If you’re craving a luxurious escape where you can relax, rejuvenate, and immerse yourself in nature, Estérel Resort in the Laurentians is one of the best spa resorts in Quebec. Nestled in the stunning Quebec countryside, just 1.5 hours north of Montreal, Estérel Resort offers a unique combination of tranquility, natural beauty, and incredible amenities like their Nordic Spa. Whether you’re looking for a romantic winter retreat, a wellness-focused getaway, or simply a break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, this resort has it all. We spent a few magical & very snowy days at Estérel Resort from February 28 to March 2, 2025, and here’s everything you need to know about this exceptional spa resort in Quebec.
How to Get to Estérel Resort
Getting to Estérel Resort (1000 Chemin du Lac-Estérel, Estérel, QC J0T 1G0) is simple and straightforward, making it an ideal destination for a quick and scenic getaway from Montreal. We drove from Montreal using Communauto, and the trip took about 1.5 hours. Once you leave the city, the drive becomes a picturesque journey through the Laurentians. You’ll pass by charming ski hills like Saint-Sauveur, with snow-covered trees and rolling hills stretching out before you—a perfect preview of the serene beauty that awaits at Estérel Resort.
First Impressions: Arriving at the Resort
It was -20 degrees when we arrived around 7 p.m. on Friday night, after a long and busy work week. As soon as we stepped into the warm, sleek, and modern reception area, complete with roaring fires and guests casually strolling around in bathrobes, it was clear we were in for an incredible three-day stay. The receptionist, incredibly welcoming, mentioned that we were the first Australian-Irish couple to stay at the resort, as most guests are repeat visitors from Québec and Ontario! After a smooth check-in, we received an overview of the resort and were given wristbands to access the spa. The resort consists of two buildings—Emotion and Évolution—and we were staying in the Emotion building. Our first impression was fantastic, and we were so excited to see our room and explore the hotel!
Our Garden View Suite: A Cozy Winter Escape
As soon as we walked into our suite, we were absolutely blown away by how stunning—and spacious—it was! We stayed in a beautiful suite in the Emotion building, which offered a breathtaking view of the resort’s snow-covered gardens.
The suite featured a king-sized, four-poster bed, a separate lounge area with a massive daybed, a kitchenette, a bathroom with a deep soaking tub and separate glass shower, and a balcony that was blanketed in snow, adding to the magical winter ambiance. With 500 square feet of space, the room offered ample comfort and relaxation, perfect for unwinding after a day of activities.
The room’s design was both elegant and cozy, with warm wood tones, soft neutral shades, and large wall-to-wall windows that let in plenty of natural light. The overall atmosphere was perfect for a peaceful winter retreat.
Overview of Room Amenities:
- Nespresso coffee machine for cozy morning coffees by the fire
- See-through electric fireplace: We could enjoy the fire from both the bedroom and lounge.
- Smart TV for relaxing with a movie
- Flat-screen TVs in both the bedroom and lounge.
- Free Wi-Fi to stay connected
- Spacious bathroom with a deep bath and separate glass shower.
- Kitchenette equipped with a mini fridge, microwave, toaster oven, espresso machine, kettle, glasses, cutlery, and all the essentials.
- Cupboard with drawers and plenty of space for hanging up clothes.
I loved how well-equipped the room was. It’s definitely designed for longer stays, especially with the kitchenette, which had everything we needed to prepare simple meals (like breakfast) in the room.
My favorite part was how cozy and romantic the suite felt. Whether we were playing chess with a glass of wine by the fireplace on the daybed or watching a movie in the four-poster bed with the fire on and snow falling outside, this suite was perfect for couples. We were also provided robes in the room, and we ended up wearing them nearly the whole weekend.
Nordic Spa / Lido Thermal
The Lido Thermal (their on-site Nordic Spa) was one of the main reasons we chose to stay at Estérel Resort, and undoubtedly, it’s one of the standout features of the property. The spa boasts 7 outdoor jacuzzis, hot pools (which transform into regular pools in the summer), a hammam, an indoor Finnish dry sauna, and even a Finnish sauna right on the lake!
One of the highlights was the section of the frozen lake that had been carved out, allowing us to do a cold plunge before jumping back into the sauna to warm up. There was also a tranquil relaxation area with plush lounges, blankets, and pillows.
Upon arrival, we were given towel cards at reception, which we exchanged at the Lido Activity Centre next to the pools. On our first night, we decided to explore the pools around 9 p.m., and they were bustling with guests. We chose one of the adults-only hot tubs, which featured amazing jets, relaxing music, and a fire in the center of the tub. It was incredibly hot, and the surreal experience of soaking in it while snow gently fell around us made it all the more magical. It was the perfect way to wash off the workweek and start unwinding for the weekend ahead.
While all the facilities were incredible, my favorite was definitely the outdoor Finnish dry sauna, which overlooked the beautiful, frozen lake. The combination of the warmth from the sauna and the stunning view made it an unforgettable experience. (Check out my video of the spa here)
Benefits of Nordic Bathing
If you’re unfamiliar with Nordic bathing, it’s a wellness tradition rooted in the Scandinavian countries of Sweden, Norway, and Finland. The practice involves alternating between hot and cold experiences—like saunas, steam rooms, and cold plunges—and it has a wealth of physical and mental benefits. The heat from the saunas and hot tubs promotes relaxation, reduces stress, and soothes tired muscles and joints, while the cold plunges stimulate circulation, detoxify the body, and boost the immune system.
Relaxation is an essential part of the process, helping to create a holistic experience that leaves you feeling refreshed, revitalized, and restored. We spent our time at Estérel hopping between the hot tubs and saunas, taking a quick cold plunge in the lake, and then enjoying the peaceful relaxation area. By the time we left, we felt completely rejuvenated and ready to enjoy the rest of our stay. It’s no wonder that Nordic spas are becoming increasingly popular in Canada, especially in Quebec, which boasts the largest concentration of these rejuvenating wellness retreats. Check out more of my spa reviews here!
Resort Activities and Amenities
While Estérel Resort is all about relaxation, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy, especially in the winter months. Whether you want to try winter sports or simply want to relax & explore the stunning natural surroundings, there’s something for everyone.
Winter Activities:
- Snowshoeing & Cross Country Skiing: We took full advantage of the serene winter environment by going snowshoeing around the resort. The Activity Centre offers snowshoes for rent at $12 CAD per person.
- Ice Skating & Hockey: Estérel Resort is situated on Lac Dupuis, which freezes over in winter, creating a picturesque ice skating rink. You can rent (or bring your own) skates and enjoy skating or even a fun game of hockey on the lake.
- Off-Site Skiing and Snowboarding: Located near popular ski hills like Saint-Sauveur, Estérel is the perfect destination for those who love winter sports, offering easy access to skiing and snowboarding.
- Indoor and Outdoor Pools: After a day of winter activities, the resort’s heated indoor pool and outdoor hot tub provide the perfect opportunity to unwind and relax.
- Spa Treatments: For an added layer of relaxation, don’t miss the resort’s world-class Amerispa, which is available year-round for treatments.
- Daily Activities: Each day, the resort offers a wide variety of activities to enjoy. From movies in the cinema room, and cupcake or cookie decorating sessions to dance classes and hot chocolate in the lobby, there’s always something fun happening.
- Gym: The resort features a well-equipped gym
- Games Room: A huge games room is available, complete with foosball, arcade games & more
Check out my vlogs here, here, and here to see what a typical day looks like at Estérel!
Summer Activities:
In the summer, Estérel Resort offers an even broader range of activities. You can enjoy volleyball, spike ball, paddle boarding and kayaking (rentals available at the Lido Activity Centre), boating, hiking, cycling, and so much more. Find out more here.
Dining Experiences at Estérel
The dining options at Estérel Resort are nothing short of exceptional! The resort has two main restaurants: Le Voilier and Le ROK. Le Voilier is a bistronomy-style restaurant that offers Quebecois dishes crafted with fresh, local ingredients. Its relaxed ambiance creates the perfect setting for savoring flavorful meals in a cozy atmosphere. On the other hand, Le ROK provides a unique dining experience, where you can cook your own meals on hot volcanic stones right at your table. Both have stunning views of Lake Dupuis.
We dined at Le Voilier one evening, and it was an amazing experience. We chose the three-course table d’hôte, priced at $65 per person, which allowed us to select an appetizer, main course, and dessert. Our meal started with a classic Caesar salad and beef tartare, served with freshly baked bread and butter. For the mains, we enjoyed a flavorful garden vegetable risotto, featuring braised celeriac brunoise, wild mushrooms, and a rich maple reduction, alongside a perfectly grilled AAA New York strip loin served with Bordelaise sauce, duck fat fingerling potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. For dessert, we indulged in a delicate Earl Grey crème brûlée, all accompanied by delicious cocktails that elevated the entire experience.
Breakfast at Estérel Resort is also a standout feature. Each morning, guests can enjoy a buffet at Le Voilier with no reservation required. The buffet is available from 7:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. during the week and from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. on weekends, offering a variety of fresh and delicious options to start your day on the right note.
For a more exclusive experience, Estérel Resort’s Wine Cellar offers a five-course Discovery Menu every Friday and Saturday evening. This intimate dining experience is paired with exquisite wine selections and offers one of the most beautiful views in the Laurentians. You can also enjoy wine tastings, along with shareable bites and a variety of Québec cheeses, all guided by the knowledgeable sommeliers at the wine cellar.
For a more laid-back, Estérel Resort also offers a take-out menu, allowing you to enjoy a yummy meal in the comfort of your suite, available from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Alternatively, the bar menu features a selection of cocktails, beers, and small bites like oysters, charcuterie, and crispy shrimp—perfect for sharing or simply enjoying with a refreshing drink while taking in the views
Cost & Booking
Our two-night stay in a king bed garden view suite in the Emotion building for two adults came to $678 CAD. Given all the amenities included, I felt this was an excellent price for the experience! You can easily book your stay directly through their website here.
Final Thoughts on Estérel Resort: The Ultimate Spa Retreat in Quebec
We absolutely loved our time at Estérel Resort! From the moment we checked in, we knew it was going to be an incredible stay. It was such a unique experience walking around in bathrobes while snowflakes were falling outside. The staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome, and we truly felt at home. Our room was nothing short of spectacular and incredibly romantic; I especially loved unwinding in the bubble bath by the fire, watching the snow fall outside—it was pure magic. The food was another highlight, with amazing Québécois flavors that really captured the essence of the region. But, without a doubt, the best part was the Lido Thermal. The spas were incredibly relaxing, and we left feeling completely rejuvenated. The only downside of our stay was that we didn’t stay longer! On our last day, we checked out at noon, but Estérel allows access to the Lido Thermal until 4 p.m. on the day of checkout, which essentially gave us another half-day at the resort.
If you’re looking for the perfect spa resort in Quebec, Estérel Resort should be at the top of your list. Whether you’re visiting in the winter to enjoy the snow-covered landscapes or in the summer for hiking and outdoor activities, Estérel offers a rejuvenating experience like no other. If you’re planning your own spa getaway, don’t miss out on this spectacular Quebec retreat!
For inspo on what to do in Saint-Sauveur, click here!
