Anne-Charlotte PasseraAlways looking for ways to relax, it was thanks to an open house invitation from Espace Tonik that I was able to enjoy a sunny day in the middle of nature outside Montreal.
Once the invitation in my inbox, I took out my new sunglasses, put on my sandals, filled up my gas tank and headed to this peaceful haven about 40 minutes from Montreal.
Espace Tonik is a private outdoor base located in the heart of a forest and focused on balance. You will find trails, bougie relaxation areas, activities, all in a down to earth atmosphere.
If, like me, you are looking to relax on a regular basis outside of Montreal, alone or with your family, allow me to introduce you to and share my experience at Espace Tonik.
Espace Tonik – Its history and philosophy
The history of Espace Tonik began when Francis and Luc Létourneau purchased this 6 million square foot lot of forest (yes, you read that right) about 7 years ago.
Four years later, the concept of Espace Tonik was born. This wooded outdoor base prepared to open its doors without too much trouble despite the last two years of Pandemic.
It is 4 km of trails that were developed in the heart of a coniferous forest that smells of pine. The trails are flat and therefore accessible to all.
Over time, Espace Tonik continues to develop with new projects underway.
This young company currently employs 9 people, some of them part-time, and is open year-round.
The purpose of Espace Tonik
This outdoor base aims to be an extension of your home. It is practical for those who live in a studio with a tiny balcony to relax on or who do not have a very large garden to receive their guests.
Resourcing and well-being are at the heart of this business.
Nature inspires. It allows us to refocus, to recharge our batteries and to enrich our lives.
ESPACE TONIK
In order for everyone to fully enjoy it without feeling invaded, access is by subscription, which I will discuss in more detail below.
The fact that it is private should not discourage you, quite the contrary. It is a choice made by the owners to preserve this haven of peace and to limit the impact of man on nature.
How to get there from Montreal
It will be difficult to get there other than by car, especially if you come from Montreal.
Espace Tonik is located in Sainte-Julie, not far from Mont Saint-Bruno and Mont-Saint-Hilaire.
If you don’t have a car, you can more or less get there by public transportation, but it will take a while. Consider 2h/2h30 by bus and cab or walking.
Bus option :
- Bus 350, 325, 330, 340 from Longueuil Metro – Sainte-Julie Terminal
- Bus 520 or 521 from Radisson Metro – Sainte-Julie Terminus
From the terminus, on foot, it takes about 1 hour. By cab, it will take 6 minutes (about 15$).
If you live in the area, you can get there by bike. However, I didn’t see a place to leave your bike in the parking lot. Bikes are not allowed on the trails.
How it works
As mentioned above, Espace Tonik works by annual subscription.
Annual subscriptions range from $56 to $111 per month. You can pay monthly or for the whole year. However, monthly payments are on a yearly commitment only.
The difference in price is the access to certain activities such as yoga sessions for example.
When you are a member, you can invite up to 10 people at a time. This is convenient when you are a family of 4.
It is not possible to pay à la carte or just for a visit. For that, you will have to go to a SEPAQ park, but the facilities are not as fancy.
Good to know
Dogs are allowed on the whole site. This is great. There is no extra charge for them. However, they must be kept on a leash. Personally, it’s a shame given the vastness of the site. Although it is understandable in the relaxation areas, it is a pity they can’t take full advantage of it on the trails further away. We are in Quebec after all, so it’s less surprising.
The wellness areas
There are 6 wellness areas located near the reception. All of them are a bit different from each other.
You can settle down there on a whim, as you wish. It is also possible to reserve them, free of charge. You just have to go to the reception or call. You can stay as long as you want, there is no limit.
The coureur des bois will be happy to set up your site, start the fire and supply you with wood in two-hour increments.
Carts are available at the front desk to bring what you will need to your space.
Installations in these spaces are open between 9am and 5pm. However, you are welcome to come at any time. However, if you want to enjoy these spaces with all the necessary comfort after 5pm, there will be an extra charge. I had noted 50$/h, but check with the reception desk.
These spaces encourage conviviality and are perfect for happy hour, gathering around a fire, celebrating a birthday, a romantic dinner, etc.
Temps Suspendu
My favorite little spot that is a little off the trail.
You’ll find a picnic table, a fire pit, a wooden box that doubles as a cooler and highly comfortable swinging chairs.
Marmiton
Several picnic tables are at your disposal as well as a fire pit where you can also make your BBQ.
Vagabon
This is a peaceful place to work and to take a nap next to a fire.
This was my 13 year old son’s favorite space. Of course, at that age, all they think about is sleeping!
Havre de Partage
The largest of the spaces and the most popular.
You will find Adirondack chairs with cushions around a fire, swinging chairs and a heated gazebo.
Other areas
Along the trail you will find a book box, like the ones found in our green alleys in Montreal. Not far from there, you can sit in one of the cacoons (a hanging teepee). It’s the perfect place for a reading corner and very cozy. Another great place to take a nap.
If you’re the artistic type, there is a shelter where you can paint in peace and display your masterpieces.
There is also a large hall which I will tell you more about below. Next to it is a sandy field where games are set up on sunny days.
Outdoor activities
Several activities are offered throughout the year. Some of them are not free of charge if you have not taken the VIP package and others are accessible to all:
- Chakra workshops
- Yoga Tonik
- Nordic walking with torches
- Bird watching
- Tai Chi
- Petanque
- Corn Roast
You can visit their Facebook page to keep up to date with the activities offered.
Special Events
At Espace Tonik you can celebrate your wedding.
A hall is at your disposal which will soon be able to be heated. (It was not quite finished at the time of our visit) The price starts at 30$ per person and you can have up to 150 guests.
Outside of this Hall, there is enough space to have your ceremony either around a fire or with your feet in the sand. Also, it’s a nice space for the cocktail party.
Although you can’t sleep on site, it’s really a beautiful place to celebrate your wedding in all intimacy. You decide on the schedule and Espace Tonik can take care of all the organization. There is space for a caterer, a mechoui, even a food truck!
Need some low-cost ideas to prepare your wedding? It’s a good thing as I tell you all about it HERE.
Corporate
If you are a company, several packages are available to you focused on well-being and life balance. Vitality packages start at about 116$/employee. Espace Tonik offers the Dream Manager service, unique in Quebec. The concept comes from Silicone Valley and is meant to help employees realize their dreams within their company.
It is also an inviting and warm place if you want to do some team building.
For any questions regarding the organization of an event and turnkey packages, contact Mr. Emrik Côté, Account Manager at (514) 777-8091.
Our relaxing experience outside of Montreal
All in all, I was charmed by this place. The idea of having to pay to access an outdoor site made me bristle, but after my visit, I understand better why.
My son and I took the opportunity to have a picnic on one of the picnic tables near the Pavillon champêtre.
Of course, it’s expensive to relax from Montreal, especially with the price of gas right now. So it’s not necessarily for Montrealers/French people like me. However, if you live in the area, this is a place to consider.
The advantages of Espace Tonik
You’re going to tell me, but if you already have a house with a garden, why go there? Simple answer: it’s not the same experience. First of all, there won’t be the neighbor’s dog barking at the birds, the kid crying or screaming, the noise of cars and horns.
If you want to have a small party, you won’t have to clean your house. Espace Tonik takes care of all that. By the way, I found the cans converted into garbage cans along the paths very cute.
Also, if mosquitoes scare you, because here in Quebec, there are many, mosquito lanterns are set up along the trails and the forest does the rest. Yes, there will be mosquitoes, but not as many as in the Laurentians, that’s for sure.
Many of the members live in the residences around Espace Tonik. Instead of taking out a gym membership, they have chosen to enjoy nature, access to activities and relaxation areas that they can share with their family, close friends and their four-legged companion all year long.
For more information or to subscribe, visit the Espace Tonik website.
My opinions are my own. The invitation was for the open house on May 1, 2022.
