Hotel and logging

When arriving via Highway 170, which cuts through the entire city of Saguenay, the Delta Saguenay Hotel stands out with its impressive height and sprawling footprint, acting as a welcoming beacon. This sets the tone for what its management offers to visitors, whether for family vacations in the region, a brief work trip, or an event or business meeting at its conference center.

Located in the Jonquière sector of Saguenay, this 4-star Marriott hotel caters to both families and business travelers. It sits slightly outside the city center and away from the Saguenay River, 26 km from Bagotville Airport, which serves the region. With its Boston Pizza restaurant, newly added indoor pool, and fitness center, the Delta Saguenay is one of the premier hotel establishments in the area.

 
According to the hotel’s General Manager, Olivier Fortin-Tremblay, investments made by the owners since 2012 have transformed it into a unique location in the region. The refined rooms include amenities such as a desk, ergonomic chairs, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, and mini-fridges. Some rooms feature bathtubs, while others have walk-in showers. Suites additionally include a fridge, microwave, dining area, fireplace, and sofa bed.

 
All rooms were renovated in 2012, drawing inspiration from the Canadian landscape with a refreshing and modern color palette and maximized use of natural light. Previously owned by an Ontario financial group, the Delta Saguenay became locally owned in 2017, led by businessman Laval Boulianne with support from the regional FTQ Solidarity Fund.

In 2018, the franchise managers invested in building a restaurant near the main lobby entrance, followed by a $1.2 million investment in a two-story annex housing an indoor pool with a spa and sauna, as well as an interactive playroom. These upgrades, operational since 2020, were necessary to attract more families, according to the General Manager. While maintaining its business focus with the conference center, the building now also offers a recreational purpose.

The Delta conference center boasts spacious rooms with all the necessary logistics for major events: 17 conference rooms and a ballroom spanning 11,660 square feet. The venue is highly regarded for the quality of its facilities and professional services provided to organizers of various events and meetings.

  
Of note, the Delta Saguenay also welcomes snowmobiling enthusiasts during winter, given its proximity to major regional and provincial trails. Additionally, the management practices an inclusive guest policy for all visitors.

In fall 2023, the hotel owners hinted at plans to improve the region's accommodation offerings, which are deemed insufficient by local tourism development stakeholders. Studies show that event attendees prefer to stay onsite. The Delta Saguenay currently offers 160 rooms, with plans to increase to 200 by adding a new tower on businessman Laval Boulianne’s property. This project could be realized by early 2024.

Hôtel Delta Saguenay

Website

2675, Boul. du Royaume
Jonquière, QC G7S 5B8
(418) 548-3124

Commercial, hospitality, and tourism activities tied to the Baker family name remain part of Gaspé’s economic and historical landscape today. Few people, though, know the long, winding path that has marked its history for over two centuries.

John Baker (1851–1930) first went into business in 1879, a few years after his father, John Baker Sr, moved from the Gaspé Peninsula and settled downtown. He then opened a tavern at the tip of the Vieux-Port de Gaspé. Two years later, with the tavern thriving, John Baker bought two lots on rue de la Reine (then Queen Street) from Ernest Tëtu. He built a Victorian-style building there and named it the Hôtel Baker.

Afterwards, many events and upheavals (including the world wars, fires, deaths, and significant legislative changes in Québec related to private salmon fishing clubs) influenced the life of the Hôtel Baker. The 1920s were prosperous years. According to some accounts from the time, the Hôtel Baker’s ballroom was very popular between 1920 and 1929, during the Roaring Twenties. The lavish costume balls held there drew the Gaspé aristocracy of the day.

By then, John Baker owned three buildings: the One Ash Inn and Baker’s Lodge, which mainly served fishermen and hunters, while the Hôtel Baker primarily accommodated tourists and commercial travellers. John Baker died in October 1930 in Waterloo, Ontario. His estate was divided among his three great-nephews, and management passed to William Baker. The Baker empire eventually ran into trouble, largely because of new government legislation that in turn eliminated private fishing clubs, replacing them with provincial reserves. The hotel and Baker’s Lodge were sold. William Baker died mysteriously at the One Ash Inn in March 1956, of a presumed heart attack.

This would spell the end of the Baker family’s reign in Gaspé’s hotel industry after more than a century. In May 1974, the Hôtel Baker was sold once again to a group of businesspeople from Gaspé, including the current owner, Roger Denis. In a grim twist of fate, Baker’s Hotel burned down on 31 July 1975. A few months after the fire, the same group of investors decided to take on the construction of a new hotel on the same site as the old Hôtel Baker.

 
Perched on an exceptional site overlooking the Sud-Ouest basin of Gaspé Bay, the building opened in June 1978 as the Auberge des Gouverneurs. It had 44 rooms, along with the 12 motel units previously built as an addition to the Hôtel Baker.

So it’s quite a saga, partly recounted here, that preceded the arrival of the current owners. The general manager, Pascal Denis (also a shareholder in the company, along with other family members), is proud to have maintained Québec ownership of the establishment.

 
Since 2001, major changes and expansions have confirmed the hotel’s position as a leader in hospitality, dining, and conferences in Gaspésie. These took the form of 14 new rooms, a 102-seat cinema, as well as the expansion of the conference rooms and of the Têtu restaurant. “In addition to our many services, our aim was to become a destination in its own right, and we’ve now achieved that, year-round,” explains Deputy Director Christine Cabot. She also points out that each year, upgrades and maintenance work keep equipment of superior quality in the five room types on offer and elsewhere in the property.

 
As for the restaurant, the Gaspésian tavern Têtu aims to be a hybrid of a family restaurant and a sports bar, in a warm and unpretentious atmosphere. Its name, as you may recall, evokes that of Ernest Têtu, the owner of the land where the hotel was built. To give diners a taste of Gaspésie and of Québec more broadly, they revisit culinary classics for a flavourful experience. No wonder the dining room is constantly full.

  
As for the cinema, the management wanted to fill a gap in Gaspé at the time, for the enjoyment of the local population as much as of hotel guests. A popular film is screened each week. The schedule is posted on the website.
Finally, the hotel is frequented by groups of tourists arriving by bus. In winter, groups of snowmobilers and ATV riders arrive via the trails to stop over for a rest and a meal.

Hôtel Baker
hotelbaker.ca
178, rue de la Reine
Gaspé (QC) G4X 1T6
418-368-3355

Nadia-Karina Minassian and her partner took over the Motel Fraser in Chandler in 2010. Twelve years later, they’re proud of what they’ve accomplished. They have made it a leading hospitality and dining destination in the area, thanks to major investments in renovating and upgrading the reception, accommodation and dining facilities.

The general manager stresses that the work was carried out with local products, materials and artisans.
The hotel has 30 rooms and two neighbouring guesthouses. The rooms have been substantially renovated over the years. The restaurant le Sieur de Pabos has also been improved, on the kitchen side as well as in the dining room. The menu offers contemporary regional cuisine highlighting local and fresh produce. The hotel has also fitted out three meeting rooms. It is open year-round.

For the past three years, including during the COVID pandemic, the hotel has developed on-site activities with entertainment, while visitors, especially families, could not enjoy activities elsewhere in the region, as everything had been put on hold. This continues and will remain on the program, notably at the hotel’s pool.

The company’s general manager is a well-known figure in the region. With a degree in regional development, she has worked as a business restructuring consultant, as well as serving as president of Tourisme et commerce de la MRC de Percé. More recently, while running her hotel, she held the post of prefect of the MRC de Rocher-Percé, as well as serving as president of the Table des préfets de Gaspésie.
Nadia is also taking part in a joint initiative with four other regional hotel managers to develop sustainable development strategies for their establishments, with the aim of obtaining certification. Motel Fraser, however, has already put several measures in place in this direction.

Motel Fraser
motelfraser.com
325, rte 132
Chandler (Qc) G0C 2J9
418.689.2281

Renowned for its distinctive hospitality, Manoir Belle Plage de Carleton-sur-Mer offers a stay in complete comfort in a place steeped in art, culture and history. As soon as you step inside, you sense the owners’ long-standing care for these interests. You’re quickly charmed by the tranquillity of the setting and the quality of its services and facilities. 

The property has unobstructed views of the baie des Chaleurs at the front, and of mont Saint-Joseph and the garden at the back. It has 39 rooms, plus 6 apartments in Maison Cullen and its Pavillon. It also houses two meeting rooms and a gym. In the parking lot, an EV charging station is available to guests who drive electric vehicles.
The dining room serves breakfast to hotel guests, while in the evening, Bistro Cerf-Cuit-Court offers Gaspésian gourmet cuisine that the chef builds around the produce of 30 producers from the Baie-des-Chaleurs.
Resolutely human, the corporate culture at Manoir Belle Plage focuses on people’s well-being, David Comeau explains. Sustainable development, deeply rooted in its values, is reflected in efforts for the environment, but also in the promotion of local artisans. Each room displays a custom-made craft piece and a selected work by an artist from Gaspésie. The common areas are also decorated in the same style.
For the hotel’s 75th anniversary in 2024, David Comeau talks about consolidating past achievements for the future. No major development is in sight. The aim is to keep the human side and refresh the decor a little on an ongoing basis. Sustainable development will keep its place at the top of the company’s values.
A rich history and a well-established tradition
Originally, the establishment was a beautiful English villa in the Anglo-Norman Regency cottage style. Named Stella Maris, this summer residence had been built around 1921. In 1949, the villa was converted into a hotel (the Belle Plage), and motels were added.
Later, Rollande Arsenault, from Caplan, and Raymond Comeau, from Baie Sainte-Marie (Nouvelle-Écosse), met. While skiing in the Laurentides, the couple drew a parallel between tourism development in the region and the potential of Gaspésie. That was all it took for the pair to launch into an entrepreneurial venture, with plenty of flair but no experience.
In 1965, Rollande Arsenault and Raymond Comeau acquired the establishment, which grew thanks to their ideas and good care. In 1978, they purchased an existing building in Carleton and moved it onto the hotel grounds. In 1988, they expanded from 10 to 24 units, built a reception area, and meeting rooms were fitted out. The establishment was renamed Manoir Belle Plage.
A spirit of innovation, courage, and a constant concern for customer satisfaction were the keys to the success of the family business they went on to grow. After Mr. Comeau’s death in 2010 at the age of 73, his spouse continued to watch over Manoir Belle Plage for nearly a dozen years before joining him in 2022.

Since 2006, their son David has been the owner and general manager of the establishment. David grew up and lived in the hotel. He was steeped in that culture from a very young age. "I've always been proud of what my parents did, of their involvement in the community, of the business, and of what it represented in the village." After earning a bachelor's degree in administration, David Comeau completed a master's in regional development. His topic: the tourism industry of Carleton-sur-Mer.
For the Comeau family, Manoir Belle Plage has always been the family home. "I grew up in the hotel. We ate at the restaurant three times a day, 365 days a year." In 2015, after 40 years living in the hotel, David Comeau bought a single-family house behind it. Today he lives there with his partner, Maryse Tremblay, and their two daughters, Marianne and Geneviève, who are, in turn, gradually getting involved in the business.

Manoir Belle Plage

manoirbelleplage.com

474, boul. Perron

Carleton-sur-Mer, QC G0C 1J0

(418) 364-3388

For much of its existence since 1864, it was the mayor’s house, the post office, the town hall, a museum, and more besides. In 2018, Sylvain Tanguay (a local son) and family partners bought the ancestral inn after falling for it at first sight. For him, it was a chance to return to the region and embark on a new career as an innkeeper.

The inn has 17 rooms, both ancestral and modern, with balconies and verandas overlooking the sea, and it offers an exceptional experience of comfort and contemplation. It is welcoming to the whole family. From breakfast to dinner, the dining room and terrace come alive as the tides come and go. Tall trees ring the grounds, acting as tireless protectors of the unique heritage, right beside the parish church.

He is now the sole owner, having bought out his partners, and relies on the inn’s various features to satisfy tourists.
You’ll find genuine artifacts and antiques from the inn’s history throughout the common areas and guest rooms. There is also a café and a small dining room, where you can sit down for coffee, breakfast, or a crêpe from the in-house crêperie.

As soon as you arrive, you’ll also notice the large gallery, which acts as a covered terrace overlooking the gulf directly opposite.
Firmly rooted in the heart of the inn’s oldest section, the La Vieille Maison Art Gallery,inviting you to an exhibition of paintings by the painter Lise Tanguay. Poetic texts accompany the works on display.
The innkeeper grew up in a family where his mother would welcome people into the home, for example to give them lodging or comfort in times of hardship. So from a very young age, he was steeped in these values of hospitality and kindness, which serve him very well today.
La Seigneurie des Monts: a good starting point for the “Tour de la Gaspésie”!

Auberge la Seigneurie des Monts
bonjourgaspesie.com
21, 1ère Avenue Est
Sainte-Anne-des-Monts, Québec, G4V 1A2
418.763.5308

In 1852, John Robinson Hamilton began building a manor in the English neoclassical style on a vast plot in the heart of the village of New Carlisle, in Gaspésie. The style was very rare in Québec.

 
Born in Québec, he studied at the Bar, became a lawyer, and practised in Québec before settling in Gaspé and then New Carlisle. After his father died when he was 11, his mother married a French-Canadian, which certainly contributed to his perfect bilingualism.

He served in the Assembly of Bas Canada as deputy for Bonaventure County (1841–1844), and was also appointed Queen’s Counsel. He was later re-elected and defeated on a few occasions, until 1851. He was finally elected to the Legislative Council in 1858.

 
He married an American in New-York in 1831 and had a family of four daughters and five sons, who lived and grew up in New Carlisle. One of them, too, was elected deputy for Bonaventure in Québec from 1867 to 1871.

A unique manor
The construction of the Manoir took four years. The building is of great heritage value. It also has four chimneys and eight fireplaces. All of its exterior walls are made of stone. The architecture of manoir Hamilton is unique in Gaspésie and was influenced by the Palladian style of Andrea Palladio, the Italian Renaissance architect.

The family lived there for a long time. It was then converted into a hotel and later into a summer residence. John Robinson Hamilton died there on Christmas Eve in 1870.

The manor tour is a must-see. Every room is furnished with period furniture, carpets, old books, paintings and tableware, and the visit undoubtedly transports us to the 19th-century atmosphere of the Loyalist era in Gaspésie.

The kitchen has a traditional bread oven and a hearth with a crane. The Manoir Hamilton offers five cosy and comfortable rooms furnished with period pieces. You are served a gourmet breakfast in the morning.

In 2004, Nicole Duguay acquired the Manoir and the neighbouring campground with her partner at the time. She saw herself as somewhat privileged to be able to live such a 'princess' dream. The manor had been abandoned for about forty years when they began converting it into a tourist guesthouse. Ms. Duguay reportedly invested nearly $300,000 to renovate the building’s interior.

A few years later, the building’s condition called for further major work. No funding was available from the Ministry of Culture, from either level of government, from the Municipality, or from Heritage New Carlisle, since the building was not owned by a non-profit organization. It was concluded that a buyer had to be found who could invest in the repairs and keep the accommodation running in a heritage setting.

In 2014, the Manoir was sold to Marcel Rancourt of Groupe GID, whose head office is in Québec. Rancourt is an entrepreneur who helps clients develop cultural projects and projects in social, community, or economic development. Nicole Duguay remained the manager, as well as the owner of the neighbouring campground, which she runs.

 Nicole Duguay, manager of the Manoir

Since taking ownership, Mr. Rancourt has invested in restoration work on the exterior walls and the four chimneys, in the electrical system, and in converting the heating system to electric. Mr. Rancourt plans to continue over the coming years to maintain the Manoir in good condition.

An all-inclusive campground
Camping du Manoir is an oasis of tranquillity facing the baie des Chaleurs. Twelve sites offer three services, 30-amp electrical hookups, showers and a laundry room. Breakfast is available at the Manoir.
Well located in the heart of New Carlisle, it’s popular for short stays

Manoir Hamilton
manoirhamilton.com
115, boulevard Gérard-D.-Lévesque
New Carlisle (Qc) G0C 1Z0
418 752.6498

Camping du Manoir
113, boulevard Gérard-D.-Lévesque
New Carlisle (Qc) G0C 1Z0
418 622-4880

Besides its enchanting location, a little set back from downtown and next to a championship-calibre golf course unique in Québec, the Double Tree par Hilton Québec is easy to reach along Highway 73 North. It is part of a hotel group that takes great care over the quality of its welcome and its clientele’s total satisfaction.

Built about twenty years ago, the hotel has carried the Double Tree Hilton brand since 2019, when major renovations were carried out and the facilities were upgraded at several levels, all aimed at raising the prestige of the property and of the brand. However, it was in 2023 that the hotel was acquired by Groupe Hôtelier Ben, which already owned three other hotels in Québec and Trois-Rivières. The group now operates it.

The director of operations for the past three years at this hotel, which has about a hundred rooms in various categories, Sebastian Martinez, has about ten years of experience in Hilton hotels. As the person in charge of everything that keeps the hotel running smoothly, he is well placed to tell us about its strengths and advantages.

 

Guests can enjoy several services and amenities, including a heated outdoor pool, a gym, meeting and function rooms, and the renowned Le Dijon restaurant, which is as popular with people from the region as with guests. Guests can also use electric vehicle charging stations, and parking is free at all times.

  

In fact, Dijon, the hotel’s welcoming and elegant restaurant, offers a gastronomic experience inspired by chefs, along with a breathtaking view of the lush courses at golf de la Faune. On pleasant evenings, guests can dine outdoors on the terrace, which has a retractable roof, and choose from an extensive list of refined wines, craft beers and exclusive cocktails. Dijon hosts special events several times a year, including brunches for Easter, Christmas and New Year’s.

  

Notably, the hotel has partnered with the organizers of the Fierté de Québec celebrations since 2024, a partnership that will continue for the next few years. Sebastian Martinez is proud to have earned the trust of the organization’s leaders and is already delighted by the benefits of this partnership to date. On the Double Tree par Hilton’s Facebook page, they invite people from the LGBTQ+ community to join them in celebrating diversity and inclusivity during the Labour Day weekend in the heart of the City of Québec. "Let’s come together to support the LGBTQ+ community and enjoy a series of vibrant events, shows, and celebrations that honour love, equality, and pride," reads the post.

M. Martinez also points to the hotel’s community involvement, taking part in various fundraising campaigns throughout the year with local organizations and in activities of the City of Québec, among others.

A dynamic hotel group
After acquiring his fourth hotel, DoubleTree par Hilton Québec, Qingdong Ben founded Groupe Hotelier Ben. His career began in 2016 with the purchase of Hôtel Quartier du boul. Laurier in Québec. It continued in Trois-Rivières in 2020 with Les Suites Laviolette, and in 2021 in Québec with Quality Inn du boul. Wilfrid-Hamel. Qingdong Ben is president of Groupe Hotelier Ben. Linche Wang is vice-president. Karen Coronel is vice-president of operations, and Guylaine Desrosiers is vice-president of sales and development.

For the president of Groupe hôtelier Ben, needless to say, such an acquisition will have economic spinoffs, not only for the entire regional tourism industry but also for retail trade in general.

Double Tree par Hilton
facebook.com/doubletreequebec
hilton.com/fr/hotels/yqbqcdt-doubletree-quebec-resort
7900 rue du Marigot
Québec, Qc, G1G 6T8
(418) 627-8008

Stay in a building from 1860, a few dozen metres from the fleuve Saint-Laurent in the Vieux-Port de Québec area. The Hôtel Port-Royal offers 76 spacious rooms and suites housed in two connected buildings, each with an inspiring past and history.

All of this is thanks to the passion and ambition of a construction entrepreneur who bought the complex in the early 2000s and turned it into a chic hotel that opened its doors in 2005. Éric-Yves Doyon travels a great deal, loves the hotel business and appreciates tourist attractions. That was all it took for him to turn his passion into reality. The building that houses the suites, including the royal suite across from the hotel, is a former bank. It also houses the offices of his company.

For history buffs, the building that now houses the hotel was originally a warehouse for food products unloaded from ships. More recently, it has housed various businesses, including a gourmet grocery store, the restaurant Quai 19 and the bar l’Inox.
Each room has a distinctive design of its own, inspired by the original geometry of the building. The warmth of wood, the dignity of stone and brick, and the clean lines of contemporary decor create an environment that is a perfect blend of past and present.

In addition to a comfortable Queen or King bed, all rooms and suites include a kitchenette or fully equipped kitchen, a dining nook, and a bathroom with shower or bathtub/shower. Several rooms and suites also have a double sofa bed.
General manager of Port-Royal for 15 years, Agnès Marsoin is proud to be associated with this hotel's success and to look after guest comfort and satisfaction. With 30 years of experience in hospitality, in France and Québec, she watches closely over the fortunes of this establishment. It combines a host of advantages for guests looking for quality accommodation in Québec.

She is keen to point out that guests' pets are welcome in first-floor rooms, for a fee. There are no carpets in the rooms and suites. Parking and valet service are offered, there is a fitness room, and Wi-Fi is free throughout.

The general manager also notes that the suites are spacious, luxurious spaces decorated in various styles. They offer features such as a separate bedroom, Italian-style baths and showers, work desks, a kitchenette, and a Murphy bed, along with other details depending on the suite chosen.

 
For its part, the sumptuous 2,200-square-foot Royal Suite is located at place de la FA0, a heritage site in Québec, and occupies the top floor of the massive 19th-century building formerly known as Banque de commerce. It features a luxurious bedroom with a queen-size bed and a large bathroom in marble or granite.

 
The suite offers an experience fit for kings and queens: an unusual private space in this exceptional setting, with a stately living room, a dining room, and access to an impressive 2,000-square-foot terrace with spectacular views of the streets of Vieux-Québec. Breakfast is included.

The Port-Royal employs up to 40 people and welcomes a diverse clientele: maritime professionals, staff in training, businesspeople, cruise passengers, and tourists from all over Québec, Canada and elsewhere in the world.
For dining, the hotel has Louise Taverne & Bar à vin, which serves breakfast and meals throughout the day, with bar service every day. In summer, guests can relax on the terrace and enjoy the unique cuisine of chef Nikolas, which uses only local Québec ingredients. Dishes are made fresh every day, and the menu changes regularly.

In short, for a stay in the magical setting of the Vieux-Port de Québec and its historical atmosphere, Port-Royal is certainly the obvious choice. It is also inclusive of all types of guests.

Hôtel Port-Royal
leportroyal.com
144, rue Saint-Pierre
Québec, QC, G1K 8N8
418 692.2777

By Gaëtan Vaudry

During a 40-day tour of Eastern Quebec and New Brunswick, we visited many places and met numerous people! Some places captured our attention, and one of them was the LaRichardière inn, located in the village municipality of Godbout on the North Shore, with a population of just 262 inhabitants, according to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.

I must say from the outset that the place is simply magnificent. And what about our hosts, Claude-Joseph Gosselin and his wonderful dog Body (a Great Dane-Labrador mix), who welcomed us like royalty! We arrived on a Wednesday evening, after a long day's drive. We were greeted in a splendid house dating back to 1928, warm and tastefully decorated. Claude-Joseph, who has traveled extensively himself, has personalized his hosting style. Proudly, he doesn't overdo it. Just enough. And that's what the guests – myself included – appreciate about him.

Four Artists from the Region

I'd like to begin by talking about the history of this nearly centenarian house. Why is it named LaRichardière? To pay tribute to two important figures in the eyes of Claude-Joseph. The first is the noble Richard Testu de la Richardière (1681-1741), a ship's captain and harbor master, and master pilot in the St. Lawrence River and Gulf. And also for Mathieu Richard, a worker who lived in this magnificent residence with his family for over 40 years. The inn features four bedrooms, each named in honor of a regional artist. There's the Gilles Vigneault room (famous poet from Natashquan), the Éric Maillet room (sculptor and blacksmith, Bergeronnais by adoption), the Claude Le Sauteur room (painter, 1926-2007), and finally, the Francine Chicoine room (author from Baie-Comeau). Notably, the bed in the Éric Maillet room was custom-made by the artist himself (see the photo). A truly unique work of art! "I wanted to honor regional artists," the owner proudly states. "I obtained the permissions and have since made it my mission to introduce their talent to many of our guests."

One could almost say that the LaRichardière inn is a mini museum. It houses several works of art, a multitude of books on the region's history, and a passionate host, who kindly introduced me to the work of the painter Claude Le Sauteur. Truly enriching.

A Delight for the Taste Buds

Claude-Joseph, who has lived in Godbout for three decades, manages this inn with passion. Coming from the hotel industry, he takes care of the management, entertainment, cooking, and even housekeeping. Speaking of food, our host knows his stuff! For breakfast, he starts us off with orange juice, followed by a magnificent bowl of fresh fruit, which is a delight for the taste buds. We finish with excellent French toast, served with homemade raspberry jam and, of course, delicious local maple syrup. What more could one ask for?

I can only say bravo and thank you to Claude-Joseph for these memorable 24 hours. I would have gladly accepted a longer stay, to discover more about this charming little seaside region and to play with

Looking for a new project and wide-open spaces, Dany Torchy, an event promoter from the Québec region, learned in 2020 that a rather unusual castle was for sale in Escuminac's Pointe-à-la-Garde sector, in Gaspésie.

 
Jean Roussy, the castle's designer and creator, had devoted nearly 40 years of his life to it, about 30 of them spent building it, and had announced his intention to sell at the beginning of 2020. As fate would have it, he died a few months later from a long illness, leaving his life partner and several family members in mourning. His estate therefore decided to put the Château Bahia property up for sale.

 Jean Roussy, creator of Château Bahia, died in 2020.

During a first visit in October 2020, Dany Torchy, who was then living on Île d'Orléans, fell in love with the place. He convinced his friend, Mickaël Retailleau, a Montréal-area expert in car and motorcycle interior design, to join the venture. "When we saw the castle, we immediately saw its potential," he said. In the end, they convinced the family to sell them the castle and another residence built on the 170-acre property, at the end of a 600-metre road deep in the forest. The family was looking for kind-hearted people who would continue the founder's work.

Château Bahia was built over 16 summers without a precise plan, as its creator admitted in a 2020 Radio-Canada interview shortly before his death. He had converted the roadside house into a youth hostel, where he welcomed young travellers, offering them accommodation in exchange for help with construction.

 
"At first, I decided what we would do," Jean Roussy recalled. "Then, after a while, it was the castle that told me what was missing or what needed to be added."

Dany Torchy and Michaël Retailleau believe they will be able to play the role of finishers, while continuing the mission the founder of the inn set for himself. The owners also plan to name a tower in honour of Jean Roussy, who spent 7 long years juggling the idea alone, suppressing the rational voice that would have told him, "It's impossible."

Since 2021, the new owners have had to face the COVID pandemic, like everyone else. This has delayed planned work in certain sections of the castle, which blends styles from medieval to baroque. The interiors of both buildings are also filled with images of castles from around the world that Jean Roussy had visited. The partners also want to carry out work to bring the castle's interior up to date. They hope to eventually decorate the castle's facade with flags.

 
Currently, visitors stay in the small castle (the five-storey tower just behind the main building) and in a few rooms in the main building, for a total of 10 rooms. Seven have private bathrooms, while three share a common bathroom. You're guaranteed a peaceful, comfortable stay. This isn't the "castle life" often compared to the luxury of certain hotels, but the welcome is warm, not to mention the view from the top of the tower over the surrounding area and Baie des Chaleurs.

While they are well aware that maintaining the property is a substantial task, the scale of the challenge is far from frightening the newcomers. The trio's dream is now to make the place accessible year-round and share it with Gaspésiens. They are also counting on a website redesign and new promotional campaigns in the region and beyond.

The partners are fully committed and also aim to make the Château Bahia inn a genuine cultural hub, featuring the work of Québec artisans and organizing performances. A big top tent set up in the back courtyard has been hosting evening shows with musicians and other performers since 2022, particularly in June, July and August.

 
They also hope to revive the ballroom as a dining room for meals prepared by their chef, in a "surprise" format, with limited but original menus.

In 2021, the mayor of Escuminac welcomed the arrival of these new entrepreneurs, calling it excellent news for the municipality of about 521 people, since the activities of Château Bahia will contribute to the area's vitality. He noted that the Château Bahia inn is now the municipality's only hotel accommodation.

Finally, it's worth noting that the castle's name was chosen in honour of a Véronique Sanson song, and the new owners decided to keep it.

Auberge du Château Bahia
chateaubahia.com
152, boulevard Perron
Pointe-à-la-Garde (Escuminac), Qc
(418) 330-1991