A Winter Sojourn at Montebello in Quebec, Canada

A Pictorial travel document by Mr. Ravi Krishnamurthi

For several years, my wife and I have made it a tradition to visit Canada to spend time with our daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. Our earlier visits were carefully timed to coincide with the milder seasons, usually between March and November, allowing us to enjoy the pleasant weather while avoiding the severe Canadian winter.

This year, however, we chose a different path. Rather than steering clear of winter, we decided to experience it at its peak—to feel the true character of a Canadian winter, when temperatures often hover between −25°C and −35°C. With curiosity and excitement, we arrived at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport on December 7. As our aircraft descended, I glanced out of the window and saw the runway blanketed in snow. In that moment, I felt immense admiration for the pilots who skillfully guided the aircraft to a safe

landing on what appeared to be a slippery, icy surface.

The early weeks of our visit were dominated by intense cold and frequent snowfall. With temperatures well below freezing, we largely remained indoors, venturing out only when necessary. The harsh conditions persisted until the end of January. Residents mentioned that the winter this year was particularly severe compared to previous years. From our experience, that seemed quite believable—we witnessed several snowstorms, and on some days the “feels-like” temperature plunged close to −50°C.

By the beginning of February, the weather gradually began to ease. With the Valentine’s Day long weekend approaching, our daughter surprised us with a short winter getaway. She simply told us that we would be travelling to Quebec to experience winter in a different setting.

On the morning of February 14, we began our journey at around 6 a.m., when darkness still covered the landscape. As the drive progressed, dawn slowly broke, revealing picturesque winter scenery along the highway—snow-covered fields, frosted trees, and quiet villages bathed in the soft light of the rising sun.

On the way to Quebec

We paused for breakfast at a small roadside restaurant near the village of Gatineau. The warm meal was a welcome comfort against the winter chill outside

Afterward, we continued our drive and passed through Ottawa, the capital of Canada. As we moved through the city, we could see several impressive buildings that house important government institutions, reflecting the nation’s administrative and political heart.

While in Ottawa, we took a short break to visit the Children’s Museum. The museum featured a delightful array of exhibits filled with art, crafts, and interactive displays designed to spark curiosity among young visitors. Among the many exhibits, we were pleasantly surprised to find representations of Indian culture, which brought a sense of familiarity and pride

Following lunch, we continued toward our destination—Fassett, located along the banks of the Ottawa River in the village of Montebello in Quebec. We arrived just as evening approached. The fading daylight revealed a stunning sight: the vast Ottawa River lying completely frozen with its surface stretching silently across the winter landscape.

Our accommodation for the trip was a charming cottage equipped with all modern comforts, including a fully furnished kitchen. The cozy setting allowed us to prepare our own meals, creating an atmosphere that felt warm and homelike despite the cold outside.

The next morning, February 15, began on an exciting note. Being avid cricket enthusiasts, we eagerly watched the much-anticipated India–Pakistan T20 World Cup group match live. The match proved thoroughly enjoyable, especially as India secured a comfortable victory. Later that day, we headed out for one of the highlights of our trip—experiencing a dog-sled ride. Being pulled across the snowy terrain by a team of energetic dogs was both exhilarating and unforgettable. The crisp winter air, the rhythmic sound of the sled gliding across the snow, and the enthusiasm of the dogs combined to create a truly memorable experience.

After returning to the cottage for lunch and a short rest, we took a walk towards the Ottawa River. Seeing the river completely frozen was a remarkable sight. Even more astonishing was the experience of walking across its icy surface while the temperature hovered around −25°C—something we had never imagined doing before

As we explored the frozen expanse, we noticed several circular holes drilled into the thick ice. These were used for ice fishing, a popular winter activity in which anglers fish in the flowing water beneath the frozen surface. Watching this ingenious adaptation to winter conditions added yet another fascinating dimension to our experience.

As the day drew to a close, we returned to our cottage, reflecting on the many unique moments we had encountered—from enduring extreme winter temperatures to witnessing the beauty of snow-covered landscapes and participating in traditional winter activities. What began as a simple family outing had turned into an unforgettable journey, offering us a deeper appreciation of Canada’s winter and the remarkable ways in which people embrace it.

The morning of the 16th began quietly, wrapped in the calm of a winter landscape. After an early breakfast, we checked out of our cozy cottage and setoff toward the charming village of Montebello. Nestled along a scenic route frequented by travelers, Montebello is a small yet enchanting village that feels almost storybook-like. Quaint cottages, many resembling fairy-tale homes, line the streets, while inviting cafés and restaurants welcome visitors passing through this picturesque corner of Quebec.

After savoring a cup of rich hot chocolate and a comforting masala tea, we continued toward the highlight of our journey—Parc Omega.In Quebec,   French is the primary language, which explains why “park” is spelled “parc.”

At first, we expected nothing more than a winter wildlife park. What awaited us, however, was an immersive experience far beyond our expectations. Our accommodation was located inside the park, with check-in scheduled for late afternoon. That gave us the entire day to explore the vast landscape by car along the park’s famous safari trail. The park offers a drive-through wildlife experience where visitors can observe Canadian animals roaming freely across forests, lakes, and open valleys.

Even before entering fully, we were greeted by friendly deer and reindeer standing expectantly by the roadside, patiently waiting for visitors to offer them carrots. Having come prepared, we happily joined the ritual, feeding them through the car window—a simple yet magical moment.

As we continued along the winding route, the wilderness revealed itself gradually. Herds of deer moved gracefully across snowy fields, mountain goats perched confidently on rocky slopes, and wild horses roamed the open terrain. We also spotted yaks, moose, bears, wolves, Arctic foxes, and silver foxes—each thriving in spacious, natural surroundings.

By midday, we stopped at the park’s café and souvenir shop, located at its very heart. The setting itself was remarkable. Through large windows, we could enjoy our lunch while watching animals wander peacefully across the snow-covered landscape outside. Dining with wildlife as your backdrop is not an experience one easily forgets.

Later in the afternoon, we received a call informing us that our accommodation was ready—and what awaited us was truly extraordinary.

Our cottage was situated deep within the park in a cluster known as the Wolf Chalets. Built of warm timber and designed with expansive glass windows, the chalet offered panoramic views of the surrounding forest. From the living room and upstairs bedrooms, we could look directly into the wolf habitat.

These unique lodgings allow guests to observe a pack of wolves from the safety and comfort of their chalet through large panoramic windows. The chalet itself was beautifully appointed, complete with a fully equipped kitchen and modern amenities. But the real luxury was the wilderness just beyond the glass.

As night fell, the landscape transformed into a scene of quiet enchantment. The forest stretched out in silent darkness, the ground covered in pristine white snow beneath a sky scattered with stars. And every so often, the stillness was broken by the haunting call of wolves echoing through the valley.

Lying inside the warm chalet while hearing wolves howl and occasionally watching them move through the snowy clearing outside was an experience impossible to describe fully in words. It felt as though we were camping deep in the wilderness—yet surrounded by comfort.

Later we discovered that such experiences are often described as “glamping”—

glamorous camping that blends the thrill of nature with the comfort of modern living.

The following morning, after breakfast, we checked out of the chalet but made one final stop at the Wolf Observation Point. From there we watched the wolves moving gracefully through their habitat—one last glimpse of the wild before returning to the outside world.

Wolf Point

With that, our unforgettable visit to Parc Omega came to an end. We returned home carrying not only beautiful photographs but also memories of a rare encounter with nature—moments that will remain etched in our minds for years to come.    While returning back homeward, we took a break for coffee at the Highway Onroute at Mallorytown.  While starting our trip we enjoyed sunrise on the drive and while returning it was time for us to enjoy the sunset.