Hébergement Aux Cinq Sens

Paule Rochette insists she heard the voices of her Huron-Wendat ancestors reaching out to her. After this experience, which happened ten years ago, she felt called to build her home and family business, Hébergement aux Cinq Sens, in the Eastern Townships village of Piopolis. The village is located in the world’s first International Dark Sky Reserve — famous also for the popular Summit Drive, a 193-kilometre route characterized by breath-catching panoramic views of mountains, lakes and a thrilling, star-studded night-time sky.

A double hammock strung in the forest, just steps from Lake Mégantic, is the ultimate spot to relax or stargaze at the resort. But the view from any one of the property’s five yurts, each named for and designed to stir a particular sense, is outstanding.

From the Sight Yurt with its star finder that encourages guests to “see beyond” to the Smell and Touch Yurts with their rich selection of essential and massage oils to arouse body and soul, visitors can enjoy a profound sensory experience during their time at this unique operation. Yurt is a Mongolian word for home, and that’s exactly how you are made to feel when you visit Hébergement aux Cinq Sens.

Built by hand, these circular dwellings are a labour of love, respectful of tradition and nature and adapted to Quebec’s climate, no matter what the season. Rochette also partners year-round with Benoit Paquette — a local biologist and nature interpreter who lives on the premises, providing guests with opportunities centred around Aboriginal wisdom including nature walk adventures, stargazing and traditional sweat-lodges. Horseback riding and dogsledding activities are also available depending on the time of year. “We invite you to reconnect with the land and with yourself,” says Rochette. “Ours is an energy you will not experience elsewhere.”