Take your pick: adrenaline packed or slow and contemplative?
Published on Oct 27, 2025
Have you ever dreamed of hitting the road, driving stress-free toward a breathtaking destination, with all the comforts of home right at your fingertips? That’s exactly what I did for a weekend with a camper van from Bromont Campervan. My destination: Mount Gosford, deep in the ZEC Louise-Gosford, for an unforgettable winter ascent!
Friday afternoon, I leave Bromont and set off toward Lac-Mégantic. The drive itself feels like part of the adventure — winding through the picturesque villages of the Eastern Townships, especially around the MRC du Granit, where a faint Scottish vibe still lingers. Every curve reveals a new postcard-worthy view: snow-covered fields, rolling mountains, and cozy little houses scattered across the landscape.
Once in Lac-Mégantic, I can’t resist stopping at the Musi-Café. Great food, an impressive beer selection, and a lively atmosphere make it a must-visit. Satisfied and relaxed, I hit the road again and make my way to Camping Aventure Mégantic, my home for the night. It’s a peaceful spot in nature, complete with a washroom facility and an outdoor firepit — perfect for a comfortable van night.
One of the best parts of vanlife? Settling in all warm and cozy after a crisp evening outside. There’s nothing quite like slipping under the covers, listening to the stillness of the forest.
Wake-up call: 6:30 a.m. One of the joys of vanlife — everything you need is right there. I brew a hot cup of coffee and whip up breakfast in the van, watching the stars slowly fade into the dawn. Then it’s time to hit the road toward Woburn. The ZEC Louise-Gosford reception is where the hike begins.
There are two options to reach the summit: a 9 km round trip (with a $14 fee to access via the sugarbush road) or a 13 km route starting from the main lodge. I choose the longer one — an extra 4 km of easy, flat terrain, perfect for warming up before the climb.
Contrary to what you might read, this trail is far from extreme. In winter, it’s even easier — the snow smooths out the rocks and roots, creating a soft, stable path. With microspikes, the hike flows effortlessly. Every step is pure joy: the snow-laden forest, the muffled silence of winter, the evergreens bending under their white coats, like gentle, ghostly giants. Halfway up, I stop for a hot chocolate break, sitting on a fallen log and soaking in the moment.
At the summit, the view is absolutely breathtaking. From the observation tower, you get a 360-degree panorama of endless mountains. The wind-sculpted snow looks like Styrofoam, turning the landscape into a magical scene. I snap a few photos and videos before heading back down at an easy pace.
Back at the van — one of the sweetest pleasures of the trip — I slide open the door, sit on the floor to take off my spikes, and enjoy the gentle warmth that greets me. Maybe a nap is in order. That’s vanlife bliss.
After such a great expedition, what better way to wrap things up than with a stop at the Piopolis municipal rest area, where you can enjoy a craft beer with a mountain view? Alexis le Randonneur’s “Top” is the perfect choice to toast the afternoon in style.
Back on the road toward Lambton, an ideal spot to recharge your electric camper van if needed. The village is full of charm and offers a scenic lookout with a splendid view over Lac Saint-François. There’s an outdoor terrace where you can sit and soak in the panorama. It’s impossible to resist the local ice cream shop, with its huge cone topped with colorful scoops proudly displayed out front.
I also take the time to visit the art gallery housed in the old presbytery and to admire the village’s beautiful church. With the camper van, it’s even possible to park overnight for free in the arena parking lot — a real bonus for road trippers.
Before heading back for the night, I stop at La Source Complex, right on the lakeshore, for a lively evening out. Good food, live music, and a warm atmosphere are all on the menu. In the evening, local shows take the stage, and the French onion soup was the ultimate comfort after a full day spent outdoors at –20 °C. A perfect way to end the night!
Sunday morning starts at Côté Cour, a cozy little restaurant where friendly service and good food are guaranteed. I can’t resist one last creamy latte before hitting the road again.
After a weekend filled with discoveries and the comforts of vanlife, I head back to Bromont Campervan, heart full of memories and already dreaming of my next adventure.
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