History of the Auberge du Lac Paquin "old" Parkers’ Lodge
The history of the Parker’s Lodge goes back to more than 60 years. In 1944, an accountant named James Parker bought a piece of land in Val-David to settle his family and receive his friends. Soon friends of his friends would also be welcomed. The modest house rapidly expanded and in 1948, Mr. Parker launched out into the hotel industry.

Among his first clients, worthy of mention, is the famous Jack Rabbit whose real name is Herman Smith-Johannsen. In 1928, Jack Rabbit settled in the Province of Quebec. Of Norwegian descent origin, winter was his passion as was cross-country skiing (he cross-country skied some time before passing away at more than hundred and eleven years old). We owe Jack Rabbit the existence of the Laurentian cross-country trail.

This charming country inn has four floors, in addition to a small cottage on the side of Lake Paquin, that is to say sixteen rooms, most of them with bathroom. The ground floor has a huge double room, which is used as a meeting room, poolroom or table tennis. It can also be used as a dance hall, depending on the wishes and moods of the clients.

On the first floor, you will find the television room, the smoking area, the dining room and two bedrooms. The walls of the second floor have country style wallpaper and each of the 10 bedroom doors have Canadian and Provincial territories coat of arms. On the third floor, four huge rooms complete the lodging area.

The families can reserve adjoining rooms drawn together by a common bathroom. From top to bottom, you will find antiques here and there, which collectors would not disregard. The small cottage, with fireplace, leads out on a large terrace on the top of a boat hangar, with an outlook on a small sympathetic and peaceful lake.
At Parker’s Lodge, you just have to go outside, put on your cross-country skis and softly ski to the Paquin Lake, from which you have access to the Western trail. In November 1998, the original owners sold the inn to Caroline and Nicolas Bouquet that was then purchased by Corinne and Thierry Perotte in 2001.

It is in June 2003 that new owners, France and Ludovic, fell in love with the Parkers’ Lodge. Determined to preserve the amiable atmosphere that has been carefully cultivated at the Parkers’ Lodge, France and Ludovic first did a big clean up and engaged in major, much needed repairs (new roof, foundation insulation and other improvements to come). They insist, though, in keeping the original rustic style of the lodge; they did not change the cozy interior where guests can bring their own alcohol.

The new owners’ priority, a warm atmosphere in all its simplicity. They are close to their customers that our hosts prefer to call guests: "I find that the word customer has an impersonal ring to it, that is why for us we open our doors to what we call our guests. A home away from home!" says France.

Mr and Mrs Bolla also added a key element to the business, a new chef. Since he arrived on board, the new chef has succeeded in satisfying healthy appetites by his excellent homemade cuisine. From traditional French Canadian dishes to more elaborate meals for big events like weddings, the chef was up to the challenge. The inn serves three meals a day for its guest or for those who are looking to enjoy a delicious meal in an enchanting surrounding.

After many considerations, France and Ludovic took a very big decision. In order to give a breath of fresh air to this wonderful establishment, they gave it a new name, the Auberge du Lac Paquin, while keeping its tradition and respecting the rich inheritance passed on by the Parkers. It is in August 2003 that the Auberge du Lac Paquin came to life, a name in all simplicity, like its owners, honouring the superb Lac Paquin area in the very quaint town of Val David.