Long weekend vibes: Rolling the family in a BMW X3 on a road trip from Ottawa to Montebello

Whether you’re looking for something to do with the family on the Civic holiday long weekend or Labour Day long weekend, a road trip is always a good idea. A quick road trip to Montebello is an even better idea… and in a BMW X3 is probably THE BEST idea! That’s what we did in August this year, and I wanted to share a few awesome parts of our mini family weekend getaway. Hopefully, it will inspire you to do the same this weekend!

Otto’s BMW- 2018 X3

Knowing we were headed to Fairmont Chateau Montebello, I reached out to Ottawa’s first BMW retailer Otto’s BMW, and ask if they would lend me a fleet vehicle to complete my media trip. They happily agreed to lend it to me for the weekend… just long enough for me to get addicted to all the luxury features like the Head-Up display, sports mode, sound system, navigation system and all the bonus safety features. It was a very cool experience for me, and for both my son and husband too!

Did you know Otto’s BMW at 660 Hunt Club Rd just got a makeover? The new facility is shiny and new and officially open for business! My favourite features are the 2 original vintage BMWs parked in the showroom, they are a must see!

Artist in Residence Distillerie- Waxwing Gin

Ok, now I can’t guarantee that this craft distillery in Gatineau is open to the public yet, but… I was invited for a private tour of the gorgeous Artist in Residence Distillerie, where we got to learn about their first product released to market: Waxwing Gin. At this moment, it’s sold at SAQ, but it will soon be available at the LCBO. The colour and flavour of the gin is like no other and was inspired by the berry diet of the waxwing bird. So much thought and creativity has gone into this endeavour, I can’t wait to watch them grow as they put out more carefully thought out spirits on the market.

The distillery is on the way to Montebello from Ottawa, just off Highway 50 North, near the Gatineau Airport. It’s in a newly built industrial mall and will soon be expanding to accommodate the production of other spirits like vodka and whiskey.

 

Fairmont Le Château Montebello

No stranger to this luxury family resort in the winter, I wanted to bring the family to experience a summer stay at the Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello. I was there last year for my birthday and completely fell in love. Winter, spring, summer or fall, the hotel has loads of activities included in your stay to entertain and indulge old and young families.

On the day we arrived, we took advantage of the outdoor pool, had a delicious nacho, poutine and sangria lunch and booked the evening BBQ buffet for dinner. The next day, we started with the delicious signature breakfast, and since the pool was closed for maintenance, we took a dip in the indoor pool.

The next day, we started with the delicious signature breakfast, and since the pool was closed for maintenance, we took a dip in the indoor pool. We played a round of mini putt, and took a stroll along the water, the hotel grounds and the marina. If we weren’t rushed to head home, we would have loved to take advantage of the canoes and standup paddle boards.

PRO TIP- The next time we head to the hotel, I will definitely book 2 nights and a little me-time at the spa. I just felt like our trip flew by way to fast 🙁

A big thank you to Fairmont Chateau Montebello for hosting us and for Otto’s BMW for lending us our wheels to get there!

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