Each year, tourists come by the thousands to experience the vibrant fall colours of the Laurentians. And it’s not just them: loads of businesses and organizations are just as eager to use the breathtaking fall scenery as inspiration for new ideas. Here are three recommendations for team meeting locations:
At an Outfitter
Pourvoirie Le Triolet is coming up on 20 years of bringing families and nature lovers together every summer at its private location on the shores of the great Poisson Blanc reservoir, in Notre-Dame-du-Laus. With an investment of one million dollars dedicated to renovating all 11 cottages (and winterizing at least six of them), the destination is now open year-round. And especially for the fall.
It’s the perfect place for companies and organizations to slow down and ponder during a retreat, strategic planning meeting, or any other kind of gathering, and leave reinvigorated. In the words of the co-owner, Nathalie Hubert, “My spouse, Benoit (Landry), and I are former biotechnology scientists who absolutely adore this type of team brainstorming location.”
In addition to the cottages, which can accommodate 2 to 10 people, the outfitter also has 14 boats (and fishing equipment), e-bikes, not to mention high-speed Wi-Fi. The conference room is big enough for 15 people, with the possibility of breakfast, lunch, or dinner as a buffet or prepared by an on-site caterer. The addition of a large gazebo is also planned for the fall. Note that the destination is located only 10 minutes from Parc régional Poisson Blanc and its highly reputed hiking trails.
Between Earth and Sky
For the past two years, the Sentier des cimes Laurentides in Mont-Blanc has offered a brand-new way to conquer the autumnal Laurentian landscapes with minimal exertion. Built at a cost of 19 million dollars, this wooden structure proposes a 2.7-km round trip with a gentle 6% incline, removing all stairs and obstacles from the 12-story climb.
“This makes our destination perfect for outdoor activities, because participants don’t have to worry about their physical fitness. It’s accessible to everyone,” mentioned Geneviève Landry, Customer Experience, Corporate Relations, and Events Associate at EAK Sentiers des cimes.
Beyond the spectacle provided by the 360-degree panorama overlooking the treetops, the destination’s meeting spaces include an 80-seat indoor restaurant and a 180-seat terrace (open until late October). “Groups can request to book the restaurant for a private event after opening hours during the week and weekend,” she continued.
The destination, open year-round, also works with a variety of partners to provide visitor entertainment. This might include yoga workshops, team building games, local product tastings, and even the possibility of toasting mocktails at the top of the tower, added Geneviève Landry. “We do everything we can so that guests leave with magical, unforgettable memories,” she concluded.
So far, the destination’s business clients have consisted primarily of businesses, associations, and congress attendees transiting through the region.
It’s Raining Apples
By joining the Plaza Management Group (PMG) last winter, Saint-Joseph-du-Lac’s Verger Richard Legault has become a gem among event spaces in the Laurentians.
Thanks to an investment totaling half a million dollars, the 4,900-tree orchard has a brand-new, 140-seat event venue called Plaza Rive-Nord. “We also have a hall and an elegant canopy tent with a capacity of 80 and 350 people, respectively, with the latter available until late October,” highlighted one of the PMG’s shareholders, Peter Mourcous. The two indoor halls are open year-round.
Around fifteen other event venues fall under the PMG umbrella, such as the La Bullerie vineyard, also in Saint-Joseph-du-Lac. “With our network and expertise in events, we’re able to provide our clients of all ages with a winning environment for their small, medium, and large gatherings,” continued Peter Mourcous. The director was keen to add that the Group works with a team of around 20 chefs who specialize in a variety of cuisines from around the world and serve all of the company’s locations, including most Montreal-based consulates.
