The Enlightened - Retreat Under the Megantic Stars | Ski Chalet in Notre-Dame-des-Bois
1 Bedroom Ski Chalet in Notre-Dame-Des-Bois
Summary:
At The Enlightened, the sky lights the inside—not the other way around. ✨ In the heart of Notre-Dame-des-Bois and the Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve, this eco-friendly retreat for 6 blends traditional craftsmanship, natural light, expansive forest-facing windows and rustic comfort. Cathedral ceiling, wood-burning stove, heated floors and a hammock: this is a place to slow down, look up… and truly unplug.
The Space:
✨ The Enlightened: A Retreat Unlike Any Other
The Enlightened isn’t trying to be a conventional chalet.
Instead, it offers an experience where architecture, nature and intentional simplicity come together.
Recently built using the traditional mortise-and-tenon construction method, this eco-friendly chalet combines time-honored craftsmanship with a bright, open design featuring a spectacular cathedral ceiling and an expansive wall of windows overlooking the forest.
The chalet has also earned Pages Vertes eco-responsible certification, an independent recognition of the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility. 🌿
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🌲 A Grand Space Open to the Forest
The moment you step inside, the sense of space is striking.
The soaring cathedral ceiling gives the chalet a remarkable feeling of openness, while the expansive windows fill the interior with natural light and make the forest part of the décor.
Settle into the living room hammock and let time slow down: on one side, the forest through the wall of windows; on the other, the flames of the wood-burning stove. All that’s left is deciding where to look. 🔥🌲
And beneath your feet? Heated floors throughout the chalet add an extra layer of comfort, especially welcome after a winter day outdoors.
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🌌 Here, Darkness Is Part of the Experience
The Enlightened is located in Notre-Dame-des-Bois, in the heart of the Mont-Mégantic region and its renowned International Dark Sky Reserve.
The chalet’s lighting is therefore intentionally minimal and subdued—with only 4 light fixtures throughout the chalet—to preserve the nighttime atmosphere and minimize light pollution.
It’s a deliberate choice that reflects the philosophy of this special place:
At The Enlightened, the sky lights the inside—not the other way around. ✨
Once night falls, grab your blanket, look up… and enjoy the show.
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🛌 Up to 6 Adventurers Under One Roof
The Enlightened can accommodate up to 6 guests with a simple and flexible sleeping arrangement:
• 1 bedroom
• 1 double bed
• 2 twin beds (maximum capacity of 250 pounds each)
• 1 double sofa bed in the living room
The mattresses are covered with hygienic protective covers, and you must bring your own bedding.
This setup is particularly well suited to families, groups of friends, hikers and travelers who value unique experiences and nature over conventional luxury.
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🍳 Simple Cooking… Done Differently
You won’t find a large urban-style kitchen here—and that’s entirely in keeping with the spirit of the experience.
You’ll have access to:
• 10-cubic-foot refrigerator with freezer compartment
• Espresso machine ☕
• Potable running water straight from the kitchen faucet (cold water only)
• 2-burner electric cooktop
• Wood-burning stove
• Outdoor firepit
Prepare your meals on the cooktop or reconnect with a more traditional way of cooking using the wood stove or outdoor fire. 🔥
To make your stay easier, we also provide:
• Everything you need to start a fire: firewood, paper and matches
• Dish soap, dishcloth and sponge
• Toilet paper
A little less excess, but everything you need to enjoy the experience.
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🚰 Rustic… With a Few Much-Appreciated Comforts
The Enlightened has its own private half bathroom inside the cabin, along with potable running water in both the kitchen and private half bathroom. You can drink straight from the tap, refill your water bottles, and cook without having to bring your own drinking water. 💧
The water available inside the cabin is cold, however, as the cabin is not equipped with a water heater.
For a nice hot shower, you only need to walk a few steps. 👇
🚿 A Heated Washroom Facility Open 365 Days a Year
A heated washroom facility is located near the chalet. It is open year-round and shared with L’Ermite and Le Pèlerin.
You’ll find:
• 2 showers with hot water
• 2 toilets
• a huge stainless-steel sink
• a heated area
So you can enjoy the rustic, back-to-nature character of your stay… without necessarily giving up a nice hot shower. 😉
The outdoor shower also remains available from June through September for those who want to take the nature experience one step further. It is shared, has no water heater, and biodegradable soap is required. 🌿
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🥾 The Mini Compostelle Mégantic Passes Right by the Property
There’s no need to get in the car to start your adventure.
The Mini Compostelle Mégantic trail passes directly in front of the property, giving hiking enthusiasts a wonderful opportunity to discover the region’s landscapes on foot.
Lace up your hiking shoes and head out to explore.
The adventure starts right outside your door. 🥾
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🌿 A Truly Eco-Friendly Stay
The environmental approach here goes far beyond a few symbolic gestures.
It is built into the very design and philosophy of the project:
• Traditional mortise-and-tenon construction
• Pages Vertes eco-responsible certification
• Intentionally limited lighting
• Preservation of natural nighttime darkness
• Biodegradable soap required for the outdoor shower
• Natural surroundings intentionally preserved
Here, you stay in nature, not simply next to it.
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📵 Unplug… Without Being Completely Disconnected
There is no Wi-Fi at The Enlightened.
And somehow, that feels just right here. 😉
Put the notifications aside, enjoy the fire, walk through the forest or gaze at the night sky.
A good cellular signal is available on-site, however, for guests who wish to stay connected or use their mobile data.
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⚡ A Few Very Practical Comforts
Even when you come to unplug in the forest, a few conveniences can make a big difference:
• Heated floors throughout the chalet
• Private half bathroom
• Potable running water inside the cabin (cold water only)
• Espresso machine
• Parking for up to 4 vehicles
• 2 EV charging stations, shared with the two other chalets on the property
Rustic doesn’t have to mean primitive. 😇
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🚨 Damage Protection – Peace of Mind Included 🚨
To provide a seamless experience, accidental damage protection is included as a fixed nightly fee.
It replaces the traditional security deposit and covers accidental damage up to $50,000 for eligible stays.* Very few vacation rentals offer this type of protection!
What this means:
✔️ No security deposit required
✔️ Simple and structured handling in case of an unexpected incident
✔️ A smooth, worry-free experience without compromise
Because peace of mind is part of a great vacation too. 😇
Although this protection generally replaces the security deposit, we reserve the right to require an additional deposit in certain specific situations assessed on a case-by-case basis. This measure remains rare and preventative.
*Certain conditions and exclusions apply. Details available upon request.
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🏡 Traveling With a Larger Group? Rent the Neighboring Retreats
Planning a stay for a group of 7 to 17 guests?
The Enlightened shares its beautiful natural setting with two other retreats on the same property: The Hermit and The Pilgrim.
You can therefore book multiple chalets and enjoy your getaway together while still giving everyone their own space.
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📍 In the Heart of the Mont-Mégantic Region
The Enlightened is an ideal home base for discovering Notre-Dame-des-Bois and the Mont-Mégantic region.
Hiking, stargazing, Mont-Mégantic National Park, ASTROLab, mountain scenery and charming local villages allow you to make your stay as active… or contemplative as you wish.
By day, head out and explore.
By night, return to the retreat, light the fire and slow things down. 🔥
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✨ Are You an “Enlightened” Traveler?
We want to be transparent: The Enlightened isn’t trying to be a traditional chalet.
If you’re looking for bright lighting in every room, Wi-Fi, a full bathroom with a shower inside the chalet, and all the conveniences of an urban home, another property may be a better fit.
But if you’re looking for:
• an experience that’s truly out of the ordinary
• a genuine connection with the forest
• an exceptional night sky
• an eco-friendly retreat with a character all its own
• the simple pleasure of a wood fire
• the ability to start hiking right from the property
• and a few days to truly slow down…
you may have just found your place. 🌲✨
Guest Access:
The chalet is entirely private for your use, while certain outdoor facilities (including the heated bathhouse, outdoor shower, and 2 EV chargers) are shared with the other chalets on the property.
Other Things to Note:
The house guide as well as instructional messages will be sent to you after booking to simplify the arrival process as much as possible and allow you to properly plan the activities of your stay.
Interaction with Guests:
I remain available to answer your questions by text, email or phone, before, during and after your stay :)
The Enlightened - Retreat Under the Megantic Stars is located in Notre-Dame-Des-Bois. The Enlightened - Retreat Under the Megantic Stars provides accommodation, featuring Balcony/Terrace, Fireplace, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, among other amenities. This Ski Chalet features Parking, Balcony and Security to make your stay a comfortable one.
The Enlightened - Retreat Under the Megantic Stars has 1 Bedroom , 2 Bathrooms, and max occupancy of 6 people. The minimum rental for this property is 1 nights, but this can change depending on the season you plan on staying. Previous guests have given good rated it, and VRBO labeled it a top-rated Ski Chalet because of the excellent services rendered by the owner or manager of this Ski Chalet, and has consistently provided great experiences for their guests. Most families or guests that use it recommend it to their friends and some of them are repeat guests. Ski Chalet has a friendly neighborhood, and the Notre-Dame-Des-Bois has interesting places to visit. If you want to learn more about the Ski Chalet in Notre-Dame-Des-Bois, such as places to visit and things to do nearby, you can check below to learn more.
Amenities
Facility Overview
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Heating
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Shower
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2+ bathrooms
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Toilet paper
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1 bedroom
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Dining table
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Living room
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Wood stove
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Dining room
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Fireplace
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Refrigerator
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Cookware/dishes/utensils
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Coffee/tea maker
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Water dispenser
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Kitchen island
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Electric car charging station on site
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Onsite parking
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No pets allowed
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Stair-free path to entrance
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Well-lit path to entrance
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No elevators
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Smoke-free property
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Tile flooring in public areas
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If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please contact the property using the information on the reservation confirmation received after booking.
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Hiking/biking trails nearby
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Cycling nearby
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Wildlife and game walks nearby
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Ice skating nearby
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Rock climbing nearby
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Birdwatching nearby
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Horse riding nearby
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Ecotours nearby
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Snowmobiling nearby
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Recycling
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Double-glazed windows
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Reusable coffee/tea filters
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Local culture & ecosystem education
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Unit size: 938 sq ft (87 sq m)
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Uses some LED lighting
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English
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French
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In a rural location
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Phone
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Internet access
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Garden
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Firepit
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Fire extinguisher
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First aid kit
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Deadbolt lock
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Smoke detector installed (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
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Carbon monoxide detector installed (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
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Close to skiing
Policies
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card, or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property onsite parties or group events are strictly prohibited property registration number 324343, 2027-08-20 safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit, and a deadbolt lock special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed this property is managed through our partner, vrbo. you will receive an email from vrbo with a link to a vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
FAQ's
Is this property pet-friendly for guests?
No, pets are not allowed at this property. Check the guest reviews to learn what guests had to share.
Does the property have a swimming pool?
No, this Notre-Dame-Des-Bois ski chalet does not have a swimming pool. Check the Facility Overview section for details about the pool and other available facilities.
How much does it cost per night to stay in property?
Best-rates for the Notre-Dame-Des-Bois ski chalet starts from $268 per night with includes Balcony/Terrace, Fireplace, Barbecue/Outdoor Cooking, Child Friendly, Kitchen, Parking, Security/Safety, Heating, Internet with all other facilities. matches every traveler with their perfect accommodation, whether you are traveling with a group, friends, family, or pets.
Is property a family-friendly place to stay?
Based on the information we have received from the owner or our partner, this is considered to be a family-friendly property. Families have rated this ski chalet Good or guests have recommended them suitable for families. As reported by the owner or manager, the ski chalet has specified that children are welcome. Please see details about suitability for your family or inquire with the property to learn more.
Is the property wheelchair accessible or offer services for disabled guests?
Based on the information received from our partner, the Notre-Dame-Des-Bois ski chalet has not specified they are wheelchair accessible. Likewise, there is not an elevator specified as being available at the property. Specific accessibility details may be addressed in the property details section of this page.
What is the minimum night stay policy for the property?
Based on the information reported by the owner or manager, the Notre-Dame-Des-Bois ski chalet indicates 1 day stay policy at this ski chalet. Guests are cautioned that the minimum stay policy may differ based on seasonality or availability and may be at the discretion of the owner or manager.
What cancellation policy is in place for property?
Guests are cautioned that the cancellation policy may differ based on seasonality, availability, or current travel restrictions. Guests should also be aware that this policy may be subject to change and should be confirmed prior to booking. More details may be available on this page in the property description. However, early check-in or late check-out can sometimes be negotiated between the guest and the owner or the manager of this property.