UNUSUAL ESCAPE TO AU DIABLE VERT – SUTTON, QUEBEC

A short getaway in an unusual accommodation with family, friends or lovers to escape the city is possible in Quebec.

Perched between the summits of Round Top and Jay Peak, in the Eastern Townships, is the Au Diable Vert domain. From the top of the plateau at 300m in altitude, you will be surrounded by highland cows that graze there all year long and a forest, only 15 minutes from Sutton.

There are several activities that you can do all year round, for a fee or free. Au Diable Vert also offers you about twenty unusual lodgings in the middle of nature for 2 to 8 people. Be careful, most of the accommodations have neither electricity nor running water! In order to go to the bathroom, you’ll have to go outside.

Au Diable Vert is the perfect place to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, to reconnect and this, without breaking the bank.

Our little story about Au Diable Vert

My husband and I have been staying at Au Diable Vert since we met in 2014. In fact, we went there for the first time when we had only been dating for a month and it was in the middle of winter.

We loved our first time at Au Diable Vert so much, that we try to come at least once a year.

If you want to test your relationship, stay in one of the unusual cabins at Au Diable Vert, without running water or electricity for a weekend.

When you get older and after a few failures in love, you don’t want to waste your time anymore. My motto: It either moves forward or it’s a bust.

Discovering a place as a couple without the basic comforts and technological distractions will put your relationship to the test. This is especially the case if you are more of a city person than a country person.

If you’re able to survive each other for a weekend without too much hassle, you’re on the right track.

Why do it at the beginning of a relationship?

Because you don’t want to find out after a year that you were with the wrong person. Next !

Life is really too short to waste your time in bad company, don’t you think?

How to get to Au Diable Vert

Au Diable Vert is located about 15 minutes by car from Sutton and is not far from the American border (less than 10km). Generally, it takes us a good 2 hours to get there because of the traffic to get out of Montreal.

The best way to get there is by car.

If you don’t have a car, you can rent one with Discount which is located on Papineau Avenue in the Plateau district of Montreal. Personally, when I had to rent a car, that’s where I rented. It was the best price around and convenient because we lived in the same neighborhood.

In winter

On the other hand, rent or come with a 4 x 4 during the winter. You will need it to climb the hill to get to Au Diable Vert. No budget for a 4×4 or you don’t own one? No problem. A winter parking lot is available for visitors.

Moreover, having driven from Sutton to Au Diable Vert with my Toyota Yaris in the middle of winter, it’s a miracle that we managed to get there. However, there were just two of us in the car, so it wasn’t very heavy.

Once in the winter parking lot, there is a wooden box from which you can call the reception. Someone will answer and pick you up to take you to the reception. There is no need to park there if you have a 4 x 4, just continue on to the next parking lot. You can’t miss it, the road ends there.

Practical information

Generally, we bring everything we need when we come to Au Diable Vert. This allows us to get the most out of our time there and avoid having to go back to the car and driving back into town.

There are no small convenience stores at Au Diable Vert.

Make a list before you leave and make sure you have everything. Otherwise, make a stop in Sutton. You will find an IGA, an SAQ, and a gas station to refuel.

You will need to bring your sleeping bags, pillowcases, sheets if necessary, kitchen utensils and flashlights.

Can you start a fire? I don’t. If you’re new to this and don’t want to freeze in the morning waiting for someone who does, you can bring your own eco-friendly fire starters. At least for the campfire outside.

I talk about this in my article on lemons and tea. Alternatively, you can use cotton makeup remover pads previously soaked in beeswax (don’t use them in a wooden stove).

Equipment rental

If you are a large group, you may want to consider renting their kitchen kit. (Due to the Pandemic, this option is currently not available)

A VIP service is available for $30 per stay.

This includes:

• Carrying your luggage upon arrival and departure to and from your lodging;
• The heating of your accommodation upon arrival;
• Wood and water.

I strongly recommend paying for this service if your refuge is located at the end of the domain or when it is very cold.

We regretted not having taken this option our first time. It was in the middle of winter. Our refuge was at 450m from the reception, it was already dark when we arrived and -30 outside. We froze for 45 minutes in our hut in the woods the time that the wooden stove warmed it up.

Otherwise, carts or sleds are available at all times and this, free of charge. However, you will have to climb the hill with them. If you have back problems like me or don’t travel light, you’d better pay the extra $30 for your comfort and save time. It’s really worth it, especially if you have young children.

There is no access to Wifi. You will have to use your own data. However, depending on where you are staying, you’ll get more or less good network. But hey, the purpose of going to Au Diable Vert is to disconnect and recharge.

Pets

Dogs are allowed at Au Diable Vert at a rate of two per accommodation. It’s a good thing as we have two!

You can walk them without a leash throughout the property as long as they are not aggressive. Don’t forget to pick up their droppings and to throw them in the garbage cans near the reception area and not in the dry toilets.

There is no extra charge for dogs, but you must notify Au Diable Vert when you make your reservation.

It’s great to be able to walk your dogs in total freedom.

You can go there with or without your dogs even if you are not staying at Au Diable Vert. The cost for one day is 7,50$ per person.

A dog bathtub is available for free in the parking lot near the reception. It is convenient if your dog is all muddy from a walk and you don’t want to dirty your car. Don’t forget your towels!

Want to discover other places to walk your dog outside of Montreal? I tell you all about them HERE.

How much does it cost for an unusual getaway?

A night at Au Diable Vert costs anywhere between $46.29 (tent) and $179 ( big shelter). It may be worthwhile to share a large shelter with another couple or family in order to split the costs.

Prices are for a minimum of people depending on the type of accommodation and its capacity. There will be an additional charge for extra people.

Let’s say there are 3 of you. Depending on your selected accommodation, the base price for 2 will be X with a supplement of x per additional person for a maximum of x persons in that accommodation.

Then, as mentioned in the practical info, there is:

• VIP service: 30$ (optional)
• The rental of the dish kit: 29$ for a family of 4 (optional)

In addition, you will need wood. In winter to heat your cabin and in summer to eat marshmallows around the fire or to make your own popcorn. You can’t bring your own wood.

Popcorn while camping? Yes, yes. I talk about it HERE.

A pack of wood costs about 10$. If it’s very cold during your stay, you might use 3 packs for a weekend.

Finally, there is a drinking water fountain next to the front desk to fill your water bottles. It’s FREE.

Au Diable Vert accommodations – Which one to choose

The choice of Au Diable Vert huts is really varied.

You can book the furnished apartment located at the reception level with the comfort you are used to. A minimum of two nights is required to stay there and costs $159 for 2 people per night. Otherwise, for the more adventurous there are the refuges.

We stayed in several of them and you can discover them below by order of experience.

Zugspitze

Cost per night: $119 for 2 people
Type of accommodation: Cliff cabin
Capacity: 2 persons
Distance from reception: 450m

The Zugspitze was the first accommodation my husband and I slept in February 2014. It was freezing cold.

• I would recommend taking the VIP service in winter, if only for the heating and distance.

• The shelter is convenient if you don’t want to have a constant coming and going in front of your house.

• There is even a small balcony in the back overlooking the forest which you can enjoy in peace.

• It’s the perfect place for a romantic weekend.

• However, there is no bed downstairs, only on the mezzanine. If you have dogs, this could be a problem if they are big and like to sleep with you.

Coyote

Cost per night: $99 for 2 people
Type of accommodation: Pod cabin
Capacity: 2 people
Distance from reception: 530m

Sleeping in a pod is a change from square walls. However, this one is a bit on the pass as it is close to the main entrance to all the trails. We stayed there in March in 2016.

Here’s what we thought of it:

• The pod cabin is too small with large dogs. I would recommend staying there with only 1 small dog;
• To get there, it’s straight ahead from the front desk. It is not necessary to take the VIP service.
• The stove is way too efficient. In winter, it is too hot inside the pod cabin. We spent our time opening and closing the window all night long.
• On the other hand, it is very cosy. I recommend it for when it’s nice and warm outside and for short stays.

Family pods now exist that can accommodate up to 6 people ($159 for 4 people). The new family pods are very spacious, but almost as easy to heat as their smaller two person version.

Dreamcatcher

Cost per night: 179$ for 4 people
Type of accommodation: Treehouse
Capacity: up to 8 people
Distance from the reception: 500m

This shelter is convenient for families or friends because it is spacious. However, there are some steps to get up there. We stayed there in January 2020.

It’s a little bit on the way to the trails, but it’s less annoying in winter. The cows are in their winter pasture, so they are at the bottom of the hill near the reception. Therefore, there is a large snowy area to run and play in the snow with the kids or dogs.

The interior is spacious with sofas and a mezzanine that can sleep 6 people. This shelter is one of the largest on site.

Milky Way (no longer available)

I’ve always dreamed of seeing the inside of an Airstream and Au Diable Vert has made that dream come true. However, after our stay in September 2020, I think they have sold it or it is only available when it is nice outside.

It sleeps comfortably 2 adults and 2 young children or 1 pre-teen and possibly two dogs.

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On the other hand, in summer, it is directly in front of the cows’ pastures. It is not very practical with the dogs because of the electric fence. However, a little shock won’t hurt them.

Jeremy Fisher

Cost per night: 149$ (price is for 4 people)
Type of accommodation: Rustic Cabin
Capacity: up to 8 people
Distance from reception: 150m from private parking and 400m from the reception

During our last unusual stay at Au Diable Vert in Quebec we stayed in the rustic cabin Jeremy Fisher. It was the first time that we all went there as a family, dogs included.

This rustic refuge is a 75 year old building which was previously used to raise trout.

It is located on the edge of a stream away from the hustle and bustle of the plateau as it is below the reception area.

This is the perfect place to stay with dogs and children, especially if they like water. They will be able to run around without bothering anyone. Be careful with the children at the edge of the stream because it is slippery.

The terrace is very nice and big enough to eat with the family with the sound of the creek just below. In order to be comfortable, I would recommend not to sleep more than 6 people, even if it can accommodate 8.

There is no need to use the VIP, service when you stay in this rustic cabin, not even for heating. The reason is because it’s not a far walk from the parking lot and the trail is flat. However, in winter, dress warmly while you wait for the stove to heat up.

Things to do at Au Diable Vert

Blondie Bear, 12 years old, will tell you that it’s boring, that there is nothing to do at Au Diable Vert. I beg to differ.

Although we only came once at the end of the summer and the rest of the time in the winter, there is always something to do. In summer and winter, you can do some great hiking on a 12km network of private trails.

We like to do the Falaises trail which is the longest (3.7km). Roughly speaking, it goes all the way around the part of the domain dedicated to trails. This trail is easy, intermediate, and difficult. There is something for everyone!

I invite you to explore the easy part in the marsh at the end of your walk. You can even take a night hike on this part if you feel like it.

In winter, it may be more practical to have snowshoes but it’s not that necessary. You can survive without them or you can bring yours or rent some on-site (10$ per day).

Winter activities

Many activities are available to you whether you go directly to Au Diable Vert or not. On the plateau you can go sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing or other activities. Not far away, less than 30 minutes, is the Mont Sutton ski resort.

In case you forgot a winter coat, you can find one at Urbaine des Champs in Sutton.

We had to go there because it was the case for us. Blondie Bear had gone to school without his coat because the weather was good the day we left. Unfortunately, the temperature really dropped and we were in a bind.

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The service at Urbaine des Champs is excellent and their clothes are made in Quebec by Quebec designers. As a result, we discovered the Quebec brand Audvik. Their coats are made from recycled materials, including fishing nets. One recycled fishing net can produce 5 coats. They are waterproof and very cozy according to my son.

Summer activities

Au Diable Vert offers different activities in the summer and you can book them at the reception during your stay.

Since 2013, Au Diable Vert offers the Vélo Volant (flying bicycle) on a 1km course. The activity is still expensive: 35$ for children and 50$ per adult. Children must be 12 years old and accompanied on the circuit by an adult. You cannot share the bike with someone.

The duration of the tour will vary depending on your speed. However, the goal is to be able to admire the nature from the top of the trees. It took me almost 1 hour because I took a lot of pictures and took my time.

The Vélo Volant is accessible directly on the site of Au Diable Vert and is not far from the Jeremy Fisher cabin.

If you like water, you can kayak, paddle board and go river tubing about 10 minutes from Au Diable Vert.

• Double kayak: 2 hours, $35-$55
• Single kayak: 2h, $25
• Paddleboard: 2h, $25
• River tubing: 2h, $10

Due to the Pandemic, the small bistro-terrace is currently closed. However, if you are a beer lover, you can go to the Microbrasserie Auberge Sutton Brouerie. Dogs are allowed on the terrace.

It’s a good place to stop after a long hike to the PENS about 15 minutes away. I talk about it in my article on activities to do with dogs outside Montreal.

Cooking meals in a shelter

It’s never easy to cook while camping when you don’t have a portable stove. However, with a little organization, it is possible to make good meals without complicating your life too much.

Boiling water on a wood-burning stove can take a long time. You may want to consider cooking your vegetables beforehand for your stay.

Since there is no fridge at Au Diable Vert, you will need to bring a cooler. However, you cannot buy ice on site. One way we managed to live with it is to fill a gallon of water and put it in the freezer prior to our visit. It keeps the food cool long enough and keeps everything from getting soaked in the cooler.

Menu Ideas

In the winter, you can make a raclette by putting your pans directly on the stove. No need to bring a machine, there is no electricity anyway. Simply boil your potatoes beforehand.

Otherwise, ramen noodle soup can be practical to eat as it doesn’t need much water. You could add some carrots, a cooked egg, or something else.

The wood-burning stove is also convenient to warm up an apple pie. Simply place it on top of the stove on an aluminum plate. On the campfire, with the help of a grill, you can cook ribs, corn, and even nachos!

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We can’t wait to go back to Au Diable Vert, but this time in the summer, so we can enjoy the outdoors more.

Sure, this experience is not for everyone. However, an unusual getaway once in a while won’t hurt, and there are plenty of them to discover in Quebec. Reserve early, with Covid year two, the summer is filling up quickly.