Refuge le Grand-Duc
Refuge le Grand-Duc is a wilderness backcountry hut near Lac Coutu, on the Cap de la Fée trail in Saint-Donat. It’s a group hut with a maximum capacity of 7 people, and it’s set up for self-sufficient stays (no water or electricity).
For sleeping, the hut has 4 platform beds with mattresses on the main level plus 3 additional mattresses on the mezzanine. Cooking/heat is via a slow-combustion wood stove; there’s a dry toilet nearby, and there’s lockable storage that requires you to bring your own padlock. The reception signal is generally functional from the refuge.
To reserve, book through the Plein air Saint-Donat booking portal; when you reserve exclusively, you reserve the refuge for your whole group for the night. Prices are $160 per night for Friday and Saturday, and $130 per night for Sunday to Thursday (rates are in Canadian dollars before taxes and transaction fees). Check-in runs from 16 h00 and checkout ends at 10 h00, and online trail registration is required to access the trails used for your stay.
Access is by foot from the area of the Régimbald parking on Chemin Régimbald (about 3.5 km from Saint-Donat along Route 125), with an approximate hike of 2.4 km to the refuge (plan about 1.5–1.5 hours for the approach). The refuge is reserved strictly for the group you booked for your stay. If the refuge is left in an unacceptable condition at departure, minimal fees may be charged.