The hype
The location, private beach, and outdoor amenities are incredible, but the service and value-for-money often miss the mark.
Auberge Du Lac Taureau
$150-250 / night
Book this if You want a nature-immersed, activity-packed lakeside retreat where you can snowmobile in winter and kayak in summer without ever leaving the property.
Why People Love It
- Massive private sandy beach on the stunning Reservoir Taureau
- Extensive free outdoor gear rentals (kayaks, snowshoes, skates)
- Excellent indoor/outdoor pool and Nordic spa complex
Quick Take: The wilderness setting is spectacular, but the mandatory $20-per-person daily resort fee and expensive, small-portioned dining can make this rustic getaway feel like a luxury cash grab.
Reviewed by @wonderlens.travels: Our weekend at Auberge Du Lac Taureau was the ultimate winter dream. We went from dog sledding and snow tubing to soaking in a steaming outdoor hot tub surrounded by snow. Warming up by our cozy fireplace with breakfast was the cherry on top. Highly recommend for couples!
Guest Who Stayed Here Said
Reality check
The walls and wooden hallways can be noisy, and the fine-dining restaurant looks better than it tastes.
- You love outdoor sports like snowmobiling, fat biking, and kayaking
- You are traveling with kids who need constant activities to stay busy
- You want a remote cabin vibe but with resort-level pools and hot tubs
Cleanliness & Maintenance
8
- Housekeeping: Generally good, though some guests note the rooms and floors can feel a bit 'tired' or dusty during peak turnover times.
- Bathroom hygiene: Clean and functional, with some rooms featuring renovated showers, though older units show minor wear.
- Maintenance: Rustic charm means some creaky floors and dated furniture, but the main facilities and pools are well-maintained.
- Linens & towels: Clean and comfortable premium bedding, with pool towels readily provided.
- Odors & scents: Fresh forest air, though a few isolated complaints mention a musty smell in older ground-floor rooms.
Sleepability™
6.5MODERATE
0-4LOUD
4-7.5MODERATE
7.5-10SILENT
- Heavy footsteps and luggage rolling in the uncarpeted hallways
- Late-night music from outdoor events or the beach bar during summer
Before you book
Good to know
- The $20/person/night resort fee is mandatory and covers equipment rentals
- Breakfast is not included unless you book a specific package
- The nearest town is a drive away, so you are mostly captive to the resort's restaurants
What to pack
- Snacks and drinks to offset the high restaurant prices (rooms have mini-fridges)
- Bug spray for summer evenings by the lake
Room Genie
Best picks
- Classic rooms for spacious layouts with fireplaces and lake views
- The Coolbox units for a unique, private glamping experience with kitchenettes
Rooms to avoid
- Rooms in La Trille and L'Aster buildings if you have heavy luggage, as they lack elevators
- Rooms directly overlooking the main lobby or bar if you want to sleep early
Room Request Genie – copy & paste
“Hi team, I'd love to request a quiet room on the top floor with a lake view, preferably in the building with an elevator (La Verge d'Or). Thank you!”
FAQ & Hidden tips
Everything you actually want to know before you book.
Is the resort fee really mandatory?
Yes. It's $20 CAD per person, per night. It covers access to the pools, trails, and seasonal equipment rentals, but it adds up fast for families.
Are pets allowed?
Yes, dogs are allowed in specific units (like the Coolbox) for a hefty fee of $150 CAD per stay.
Is there an elevator?
Only one of the three main inn buildings (La Verge d'Or) has an elevator. The others require climbing stairs.
Can I bring my own food?
Yes, rooms have mini-fridges, and condos/Coolboxes have kitchenettes. Bringing your own snacks is highly recommended given the restaurant prices.
What is the beach like?
It's a massive, beautiful private sandy beach on Reservoir Taureau, complete with loungers, volleyball, and a beach bar.
Do I need to book activities in advance?
It's recommended to book spa treatments and motorized rentals (like snowmobiles) ahead of time, but non-motorized gear is usually available on demand.
Insider Tips
- ✨
Bring your own wine and snacks to enjoy on your balcony or by the lake to save a ton of money.
- ✨
The Sunday brunch at Le Cerf Rouge is widely considered the best meal on the property—book it even if you skip dinner there.
- ✨
If you rent a Coolbox, you get a private glamping vibe but still have full access to the resort's luxury pools and spa.
5 things to know before you go
💡The sheer size of Reservoir Taureau—it's a massive, stunning body of water that feels more like an ocean bay than a lake.
💡The 'calorie-calculated' small portions at the fine-dining restaurant, which leave some hikers and snowmobilers hungry.
💡The strict 11 PM outdoor noise curfew for cottages, though main resort areas can still get loud.
💡The lack of elevators in two of the three main buildings, meaning you might be lugging bags up three flights of stairs.
💡The electric vehicle charging stations on-site, which are a lifesaver given the remote location.
Local Playbook
Map
See where Auberge Du Lac Taureau is located and what's nearby.