Hotel History

Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello was formerly known as "Reserve de la Petite Nation", a 100 sq. mile, 65,000 acre protected wilderness domain originally granted by the King of France in 1674.

Located near the Outaouais River west of Papineau Lake, halfway between Ottawa and Montreal, Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello is associated with Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello, a historic luxury resort with a legendary red cedar log building that has welcomed guests from around the world since 1930.

Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello is one of North America's largest and longest-established private fish and game reserves, boasting more than 70 lakes within its borders. Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello employs its own biologists to ensure preservation of the spectacular resources, and naturalists are available for guided exploration of the property.

The word "kenauk" comes from "mukekenauk," the word for turtle in the language of the original inhabitants of the land, the Algonquins. The symbol for Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello is the turtle, an amphibious animal that lives in water and on land: the elements of nature that are the basis of most activities here. The turtle is an important symbol in many cultures, including native folklore, representing earth, longevity, healing, perseverance, tranquility and stability, and always plays the role of friendly companion.