What if your next nature getaway didn’t require you to choose between hiking, swimming, kayaking and relaxing? At L’Interval, you can enjoy all these experiences in a single day. Located in the heart of the Laurentians, the cooperative offers the perfect setting to make the most of summer, whether you’re visiting as a couple, with friends or as a family. Here’s how to spend a perfect day at L’Interval.

1. Start the day with a hike

pleine nature. Dès le matin, les sentiers de L’Interval offrent un cadre paisible où le chant des oiseaux et l’air frais de la forêt donnent le ton à la journée.To start the day, there’s nothing better than a hike in nature. In the morning, L’Interval’s trails offer a peaceful setting where birdsong and the fresh forest air set the tone for the day.

With nearly 20 km of hiking trails, L’Interval offers routes for all skill levels. Looking for a short family hike or a more challenging route? You’ll easily find a trail that suits you.

Along the way, you’ll pass through mixed forests and follow the shores of Lake Legault. You’ll also enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. The trail network provides access to several natural attractions, including Mount Kaaikop, Mount Oureau, Lake Violon, Lake Feuillage and a few small hidden waterfalls along the way.

Before heading out, check the trail map at reception or online to choose the route that best suits you.

💡 A few trails to discover

• Tour du lac (4.1 km) — an easy walk suitable for everyone.
• Mount Kaaikop – Grand Tour (12.3 km) — for hikers looking for spectacular views.
• Mount Kaaikop – Petit Tour (6.3 km) — the same beautiful views on a shorter hike.
• Family Trail (1.4 km) — a short walk perfect for families with young children.

Want to explore more trails? Check out our guide to the best hikes in the Laurentians, where we feature several routes suitable for all skill levels.

2. Take a Break and Enjoy the Breathtaking Scenery

One of the highlights of a day at L’Interval is reaching a viewpoint and taking a few moments to admire the scenery. The surrounding peaks offer sweeping views of the Laurentian mountains, forests and lakes stretching to the horizon.

Each season transforms the landscape, but summer brings out the vibrant colours of Quebec’s forests. It’s the perfect time to breathe in the fresh air, capture the scenery and enjoy the tranquility that L’Interval is known for.

📸 Tip: Don’t forget your camera or phone, as several of L’Interval’s viewpoints offer excellent photo opportunities.

@amandinedujardin

3. Explore the lake by kayak

A day at L’Interval wouldn’t be complete without some time on the lake. You can rent a kayak or canoe on site for one or two hours — no need to bring your own equipment.

Once you’re on the water, the pace slows down. You hear the sound of your paddle, a few birds, and not much else. It’s also a chance to see the landscape from a different perspective, with mountains reflected in the water and forest lining the shores. Whether you’re on your own, with your partner, family or friends, this activity is suitable for both beginners and experienced paddlers.

All that’s left to do is put on your life jacket and head out onto the lake.

@amandinedujardin

💡 On-site rental

• 🚣 Kayaks and canoes available for rent
• ️uration: 1 or 2 hours
• 📍 Departure directly from L-Interval

4. Discover the lake in rabaska

Looking for a different experience? Climb aboard a rabaska, a large traditional canoe that can accommodate several people at once. Once used by Indigenous peoples and voyageurs, the rabaska is now a great way to experience the lake from a different perspective. It’s a fun, social activity that’s all about teamwork.

At first, everyone has to learn to coordinate and paddle at the same pace. The first few paddle strokes often lead to plenty of laughs.

Once you find your rhythm, take the time to look around: the mountains, the forest lining the lake and the silence between paddle strokes. It’s both an active outing and a moment to enjoy together in nature.

5. Cool Off with a Swim

After your hike, there’s nothing better than a swim in Lake Legault. With its beach and calm waters, it’s the perfect place to cool off, relax and make the most of a summer day at L’Interval.

Whether you enjoy swimming or simply relaxing in the sun, the beach offers a peaceful setting where everyone can enjoy summer at their own pace. Throughout the day, it becomes a gathering place where families, couples and groups of friends can relax between activities.

Bring a towel, a good book or even a picnic, and simply enjoy the friendly atmosphere and natural beauty that make L’Interval so special.

6. Enjoy a Picnic in Nature

After a busy morning, there’s nothing better than enjoying a meal outdoors. At L’Interval, several designated areas provide comfortable spots to share a meal with family, friends or your partner.

Whether you choose a blanket in the shade of the trees or a picnic table near the lake, every spot invites you to slow down. It’s the perfect time to recharge before continuing your day — or simply enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

A picnic at L’Interval is often about more than just the meal. It’s a chance to watch the birds, chat, laugh or simply enjoy the peaceful sounds of nature. These simple moments often become some of the best memories of a getaway.

💡 Don’t forget to bring your picnic basket or a few snacks — L’Interval’s green spaces are perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors.

7. Enjoy Our Organized Activities

In addition to self-guided activities, L’Interval offers a variety of summer programs to enhance your stay. Depending on when you visit, you can take part in sports, creative or educational activities designed for both children and adults.

For example, archery is a great way to take on a new challenge with family or friends. Guided by L’Interval’s activity team, it’s suitable for beginners while still offering a fun challenge for those looking to improve their accuracy.

In addition, workshops, outdoor games and group activities are a great way to discover new interests, meet other visitors and share memorable moments in a friendly atmosphere.

Before your visit, check out our activity schedule to discover what’s available during your stay.

8. Observe Wildlife and Nature

At L’Interval, every season brings its own surprises. Keep your eyes open and you may spot birds, squirrels, ducks and other wildlife found in the forests and wetlands of the Laurentians.

Whether you’re by the lake, on a trail or simply relaxing outside your cottage, sometimes all it takes is a few quiet minutes to spot something. Photography enthusiasts will also appreciate the light filtering through the trees and the reflections on the water.

Nothing to do, nothing to plan — just take in what’s happening around you.

@amandinedujardin

9. End the Day Around a Campfire

There’s nothing better than a campfire to end a full day. At L’Interval, several designated fire pits provide the perfect place to gather after sunset with friends or family.

The crackling of the fire, the warmth, and the stars beginning to appear between the trees — it’s the kind of moment when no one feels like looking at their phone. Share stories about your day, roast marshmallows and listen to the sounds of the forest as night falls.

Bring everything you need to make s’mores, or simply a blanket so you can sit by the fire a little longer. It’s often the perfect way to end a stay at L’Interval.

@amandinedujardin

10. Extend Your Stay by Spending the Night

Why limit your visit to just one day when the adventure can continue into the next? L’Interval offers a variety of accommodation options so you can make the most of your stay in the heart of the Laurentians.

Whether you prefer the comfort of a cottage, the welcoming atmosphere of the lodge or the authentic experience of camping, you’ll find an option that suits your needs. Staying overnight allows you to take your time, explore more trails, enjoy summer activities and end the day under a starry sky, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.

When you wake up, nature is waiting for you again: enjoy a coffee overlooking the lake, take a morning walk or set out on another outdoor adventure. It’s the perfect way to turn a simple day trip into a true nature getaway.

A Day That Will Make You Want to Come Back

In just one day, L’Interval offers a wide range of experiences: hiking, water activities, swimming, relaxing moments and evenings around the campfire. Whether you’re visiting for a few hours or staying overnight, every visit is an opportunity to slow down, enjoy nature and create lasting memories.

Ready to experience your own perfect day at L’Interval? Discover our accommodations and start planning your next nature getaway.