Auberge du Portage

Pretty location but pretentious environment. Staff knew very little English. Menu was totally french. Food was okay, with upcharges. Property was not maintained very well. Pool and hot tub dirty with dead plants and broken chairs.

We went to Auberge du Portage from August 8 to 14. We chose the health package, which offered us a wide range of massages and body trea**ents. The three meals were included. To begin with, the positive points: (1) The staff. The entire staff is extraordinarily kind, available and professional. And this, as much in the room as in the reception desk, and as much on the side of the health care as on the side of the maintenance staff. (2) The site. The Auberge is located right on the river, a few kilometers south of Rivière-du-Loup, in the magnificent little village of Notre-Dame-du-Portage. This extraordinary site allows you to dream as you watch the sun set over the St. Lawrence River in clouds of red, orange, gold and purple reflected in the silvery waters. (3) Lunch and dinner. The meals are well prepared and presented, and use local ingredients, including marine herbs and condiments. We regret however the absence of smoked products, notably eels and sturgeon, which are the pride of this Kamouraska region. The desserts are ok. The breakfasts are basic and sometimes a bit strange, like this sausage dipped in a kind of ketchup sauce without much class. (4) The small lounges. Available in the old building only, these lounges are warm and cordial. Decorated and furnished in the spirit of yesteryear, they're a great place to have an aperitif before dinner. The neutral points: (1) The rooms. We were staying in the building across the main street. This is a bit unusual if you have to cross this street in your robe for health care when it's raining or cold... The rooms are comfortable and cleaned only if you ask. But they are rather old-fashioned and do not all have direct access to a balcony. Parking is easy. (2) Access to the footpath. To access it, be aware that you have to cross Route 132; be careful! Weaknesses: (1) The state of maintenance of the premises. The Auberge is showing its age. Peeling paint inside and outside, wild plants growing in the gutters, old twisted wood, faded footpath markings (we were afraid to get lost in the woods at one point), faded or vandalized signs and educational posters, outdated health care facilities. In short, the place needs a serious sweeping and brushing. (2) In the same vein, the glassed-in dining room, although it offers an amazing view of the river, is a veritable hothouse at lunchtime and, to a lesser extent, in the evening. The fact that sun glasses must be worn at the table is unacceptable. It is incomprehensible that there is no architectural or building engineering solution that would allow an establishment that claims to be top-of-the-line to address this unpleasant problem. Professionals in these technical fields should also take the opportunity to address the endemic fly problem. During our week there, flies were plentiful and everywhere. Seeing the many health care facilities equipped with fly swatters is hardly reassuring. Finally, we want to focus on the very surprising behavior of the

After travelling through this region for many years, we decided to take a side road and spend some time in the Kamouraska region. We were not disappointed and will return for certain. Our accommodations were lovely, the view amazing and then we had the great pleasure of meeting and enjoying the service of Jacob in the dinning room. Jacob was the highlight for us. He was able to translate the menu with great detail and also made some fantastic recommendations. It was obvious that Jacob enjoys bringing the Chef's Creations to the table and takes the time to make sure that they were enjoyed as he had hoped. I have to share, I asked for the Beef Cheeks ( at Jacob's recommendation ) MY MEAL WAS INCREDIBLE There are no other words for it. The next morning we enjoyed a lovely breakfast complete with fresh fruit, yogurt, many baked pastries and of course bacon, eggs, sausage. Whatever your choice might be . Much to our delight, Jacob was once again available to offer more advice . We asked that he make note of the cheeses we enjoyed the night before at dinner and of course he was able to do so. Along with the best location to find these cheeses for purchase. We had a great visit to the region and will return often. Thank you Jacob. We appreciated your welcome and hospitality.