Gray Rocks is a classic, an historic family-oriented lakefront hotel known for its broad range of recreation and its Modified American Plan that bundles out huge breakfasts and three-course dinners into the basic package price. The rambling white-clapboard hotel trails along Lake Ouimet in the Laurentian mountains 90 minutes north of Montreal. The oldest section has stood there since 1920, but looks fresh and inviting following recent refurbishment. In summer there is an abundance of flowers planted in beds around the hotel, and fabulous over-the-water views of the forested mountains. It is a very appealing place to escape to, not the least because there is also so much to do—or not.

Tennis Features

Pro Shop: 819-425-2771

Once one of North America's great summer tennis camps, Gray Rocks does not seem quite sure about what to do about tennis at the moment. It has been unable to come to terms with Linda and Stan Gendron, who ran a terrific program there for both adults and juniors for the better part of 30 years. New this season is Nicolas Bouquet, a Frenchman with a strong playing background and experience running junior camps at a tennis club in Tenerife. The calendar calls for him to continue to conduct the 2- and five-day adult schools that have been a Gray Rocks staple, as well as a daily academy, daily junior clinic, and several weekly round robins. I haven't met Bouquet or experienced his programs. If you have, please let us know about your experiences.

Courts & Fees. There are 10 Har-Tru courts at the hotel, a complex that has a minimalist pro shop, and another dozen Har-Tru courts at the golf course. Court fees: $C14/hour for hotel guests, $C28/hour for others.

Your Call

This is your opportunity to rate and review the resorts and camps you've visited. As material comes in I'll post it here, so you can read what others think.
So far, I haven't received any written feedback on Gray Rocks. If you've taken a tennis vacation there, I'd like to hear your reactions.

Other Recreation

Beach. Surprisingly enough, there is a beach of sorts on the lake, its sand a dark brown as it edges up to the water and a roped-off swimming area.

Golf Courses. There are two golf courses, Beauty (La Belle) and the Beast (La Bête).

La Belle: Built in 1920, this is the oldest course in the Laurentians. Scenic, with 18 holes, par 72, 6,320 yards
La Bête: This 18-hole, par 72 championship course extends for 6,825 yards and has spectacular views of Mont Tremblant, the valley, and the Devil's River.

Spa & Fitness Center. There is an indoor fitness center in the original hotel with a wall of windows and an indoor swimming pool.

Watersports. The marina on the lake has windsurfers, canoes, kayaks, pedalboats, and sail boats.

Horseback Riding. Guided trail rides are available at the equestrian center at Sugar Peak Mountain within the resort.

And ... The menu of activities also includes lawn bowls/croquet, mountain biking on an extensive network of trails, among them the 120-mile Linear Park, seaplane sightseeing tours. Hunting and fishing excursions can also be arranged. There is even a hotel for pets.

Children's Programs

Gray Rocks runs a summer day camp for children ages 3 to 17, offers day care for those 6 months to 3 years, and can arrange private babysitting.

See Also

If you're looking for a resort with a solid tennis program and lots of other activities, including kids' programs, look at:

• Stratton Mountain Resort, Vermont
• Sunriver Resort, Oregon
• Sun Valley Resort, Idaho
• Wintergreen, Virginia

For another classic hotel with a meal plan, consider:

• The Balsams, New Hampshire
• The Greenbrier, West Virginia, though it doesn't have nearly as good a tennis program

Travel Essentials

Seasons. May-September for tennis.

Gray Rocks
525, chemin Principal
Mt. Tremblant, Que. J0T 1Z0 Canada
819-425-2771
Toll-free: 800-567-6767
Fax: 819-425-9156
Web Link: Gray Rocks

 

Travel Instructions. Gray Rocks is roughly a 90-minute drive north of Montreal. Take Route 15 North to Sainte-Agathe. Beyond, Sainte-Agathe, Route 15 Nord rejoins Route 117 North. Follow 117 North to Saint-Jovite. In Saint-Jovite, take the first exit and when you come to a stop light turn right onto Route 327 North and continue for 5 miles. Gray Rocks will be on the right.

General Tourist Information. For information about touring the Laurentians, see the Laurentides section of the Quebec Government Tourism Site or contact Tourism Québec, P.O. Box 979, Montréal, Qué., h3C 2W3, CANADA; phone toll-free at 877-266-5687 or fax: 514-864-3838.

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