The Vibe
It's pretty rare these days to find a place where we can actually escape from the trappings of modern life – but that's exactly what you'll find at La Seigneurie du Triton, an untouched outfitter territory in the Mauricie region of Quebec, an area famed for its nature, lakes and wildlife. The wilderness reserve is a peaceful place to relax and enjoy the great outdoors alone or with experienced guides and staff who are on hand.
The fact that guests can only access La Seigneurie du Triton via boat or seaplane should indicate that this accommodation is remote. But if that doesn’t do the trick, the spotty WiFi that’s only accessible in certain parts of the building should get the message across. Take the hint: switch off, relax and allow the wildlife and nature surrounding the outfitters to fill the internet-shaped hole in your soul.
The property, which originated as the Triton Fish and Game Club, is one of the oldest hunting and fishing clubs in North America. Founded by railroad construction engineer Alexander Luder Light in 1893, the property was a members-only club once dubbed as the most exciting fishing destination in the world.
Churchill, Roosevelt, Rockefeller and Truman are among the famous alumni to have graced the Triton Fish and Game Club, and the antique vibes, black and white photographs and taxidermied touches make it easy to picture them reclining in an armchair and enjoying a cigar and scotch on the rocks.
The centuries-old Club House building has 22 rooms across two floors and is also home to the President's Hall, three dining rooms, the bar, the boudoir and the reception. Fireplaces and wood stoves scattered throughout the main floor make this lodging a cozy option in spring and autumn.
The Rooms
Though accommodation at La Seigneurie du Triton is split across three lodges, the Club House – where we stayed on our trip – is the most historical portion of the property.
The rooms offer the simple comforts you might expect from a forest inn; there are no TV's and there's no need for locks since "the lake keeps strangers away." While our room had its own bathroom, the majority in the Club House share facilities. The Batican and the Faunique, located just steps away, offer a slightly higher level of comfort with a private bathroom.
Groups can also rent a cottage with shared living spaces. For more outdoorsy guests, there's also the option to camp in an aboriginal teepee. Located in the Innusit Village on the shores of the Batiscan River in the heart of the Haute-Mauricie forest, the teepees accommodate 2-8 people.
La Seigneurie du Triton lodges and cottages are open from May 12 to October 12.
The Features
Guests can help themselves to kayaks, canoes and paddle boards on the shore and explore the area by themselves. For the more adventurous, there’s the option to go moose watching, fishing or take in some stargazing.
Full packages are available, or the staff at La Seigneurie du Triton are incredibly accommodating and happy to create short tours to suit your needs and interests. During our trip, a guide gave us a private talk on fur trapping around the campfire.
Just because the property is far-flung, don't think for a second that the food program is an afterthought – the delicious menu is both internationally inspired and full of local ingredients. Most of the packages include meals with a fixed price menu to choose from, or you can enjoy the chef's gourmet specialties for a small supplement. For lunch, there's a site where meals are cooked on a log BBQ on the Lake Charité. Successful fishing guests can enjoy the trout they caught for dinner.
The Location
La Seigneurie du Triton is located in the Mauricie region of Quebec, halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. The closest town is Lac Édouard, and you'll need to drive to the west shore of Lac á la Croix to be picked up (arrange this ahead of your arrival). Since there is no cell service in the area, we recommend going old school and printing out your directions ahead of travel. Once you arrive in town, you can use the phone at the General Store (Le Magasin Général) in Lac Édouard, and the resort will organize for a boat to come and pick you up from a parking lot nearby.
Packages start from $145 per night (for a shared bathroom).
1893 Chemin du Triton, Lac-Édouard, seigneuriedutriton.com
