This text is part of the special school break notebook
You don’t have any plans for spring break yet and you’d like your little screen addicts to leave their tablets behind and go play outside? Here are some ideas for family-friendly outdoor activities for those staying in town.
Montreal
Ecomuseum
Spring break is a great opportunity to discover Montreal’s only zoo, taking place in a natural setting. You will be able to test your knowledge of Quebec’s wildlife by playing zoo bingo and immerse yourself in the world of love among local animals with a brand new game.
21125, chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
Light therapy
Are your preteens lacking a little vitamin D? Take them for a stroll at nightfall through the Luminothérapie installations, a trail of interactive and luminous works located in the Quartier des spectacles. This winter, the five majestic works along Sainte-Catherine Street West revolve around the theme of the cosmos, in addition to a video projection influenced by weather fluctuations.
Festival Square
The Îles-de-Boucherville park
If you’re ready to cross a bridge, this national park located in the middle of the St. Lawrence River offers a variety of activities in winter. On Sainte-Marguerite Island, you can walk, snowshoe or cross-country ski. The flat terrain is also ideal for family hikes. The more daredevil may want to try the bike with oversized tires (the famous fatbike). Interesting fact: rental of children’s equipment is free, but you must reserve at least 24 hours in advance.
55, Sainte-Marguerite Island, Boucherville
APIK Festival
Until March 3, rue Saint-Denis is transformed into a ski and snowboard slope, with light and sound effects, in the heart of the Latin Quarter. APIK invites the public to ski and snowboard competitions by renowned athletes. We also provide a space for introduction to snowboarding and bareback boarding (snowskate).
Rue Saint-Denis, between Sherbrooke and de Maisonneuve streets
Montreal Boréal
For a second year, this outdoor event featuring Quebec folklore and the culture of extreme cold enlivens the streets of the Saint-Henri district until March 10. The activities are varied: games for children, sliding, bike with oversized wheels, ax throwing, snowboarding course for toddlers, “laughter yoga” classes… All this in a musical atmosphere including the participation of Ian Kelly and Carotté, in particular.
Square Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier
La Tohu and Frédéric-Back Park
La maison du cirque in Montreal offers completely free programming for children during spring break. In addition to indoor artistic activities, on the outdoor site, you can borrow a Finnish bowling game or a giant chess game, or even try snow sculpture. And just a stone’s throw away, at Frédéric-Back Park, you can borrow snowshoes, cross-country skis, sleds and even kites.
2345 Jarry Street East
Some ideas in brief:
• go skating for free at Esplanade Tranquille, in the heart of the Quartier des spectacles;
• go cross-country skiing on the grounds of the Botanical Garden;
• take a ride on the Grande Roue in Old Montreal;
• take the skaters’ path at Parc Jean-Drapeau, with a view of the river.
Quebec
Valcartier Holiday Village
We never tire of the classics: the good old tube slides are always a success. In this games center, you have the choice between 35 snow slides including all levels of difficulty… including the extreme Snow Rafting and Tornado.
2280, boulevard Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
The Ice Hotel
On the same site, you can take the opportunity to visit this astonishing hotel. Every winter, this ephemeral course composed solely of snow and ice offers a fascinating environment: the large hall, the chapel, the slide, the rooms and suites and even a bar where you can order a cocktail served in a glass of ice. You can just visit, or spend the night there.
2280, boulevard Valcartier, Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier
The Dufferin Terrace slide
Aren’t you tired of sliding? Go try the one on Dufferin Terrace, which is perhaps the city’s oldest attraction! This famous wooden slide, in place for over 135 years, allows you to reach speeds of up to 70 km/h in your slide!
Place Terrasse Dufferin, Quebec
Onhwa’Lumina
In this enchanted nocturnal journey, in Wendake, you will be invited to discover the way of life and the values of the Huron-Wendat nation. At nightfall, this 1.2 kilometer route through the forest will transport you with an immersive multimedia experience from Moment Factory. You will enter the Great Circle, travel on the back of a turtle and around the hearth of a traditional longhouse.
110, rue Grand Chef Thonnakona, Wendake
Empire 47
Learn about fat-tire cycling at Empire 47 Station, a non-profit organization that manages and develops outdoor trails. You can rent a bike there (several models are available, including junior models) and discover 50 km of trails for all levels.
26, rue du Pied-des-Pentes, Quebec
The Nordik Village
Try ice fishing with your family! In the heart of the Louise Basin, at the port of Quebec, you can practice ice fishing. You will also find a warmth area and entertainment on site.
80, quai Saint-André, Quebec
Some ideas in brief:
• go skating at the ice rink on Place D’Youville, backed by the fortifications, or at the ice rink on the Plains of Abraham site;
• learn to ski or snowboard for free in the training slopes of the Stoneham and Mont-Sainte-Anne resorts;
• go hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in Jacques-Cartier National Park.
Elsewhere in Quebec
Sherbrooke Carnival
Until March 3, a host of activities are planned (some free and others requiring the purchase of a low-cost passport): ice sculpture trail, inflatable games, birds of prey presentation, museum traveling, shows, face painting, carriage ride, via ferrata, visit to the farm, bike with oversized tires, circus workshop… There is something for everyone!
Jacques-Cartier Park, 220, rue Marchant, Sherbrooke
Omega Park
In this rather unique park, you can take a 12-kilometer safari drive to discover Canada’s wild animals in their natural environment. You can also feed the deer and even try the new activity: snow scootering, pulled by husky dogs. Parc Oméga also offers accommodation on site, surrounded by nature.
399, route 323 North, Montebello
This content was produced by the Special Publications team at Duty, relating to marketing. The writing of the Duty did not take part.