What is my favorite destination in Canada?

Without question: Mauricie.

It’s a place I’ve returned to time and again, and every visit feels just as special as the first. This region captures everything people imagine when they picture Canada: endless pine forests, mist-covered lakes at sunrise, charming little villages full of character – and of course, La Mauricie National Park itself, with its spectacular scenery.

It’s Canada at its postcard-perfect best – but in real life.

You feel tiny next to nature here, but strangely, perfectly at home. And I must admit, the road leading from Montreal to La Mauricie often reminds me of my childhood landscapes in Normandy.

A tip for your trip here

Travelling in Canada means covering some serious miles! So, switch on the local radio and let the music soundtrack your journey – the musical culture here is incredibly rich. Use Shazam to save any songs you love, and by the end of your trip, you’ll have your own bespoke playlist of memories. Lovely, isn’t it?

What is my favorite season in Canada?

Winter! Yes, it’s freezing. Yes, it snows. But that’s exactly what makes it so magical – and makes you feel so alive.

From January through February, Canada enters another realm entirely. Montreal turns into a giant ski resort, the streets are hushed and snow-blanketed, and even the smallest outing becomes an adventure.

Your routines shift and you learn to embrace -15°C because it means:

- the neighbourhood skating rink is just a short walk away
- a piping hot chocolate is waiting after your stroll
- towing a sledge to nursery becomes part of your morning
- weekend snowshoe hikes with friends are a must
- evenings spent at Randolph’s playing board games

Winter in Canada isn’t a season you just get through – it’s one you truly live.

What souvenir to bring back from your trip here?

Everyone will tell you maple syrup – and rightly so!

But if you ask me, stop by Renaud-Bray and pick up a book or two by local authors. For children, there’s a brilliant selection of beautifully illustrated books about Canada – perfect for showing their friends back home.

It makes a nice change from fridge magnets (though I’m partial to those too, I must confess).

Don't forget to pack in your luggage:

It’s tempting to want to bring half your house when you travel – just in case, you never know, what if…. (Believe me, I’m the same!) But in Canada, there’s really no need to overpack.

You’ll find everything you need locally, and most places to stay offer washing machines and dryers – so you can do a quick wash and wear things again. That means lighter luggage, less hassle… and possibly cheaper flights if you’re not checking multiple bags. Even with kids, there’s no need to bring all the gear: you can hire or buy everything here, from pushchairs to car seats. And honestly, travelling light also means travelling with a lighter headspace.

If I had to recommend just one item to pack… it would be binoculars. Here, there’s beauty everywhere: a moose wandering out onto the path, a heron flying overhead, a view that takes your breath away. And it’s a great way to keep children entertained too!

What is my dream trip?

There are so many on my list. But one that stands out is the Yukon.

It’s a place that fascinates me – vast, wild, untouched landscapes where nature still rules. I picture the Northern Lights dancing across the sky, the quiet all around, the crunch of snow underfoot… and that rare feeling of truly being alone in the world. Doesn’t that sound incredible?

It’s a trip I dream of taking as a family – somewhere far from the noise, just us, nature, and simplicity. Like a Canadian version of Lapland, but wilder, more mysterious, more adventurous. It’s a little dream I keep tucked away for now.