The five golf courses of La Petite-Nation

Golf isn't the first thing that comes to mind with La Petite-Nation. Big mistake. From one end of the MRC to the other there are five courses that couldn't be more different: a historic layout on the grounds of the Château, two lakeside 18s, a course that rolls up and down with the hills, and a 9-hole village club with a loyal crowd going back more than 60 years.

And in September and October, when the maples turn, you're playing inside a postcard. Here are the five.

Golf Fairmont Le Château Montebello

The best known, and for good reason. An 18-hole, par-70 course designed by Stanley Thompson. It opened in 1929 for the private Seigniory Club, and the clubhouse is the club's old chalet. The layout was cut through old forest, so the fairways are lined with mature trees. In October they turn red and gold.

Everything's on site: driving range, pro shop, club and shoe rentals, locker rooms. Handy if you're coming from far away without your bag.

After your round, rue Notre-Dame in Montebello is right there. Here's our guide to spending a day in the village.

Club de golf Montpellier Lac-Simon

An 18-hole, par-72 course along Lac Simon. The restaurant at the 19th has been renovated, and the mixed evenings draw a crowd. There's a practice green and a pro shop.

What we like: their group packages think about non-golfers too, with a pontoon outing on Lac Simon. For an office tournament or a family party where half the group doesn't play, it's the perfect setup.

Auberge et Club de golf Héritage

In Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix, an 18-hole, 6,700-yard course that opened in 1992. The detail people talk about: it was built without blasting. The layout follows the natural terrain, so it climbs and drops. Your calves will remember it if you walk.

The log inn has 30 rooms, open year-round. And in winter the course turns into a cross-country ski and snowshoe network with rentals on site. The only one of the five you can come back to in January.

Club de golf Royal Papineau

An 18-hole, par-72 course along Lac de l'Argile in Notre-Dame-de-la-Salette, at the foot of the Papineau-Labelle reserve. The bistro terrace looks out over the 9th hole, which is either relaxing or stressful depending on who's putting. There are golf-and-stay packages, and the big Royal Papineau campground is right next door. Tee times are booked on Chronogolf.

Club de golf Thurso

Nine holes, two tee boxes per hole so you can play 18. The club has been going since 1963, and regulars swear its greens are among the best in the region. It sits in Lochaber-Partie-Ouest, with a Thurso mailing address.

It's the kind of course we like for a quick round at the end of the day, or for introducing someone to the game without an audience.

Which one?

Depends what you're after.

• History and scenery: Château Montebello.
• A group day with non-golfers: Montpellier Lac-Simon, pontoon included.
• A physical challenge and a night on site: Héritage.
• A golf-and-camping weekend: Royal Papineau.
• Nine holes, no fuss: Thurso.

Mini-golf, for kids (and sore losers)

No real clubs? Two mini-golf courses in our directory:

• Parc de l'Amitié in Lac-Simon: a paid 18-hole course with tennis, pickleball, pétanque and ping-pong next door. Perfect after the beach.
• Camping Saint-André-Avellin has its own mini-golf, right in the village.

Before you go

Green fees, tee times and closing dates change every season, and we'd rather not quote you a price that'll be wrong next month. Call the club or check its website. In the fall, also ask how long the course will stay open: once the frost comes, things can close quickly.

An October round at Château Montebello is probably the nicest way to see the colours without hiking. Book an early tee time: better light, quieter course.

For other ways to catch the fall, see our fall colours guide.

MontebelloMontpellierNotre-Dame-de-la-PaixNotre-Dame-de-la-SaletteLochaber-Partie-OuestThursoLac-SimonSaint-André-Avellin

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