Manoir du lac William: from cottage to four-star hotel

Nestled in the Saint-Ferdinand mountains, on the shores of a magnificent lake,  Manoir du lac William sparkles like a jewel in Centre-du Québec’s tourism crown, seducing visitors with its unique charm. Adding to that charm is the warm hospitality of the Lessard family who have devoted nearly 20 years to making the Manoir what it is today, a haven of peace at one with the surrounding nature.

The Manoir had modest beginnings back in 1906 as a small cottage. That changed in 1992, with the arrival of a new owner, Marcel Lessard, who already owned an outfitting operation in Haute-Mauricie and a sporting goods store near the Manoir. A born builder, Mr. Lessard undertook to give the main building, which then had 16 rooms, a complete makeover, starting with the construction of a basement and a second floor.

To the manor born

Marcel and Céline Lessard’s four children, Franco, Sylvie, Nathalie and Mélanie, have had the good fortune of being raised in this business environment. Franco, now President of the family business, remembers happy childhood moments: “For me, it all began at the La Tuque outfitter when I was barely nine. My sisters and I were already providing customer service by carrying out little jobs during the summer holidays. We were developing the desire to offer clients an unforgettable experience. We even had a motto: to be happiness makers and make our clients sad to leave.”

In 2002, the family moved forward with a new large-scale project at Saint-Ferdinand: the addition of 13 rooms on the upper level and a health centre. This major investment, coupled with the dynamism and perseverance of the Lessard family, helped earn the Manoir the accreditation of “Spa Relais Santé” and “Hôtellerie Champêtre”.

With the improvements come the stars

The third phase of the expansion, begun in the fall of 2010, added 21 suites, two meeting rooms, an indoor pool, and a nature spa to the already impressive hotel. “Our parents taught us to be entrepreneurial, and by helping them over the years, we’ve become seasoned entrepreneurs ourselves,” added Franco Lessard, saying that today, the family takes great pride in having made Manoir du lac William a four-star establishment.

Canada Economic Development is proud to have contributed, since 2002, to the various stages of the Manoir’s metamorphosis from small lodge to four-star hotel, and to support the Lessard family in their business projects. This cooperation has continued through to the third phase of work, currently in progress.

Succession seems assured

Good news! Manoir clients will be happy to know that the sustainability of this little gem seems assured. A third generation of Lessards, now playing in the sand on Lake William beach, is already lending their parents little hands….