We’re taking full advantage of this long-awaited winter break to have fun with the family, children and grandparents included!
Want to go on an adventure and take a breath of fresh air with your loved ones? National parks and Sépaq territories offer a whole range of activities for young and old, regardless of their physical condition and level of expertise. The good news ?
Admission to national parks, access to cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, as well as the majority of rental center equipment (sleds, snowshoes, skis, skates, fat bikes) are free for those under 18.
A few ways to go play outside and make the most of the snow!
Family introduction to cross-country skiingThis very complete sport gets all parts of the body moving – which keeps us warm by increasing body temperature – is practiced almost everywhere in Quebec and is suitable for all budgets. Hard to beat ! Increasingly popular, cross-country skiing is an activity of choice for those who appreciate the beauty and serenity of winter nature, far from the crowds, crowded trails and endless waits in front of the ski lifts. In Sépaq’s seven cross-country ski centres,
400 kilometers of exceptionally well-maintained marked trails await visitors, who can take hikes suitable for all levels. An advantage for families: access and daily tickets, as well as the rental of cross-country ski equipment, are free for children under 18. To avoid unpleasant surprises, you must reserve the equipment in advance, at 1 800 665-6527.
Magnificent slopes near major centersVery close to Montreal, Parc national du Mont-Saint-Bruno is perfect for introducing toddlers to sliding sports, who can have fun on a family trail. In addition, this destination offers young people the course On the trail of Energy Cubes, in collaboration with the Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie and La Petite Expé. This fun and free initiative allows them to learn cross-country skiing in a relaxed setting – no question of putting pressure on them! – where they can take the time to familiarize themselves with the equipment and the sliding movements before embarking on a 600-meter loop.
In Estrie, Parc national du Mont-Orford has thirteen trails totaling 50 kilometres, four of which are family-oriented. As this national park is distinguished by its rich wildlife reserve, do not forget your approach glasses. If luck smiles on you, you might come across a fox or a deer, which it is always better to observe from a distance to respect their habitat. To prolong the pleasure, you can stay on site, literally on the edge of the slopes, in Nature chalets that can accommodate four people. Refuges are also scattered along the network of trails for fans of rustic stays.
30 minutes from Quebec City, the cross-country ski center of the Duchesnay Tourist Station offers superb trails that unfold over a 47-kilometre network. Skiers can take advantage of four heated lodges and a well-equipped ski center, and they can also afford a comfortable stay at the resort, a five-minute walk from the slopes. Note: access to sports activities is free for those who opt for accommodation.
Are you thirsty for adventures? The national parks of Mont-Tremblant and Mont-Mégantic offer cross-country skiing enthusiasts chalets, huts and rustic camps at good prices. An experience not to be missed on Saturday evenings, all year round: participate with the children in a winter astronomy activity at the ASTROLab of Mont-Mégantic, which ends with a torchlight walk to admire the starry sky . Unforgettable – but don’t forget to book!
The short hike, for everyone and all agesWhen venturing in a group of different levels, circuits or short loops are excellent choices, whether on foot or on snowshoes. It interests you ? Here are a few avenues recommended by Sépaq experts. At Parc national d’Oka, just a few kilometers from Montreal, the very beautiful L’Écureuil trail, which weaves its way between tall pines, is a good option for intermediate levels. At Parc national du Mont-Tremblant, families can take the Lac-des-Femmes beginner trail, a loop of less than 3 kilometers lined with maple groves and conifers. Other short circuits that stand out for their unique viewpoints: the Lac Jaune trail at Station touristique Duchesnay, which runs along an immense peat bog and curious rock shelters formed by the retreat of the continental glacier millennia ago, the Anses trail (sometimes steep) in Parc national du Bic and its breathtaking panorama of the river ice, and the Rivière trail in Parc national de la Yamaska, along the northern part of this body of water that never freezes .
Stays in the region, to get off the beaten track
For those who wish to completely unwind for a weekend, a few days or, why not, an entire week, whether during spring break or all year round, Sépaq has a lot to offer. Thus, Parc national de la Gaspésie offers a host of outdoor activities in one of the most beautiful winter settings in Quebec. Breathtaking ! As for accommodation, the Gîte du Mont-Albert, located in the heart of the Chic-Chocs and McGerrigle massifs, offers a warm and attentive welcome to visitors, who can stay in a room or chalet and ski down 22 kilometers of marked trails. The Portneuf wildlife reserve, an hour’s drive northwest of Quebec, offers twelve cabins and an impressive menu of activities for young and old, ranging from snowshoeing to cross-country skiing and skating, sliding and ice fishing. In Outaouais, finally, the Lac-Simon Tourist Center, where you can also stay in a cabin, also offers a wide range of activities, with the added bonus of observing white-tailed deer and hiking in fat bike or by dog sledding. Exceptional sites, for family holidays that young and old will not soon forget!
Please note that the availability of some accommodations is limited. That said, it’s never too early to plan summer getaways or Spring Break 2023!
FOR SUCCESSFUL GETAWAYS
Mission
Backed by the commitment of its team, Sépaq enhances the territories and public assets entrusted to it and ensures their sustainability for the benefit of its clientele, the regions of Québec and future generations. It connects people to nature.
This content was produced by Le Devoir’s special publications team in collaboration with the advertiser. Le Devoir’s editorial team had no role in the production of this content.