rustic elegance and warm hospitality that those looking for a winter escape could ask for.

About Auberge Du Vieux Moulin

Tucked into the heart of the Laurentian Mountains, just one and a half hours from Montreal, Auberge du Vieux Moulin is Quebec’s secret outdoor paradise. Set amidst an atmosphere of forests, lakes, and wildlife, this wilderness lodge is an escape for those seeking adventure with just a touch of luxury.

The sprawling property is an escape for locals, as well as travellers from Ontario and US States like Vermont, Maine, and Upstate New York, who are looking for a comfortable stay where activities like snowmobiling excursions, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing are all part of the package.

With an on-site Scandinavian Spa, a beautiful indoor pool, and a restaurant serving up dishes that could easily have been plated in an upscale Quebec City restaurant, Auberge du Vieux Moulin is really the whole package of rustic comfort. This is a place where the kids can set out for an hour of tubing down snowy hills while their parents relax in a steamy outdoor spa under snowy skies.

For my family, this was perfection. A day of snowshoeing, skating, relaxing, and great food. The perfect way to embrace winter’s magic and come together as a family.

Accommodations At Auberge Du Vieux Moulin

Let’s face it, the first thing most people do when they check into a new place is check out their room, and we are no different. We met the friendly staff at the front and learned about all the different accommodation options at the Auberge. And there are many!

We were booked into one of their rooms at the inn. A large room with a King bed, Queen Bed, and a pull-out couch. The room was located within the Auberge’s beautiful log cabin. We had a beautiful fireplace, a large TV, and a spacious bathroom. For those who want to enjoy a longer stay, Auberge du Vieux Moulin also has an elegant suite with a full kitchen and two private bedrooms, along with an outdoor terrace with a BBQ.

For those who want a bit more privacy, there are three fully-equipped chalets, each with room for between 12-15 people, and Auberge du Vieux Moulin’s funky hilltop “Coolboxes.” These funky small cabins give you everything you need to enjoy the simple life, including two queen-size bunk beds, a kitchen, a bathroom and a terrace with a private spa and BBQ.

Winter Activities At Auberge Du Vieux Moulin

Ice Fishing

Cohen, my 13-year-old, is a bit of a fishing fanatic. Even as I was trying to check into our room, he was peppering the front desk staff about the on-site ice fishing included in our stay. Laughing, the lady helping us out pointed us in the direction that we needed to go: a lake just a short walk from the main office.

After getting our bags to our room, we spilled out onto the lake to a collection of pre-drilled holes in the frozen water. There were simple rods and worms that the front desk had given us. Just grab a rod and dip it in, and then the waiting begins.

Try as we might, we had no luck reeling in any catches, but a few gentleman fishing nearby pulled in a couple of decent walleye and a pike, which Cohen eyed with jealousy.

Snowmobiling

Try as we might, we couldn’t book a snowmobile outing at Auberge du Vieux Moulin. It wasn’t the fault of the lodge; it was our own for booking too late.

You see, snowmobiling is the bread and butter of life here. Families from far and wide come to Auberge du Vieux Moulin simply to enjoy their snowmobiling experiences. The snowmobiling packages include a brand-new sled (they replace their fleet every year) and snowmobile clothing that’ll help you stay warm for a full day on the trails.

The lodge typically runs full-day tours that skirt through the copious amount of snowmobile trails that run through the northern Quebec wilderness. The trails twist among the Laurentian mountain landscapes through snow-covered forests, past frozen lakes, and over rolling hills.

Watching the crowds of sleds drive off in unison, it was my turn to look on with jealousy.

Skating

Located on the edge of a small in the chilly Quebec wilderness, skating and hockey are as much a part of winter life at Auberge du Vieux Moulin as snowmobiling and great Quebec food. The lake is shovelled off, nets are placed and ready.

Hockey is a pretty big deal in our family. Both of my boys play for our hometown of Brampton, Ontario. It didn’t take long for us to find our way out onto the ice, ripping shots at the net and enjoying the country air.

Sugar Shack

Quebec and maple syrup go hand in hand. 90% of the world’s supply of this sweet, sticky, liquid goal comes from within Quebec, so of course, Auberge du Vieux Moulin is in on the action. The resort’s sugar maples cover the side of a nearby mountain, and their spring supply of sugar water is piped to their private sugar shack through a labyrinth of tubes running through the forest.

We had the chance to step into their sugar shack and learn about how they turn thousands of litres of this sweet water into more than 800 litres of pure, delicious Quebec maple syrup. The best part, though, was taking part in one of the most famous Quebecois food traditions.

Making maple taffy right on a fresh bed of snow.

Maple taffy, for the uninitiated, involves pouring out thickened maple syrup onto fresh, clean snow. Dip a popsicle stick in and wrap the sticky treat around it until you get one of the most delicious treats that humankind has ever laid eyes upon.

Snowshoeing

There are more than 10 kilometres of winter hiking and snowshoeing trails spread across the Auberge du Vieux Moulin property, including the Matawinie National Trail, a section of the Trans Canada Trail. After we got hopped up on sugar from the sugar shack, we strapped on our snowshoes and headed out on the local favourite Lac des Brazénies trail to a couple of viewpoints overlooking the lodge.

As we began our climb, the snow began to fall harder and faster. The silence of the forest was complete; only the crunch of the snow beneath our snowshoes gave any indication that there was any movement at all.

We were at peace.

Up and up we went, loving every second of the soft terrain and muted backgrounds of the Laurentian mountains. We reached the summit, breathed, and prepared to drink in the views that so many of the staff at the lodge had raved about. But there was no view to be had. In front of us was a mask of snowflakes so dense that even the trees a few metres away seemed to fade into the distance.

We laughed at our luck. We all realized that the best part of this hike wasn’t the view; it was simply being here, in the Quebec wilderness, surrounded by falling snow and the people who we love the most.

Pool and Nordic Spa

Our visit to Auberge du Vieux Moulin came during the famous 2025 NHL Four Nations Cup during the contentious match between the Americans and our beloved Canadians. The boys were not to be deterred from catching this soon-to-be infamous match.

So, while the boys snuggled up in our room in front of the fireplace with a rich hot chocolate to watch the opening period, Christina and I donned our bathing suits and made our way down to the on-site Nordic spa.

To get to the spa, we passed the resort’s indoor pool. With a waterfall and towering ceilings, we almost didn’t want to keep going. But we pushed on, out into winter’s chill. During winter, all of the resort’s spas are heated, rather than the traditional hot and cold Nordic-style baths. But that was just fine with us.

We dipped into one of the three outdoor spas, relaxing and letting the cold snow fall onto our bare shoulders before melting under the heat of the steamy water. It was idyllic. Along with the spas, Auberge du Vieux Moulin has two indoor saunas: a traditional steam sauna and a dry sauna.

Restaurant

The on-site restaurant at Auberge du Vieux Moulin was more than we had expected. The atmosphere was pure. Log cabin style with taxidermied animals, canoes, and fishing rods decorating the rafters. The mood, though, was quite intimate and beautiful.

We settled into our table and were introduced to the specials of the day, along with a host of gourmet dinner options that had all of our stomachs grumbling. The choices sounded like simple, hearty Quebecois food. Tartar, cottage pie, elk steaks, and more lined the menu. But as the dishes arrived, these were not your home-cooked classics. They were beautifully plated and absolutely mouthwatering.

We dug into our plates with a fury that even shocked us. And by the last mouthful, we all sat back with a contented sigh and a laugh at just how hungry we were. We were full, but apparently not too full for dessert, especially when we found out that they had their own twist on the classic Smores!

More Things To Do At Auberge Du Vieux Moulin

We only had a couple of days to experience the resort. But it was a great taste of all of the activities that this wilderness retreat had on offer. If we had a little more time to spare, here are a few more things that we could have done:

• Dog sledding – A chance to drive your own sled dog team along with a professional musher.
• Games room – Complete with pool table and other table games
• Massages – Because after a day of snowshoeing, we could have used one.

Tips For Visiting Auberge du Vieux Moulin

If you’re looking for an incredible winter escape in the Laurentian Mountains, Auberge du Vieux Moulin is a strong contender. This place is more than just a resort; it’s an experience. From the adrenaline-fuelled snowmobiling adventures to the relaxing ice fishing, you could easily spend a week here and still not cover it all. You can connect with the resort and book your own stay here.

You can also watch my Quebec winter getaway video on YouTube. It shows everything that we got up to and dives even deeper into Auberge du Vieux Moulin, La Mauricie National Park, and more.

Here are a few tips to make the most of your visit to Auberge du Vieux Moulin:

• Engage with the Local Experts: Don’t hesitate to ask the Auberge staff or local guides for tips and recommendations. They can provide valuable insights into the best trails, fishing spots, and hidden gems in the area. Take advantage of their knowledge to enhance your experience.
• Embrace the Full Range of Winter Activities: Don’t limit yourself! Plan to try at least two or three different winter activities. Whether it’s snowmobiling, ice fishing, or snowshoeing, diversifying your experiences will create a more memorable and fulfilling trip. Book activities in advance, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.
• Savour the Culinary Delights: Make reservations at the Auberge’s restaurant for at least one dinner and one breakfast. Take your time to enjoy the atmosphere and the locally sourced cuisine. Don’t be afraid to ask the staff for recommendations on menu items or regional specialties.
• Connect with Nature and Wildlife: Take advantage of the Auberge’s proximity to nature. Spend time exploring the grounds, keeping an eye out for the resident deer and elk. Bring a camera to capture the stunning winter landscapes and wildlife encounters.
• Prioritize Relaxation and Unplugging: While adventure is key, remember to carve out time for relaxation. Enjoy the cozy ambiance of your accommodation, unwind by the fireplace, or simply soak in the peaceful surroundings. Leave your devices behind for a portion of your stay to truly disconnect and recharge.

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