We thought the phrase “white sandy Quebec beaches” was an oxymoron until we spent a weekend at Auberge du Lac Taureau in Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Quebec.

sleep
We were so enchanted by the view of the sandy shore from the balcony of our cosmopolitan-condo-meets-country-cottage apartment, only the smell of pine trees reminded us we were still in Quebec. The recently renovated rooms bring together modern comfort and back-to-nature beauty. Condos start at $385; single rooms start at $143.

do
Enjoy the beauty of the Lanaudière region by hiking or mountain biking through the trails that wind their way around the hotel, swim or boat, or even pick up a game of beach volleyball. Maybe you’ll find a nice young man to teach you how to spike (even if you already know).

relax
The hotel spa brings the outdoors in, with natural treatments like the Native body scrub, shower and body milk application ($75).

eat
After a long day of beach fun, the delicious four course meal ($40) in the Auberge’s dining room highlighted local ingredients. We started with the soft and sweet braised venison with bok choy, and then moved on to a succulent Wapiti medallion with foie gras sauce.

And, of course, we stopped at one of the many Casse-Croutes lining our drive home for a tasty poutine. Just to make sure we were really and truly still in Quebec.

Auberge du Lac Taureau, 1200, chemin Baie du Milieu, Saint-Michel-des-Saints, Quebec
, 450-833-1919, Toll Free: 1-877-VACANCE
, www.lactaureau.com

See photos from our trip on today's Editors' Diary.