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Volume 5, No. 2, February 2008
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Rosy Cheeks, Naturally
In addition to its regular activities, Parc national du Bic invites you to participate in its Rosy Cheeks programming. There will be no shortage of opportunities to play outside. On Saturday, February 23 starting at 6 PM, we set the table and invite you to a Moonlight Pancake supper. After a copious meal in a cozy setting, dress up the whole family for a moonlight hike. There is a fee for this activity (in addition to the park entry fee). On March 2 at 1 PM, let us guide you along Winter’s Tracks so you can learn how to identify traces of wildlife. This easy hike is accessible to the whole family. Finally, on March 8 at 7:30 PM, the park invites you to a winter astronomy evening in collaboration with the Rimouski Astronomy Club. For the last two activities, only the park entry fee applies. Reservations required for the supper and the astronomy evening at 418 736-5035. Places are limited.
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Winter White Week
It’s not surprising that with its exceptional snowfall, Parc national du Mont-Mégantic has christened its Spring Break, Winter White Week, or hours of pleasure with the family. On Saturday March 1 and 8 at 11 AM, take your place under the sun and observe it safely through a telescope. Guaranteed to be dazzling! This activity is included in the park entry fee. Also on March 1 and 8, you can enjoy a 5-km cross country skiing or snowshoeing excursion to the glow of torches and moonlight. This outing is preceded by a healthy supper served at 5 PM and followed by an astronomy evening at ASTROLab. There is a fee for this activity and reservations are required (819 888-2941). Family Day is scheduled for Thursday, March 6, with sledding, snow sculpture, discovery activities, the film, Cosmic Rhythms at ASTROLab, maple snow taffy, games and prizes to win. This activity is included in the park’s entry fee (except the maple snow taffy at $2). From March 1 to 9, you can go sliding, sliding, sliding every day if you want…
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A Big Bowl of Fresh Air?
From February 25 to 29, Parc national d'Oka offers the Oxygène Vacation Camp. This nature camp gets the little ones moving and introduces them to the benefits of outdoor activity. Kids from 5 to 13 will have the chance to stay overnight at the camp or come to day camp. Rates include meals, snacks and equipment. Families who love the outdoors will have plenty of choices. In addition to cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snow walking, the park offers an ice slide, and every evening, a lighted cross country ski trail. Ninety-minute ski packages are available every day of the Spring Break. What’s more, on February 27, 28 and 29, for 90 minutes, kids can try traditional snowshoes and discover this type of hiking with their parents. For more information or to reserve your place for an activity or Camp Oxygène, call 450 479-8365.
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Great Fishing Weather
At Saguenay and Grands-Jardins national parks you can combine your stay with an uncommon activity inherited from the Amerindians…ice fishing. Who will catch the most fish… kids or parents? On the site of Parc national du Saguenay in Baie Éternité, anglers have the chance to enjoy their favourite activity surrounded by impressively high cliffs. The Ice Fishing on the Fjord Package with the Family includes a night in a cabin, transportation to the fishing site, fishing shack with equipment, plus bait and firewood. Available until February 29 (from Thursday to Sunday) and from March 1 to 9 (every day), depending on ice conditions. The family rate for 2 adults and 2 children is $180/day. At Parc national des Grands-Jardins, ice fishing is also available for customers staying at the Beaumont cabins and the Jean-Pressé cabin. Those who want to fish must purchase a daily fishing right for $14.35/pers./day (plus taxes) or buy the Winter Package: Fishing and Snow Walking. The price of this package, which includes 1 night of accommodations and fishing access rights, varies according to the number of people.
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Outdoors Day and Night
At Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, the discovery activity called How to Survive Winter is a great choice for families who have young children. This posted activity helps you become familiar with the strategies that animals and plants have developed in order to adapt to the special conditions of Québec winters. It is followed by the activity called Signs of Life, a guided 2.5 km snowshoeing excursion during which participants identify signs of animal life. The activities take place every Saturday until March 15 from noon to 2:15 PM, and are included in the park entry fee. On Saturday, February 23, Parc national du Mont-Tremblant offers Full Moon Wolf Story, which will captivate teens and their families. As part of a guided 6-km activity, a park warden invites hikers to take a break in a hut where they will hear about the night- time adventures of a pack of wolves. A snack will be served during the evening. Departure at 7 PM from the Lac-Monroe Visitors Centre. Reservations required at 819 688-2281.
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A Variety of Activities
There are many exciting activities to choose from at Station touristique Duchesnay, home to one of the best cross country ski centres in Québec. The Scandinavian-style spa, Tyst Trädgård, is also worth the detour. Even though the famous Ice Hotel can be found at the Station, you can also sleep in the warmth and comfort of Duchesnay’s cabins or a room at the hotel or a lodge. From February 24 to March 6, enjoy a family getaway with the Spring Break Package, including 2 nights of accommodations, 2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 2 full-course suppers, access to all Station activities, a visit to the Ice Hotel and a 45-minute dogsledding ride. Something to delight both the kids and the adults! Rates starting at $288.50/adult in the lodge and $341/adult in the hotel (plus taxes).
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Parc Aquarium, Open Year-Round
For two weeks, between February 23 and March 9 inclusively, the Parc Aquarium du Québec mascot named PAQ invites school-aged kids to come and celebrate the Spring Break in a group or with the family. The activities take place both inside and outside the Aquarium. There will be Olympiads, made up of unique sports and educational challenges, along with an interactive rally and a treasure hunt. A make-up artist will also be on the site to add some extra colour to your kids’ sweet faces. A 20% discount will apply to the regular family admission price of $49. Parc Aquarium is open daily from 10 AM to
4 PM until April 30 (until 5 PM after this date).
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