Aux Cinq Sens is an authentic, Indigenous-owned eco-retreat located on a preserved 20-acre site in Piopolis, within Quebec’s Mégantic Region and the Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve. Grounded in ancestral Wendat and W8banaki values, this peaceful haven offers a deep connection to nature through minimalist lodgings, including solar-powered tiny houses, traditional yurts, a mini-chalet, and rustic forest camping.
Situated at an altitude of 430 meters, guests can unwind without artifice, listen to the pristine stream, practice stargazing under sparkling night skies, and experience restorative solo or guided retreats. Embracing simplicity, coherence, and sustainability, Aux Cinq Sens offers a tranquil, adult-oriented escape designed to nurture the soul.
Their story
Founded by Paula in 2003, Aux Cinq Sens was first established as a yurt lodging site in 2009. The property later took on deeper meaning when Paula discovered it sits on Onyionhwentsïio’, the ancestral hunting and fishing territory of her Wendat ancestors.
In 2017, biologist and facilitator Benoit joined the project, bringing a shared vision of nature as a transformative teacher rooted in Indigenous wisdom. Together, they expanded the site in 2018, integrating eco-responsible infrastructure, solar energy, permaculture, and immersive nature experiences.
Their commitment to sustainable, regenerative tourism has earned them prestigious recognition. Their awards include honors from Indigenous Tourism Quebec and the Wendat Nation. Read more about them.
Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- Lodgings include all-wood tiny houses (Yarha and Yahndawa), an all-wood mini-chalet (Le Chevreuil), a four-season passive solar greenhouse, and traditional insulated Mongolian-style yurts.
- Features incorporate minimalist designs decorated with First Nations artifacts.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- The property utilizes an energy diversification plan featuring over 25 solar panels across the site.
- Several tiny houses are energy self-sufficient via solar power, while yurts and mini-chalets operate without electricity using battery-powered LED ambient lighting.
- Heating is supplied by slow-combustion wood-burning stoves and propane heaters.
- Water for outdoor rain showers is heated by solar energy.
Pioneer in waste management
- Facilities include composting and dry toilets, dedicated wastewater wells for mandatory dishwashing water disposal, bins for rubbish, recycling, and compost, and solar-powered hot rainwater harvesting systems for showers.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The site includes a permaculture garden and a four-season passive solar greenhouse. On-site food options include convenience items such as dehydrated meals, cereals, soy milk, and coffee.
Actively protects nature and community
- Aux Cinq Sens is an Indigenous-owned business located on the ancestral territory of the W8banaki and Wendat Nations.
- Situated on a preserved 20-acre site in the Mont-Mégantic International Dark Sky Reserve, the retreat enforces dark-sky lighting rules, a smoke-free policy, an animal-free policy, and a 16+ age restriction to safeguard local wildlife and tranquility.
- It features a boutique selling Indigenous crafts and local products and has won multiple awards for sustainable and regenerative tourism.
Most Popular Activities Near Hébergement aux Cinq Sens
- Stargazing and ‘The Night Sky Told’ astronomy evenings
- ‘Encounter with Forest Spirit’ audio experience
- Walking and hiking on 2 km of forest trails
- Relaxation and swimming in the stream
- Private infrared sauna sessions in the passive solar greenhouse
- Nature retreats (solo, guided, Earth Spirit stays, artisan retreats)
- Indigenous cultural activities in the tipi or Ontara eco-chalet
- Shopping for Indigenous crafts and regional products
- Visiting the nearby Mont-Mégantic astronomical observatory
- Rustic camping, hammock tent stays, and vanlife parking
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Best Time To Visit Hébergement aux Cinq Sens
- The retreat is open during winter (February–March) and spring through autumn (mid-May to end of October). Mid-May to October is ideal for outdoor trail walking, stream swimming, hammock camping, and warm-weather stargazing. February and March are best for cozy winter introspection under the dark sky.