Multi-Generational Travel: A Trip to Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello

For many years, since our kids were little, we have travelled with our extended families, to various locations, often with our parents (the grandparents.)

The memories we’ve made over the years when immersed in a special vacation out of the country, or an overnight for a quick getaway have been priceless. It didn’t matter where we were, there was sure to be laughter and inside jokes that we still talk about as my kids are teens and young adults.

Travel brings people together and our family loves that.

When thinking about Mother’s Day this year, my mom and I had the idea that we needed a little getaway. It wasn’t difficult to decide where to go; Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello is always on our list.

After my family of four took a quick trip to the resort in February to celebrate the 16th birthday of our youngest, we vowed to return sooner rather than later. Mother’s Day seemed like the perfect timing so we booked it.

Travelling as a family to a historic resort in Canada

Andy and our teens had no objections. It’s a frequent request to go there year-round. We’ve been during the winter when there is snow on the ground and you want to curl up playing games by the fireplace after skating or curling and a quick swim in their historic indoor pool. We’ve also been during the heat of the summer when we play tennis and mini golf before lounging by their gorgeous outdoor pool, overlooking the river with poolside food and beverage service available.

Like I said, it’s the perfect spot all-year long for our family, at any age.

Something for everyone of all ages when travelling

When booking travel as a multi-generational family, you have to account for a few things: The ages and needs of all the travellers (are their mobility concerns? Is it an easy spot for kids to participate and feel welcomed? Will the grandparents be able to find time to relax too? What pace does everyone want to be going at?).

You also want to consider what activities everyone likes to do, or how well you can mix and match. This is why for many years we’ve travelled as an extended family to Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello.

With its sprawling grounds, and extensive list of activities, we knew our time could be filled with fun, followed by relaxation. The five of us were able to play mini golf together, some of us played tennis, we all enjoyed a walk around the property, and began and ended the day chatting in the many gathering areas at the resort.

Planning to Travel to Montebello

Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello is only about an hour’s drive from Ottawa and yet feels like it’s far away.

The nearby town of Montebello and the area has even more activities (we will always recommend Parc Omega) as well as great food. But don’t feel you have to leave the resort to eat. There are two restaurants on-site, plus in the summer months a dinner BBQ is available as well as a patio food and bar (with pool side service too.)

If you do nothing else, enjoy their buffet breakfast. It’s incredible. Just like the memories our family made.

disclosure: Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello treated us to breakfast during our Mother’s Day visit. All opinions are my own.