Frequently Asked Questions
What should I bring with me?
To help prepare you for your stay, a detailed list of what is provided and what you should bring will be emailed with your reservation. The essentials to bring are food, lights and bedding.
Is the walk to the refuge difficult?
The walk isn’t difficult, but you will need to pull your baggage cart. We provide two carts or toboggans, and you will need them both, as loading everything into one will usually be too heavy. You will transport your luggage, food, wood and water along with other gear to your refuge.
The trails are wide and maintained, though there are hills and a few steep spots. The walk to Lakeside East is easier than to Lakeside West. Winter conditions may make the walk longer.
The closest refuges to the parking lot are #3, #5 (The Bee), #7, #9 (The Yurt) and #10.
Are there bathrooms in the refuges?
No, but dry toilets are located near each refuge. Full bathrooms with showers are available at the reception Pavilion building.
Is there electricity in the refuges?
No, but you can rent a power pack at the reception. It will power the lighting and fans in the treehouse (approximately 10 to 15 hours of lighting). Please bring your own personal power bank for cell phone charging.
How are the refuges equipped?
Please consult our Prepare for your stay page for a full list of inclusions.
Is there a fridge in the refuge?
No, but each refuge is equipped with a 60 L cooler. Ice is available at the reception Pavilion building.
Is there running water in the refuges?
No, but there is a sink and a large 15 L water container for collecting lake water to wash dishes. You can collect drinking water at the reception Pavilion.
Are there extra fees when I arrive?
Yes. As an eco-resort committed to sustainability, we charge separately for consumables, just like a campground would:
- Firewood, carbon offset and kindling
- Power pack
- Propane (16 oz can, can also be brought from home)
- Refuge kit (candles, matches, garbage/compost/recycling bags, dish rags, power pack, propane, everything except the power pack can be brought from home)
Parc Eco des Laurentides is a regional not-for-profit park where our refuges are located. Park fees are extra and you will be asked to register and pay 2 to 3 days before arrival. We also charge low rental fees for canoes, snowshoes and crampons.
Are dogs allowed?
Yes! Dogs are welcome in the refuges and on the site on a leash, with a maximum of 2 dogs per refuge. Cats and other pets are not allowed.
Is there a place to buy food on site?
A small convenience store is located in the park, open Thursday to Monday. The closest grocery store is 25 minutes from the site. We recommend arriving with your groceries already stocked up.
Boat and canoe rental
We have one canoe available for rent per refuge, with a second canoe available on a first come, first served basis at check-in. Lifejackets and paddles are included.
Parc Eco also rents row boats, paddleboards, pedalos and kayaks. Personal inflatable boats (SUPs and kayaks) are permitted but must be washed prior to arrival to prevent the spread of invasive plant species.
Advance reservations with Parc Eco are recommended in high season. Contact the park directly at 1-866-326-9072.
Are there biking trails?
Not within the Parc, with the exception of the Parc Eco gravel road (shared with cars and pedestrians). The linear park Le P’tit Train du Nord is approximately 20 minutes from Les Refuges Perchés.
Fishing: how does it work?
You can fish on 3 different lakes in the park. You must bring your own fishing permit and equipment, and pay a daily Parc Eco access fee. Parc Eco does not sell fishing permits, permits are available at Canadian Tire.
Fishing is only permitted from a boat; all boardwalks and docks are shared spaces. No fishing is permitted in winter. See parceco.ca/peche for full details.
Can we have someone make our fire or carry our luggage?
No. We try not to take the adventure out of sleeping in the woods. The experience of Les Refuges Perchés is a participatory one where you will need to be autonomous, like camping. Our staff is on site regularly to make sure you are well-informed and the site is well maintained.