While recreational tourism activities in Quebec are not immune to inflation, here are some tips and tricks to limit the ever-increasing costs of family vacations.
Free activities
Nearly 30% of recreational and tourist attractions in Quebec are free, as François G. Chevrier, general director of Événements Attractions Québec, which brings together more than 500 festivals, events, attractions and corporations in several regions of Quebec, points out. But you still have to find them.
“These attractions often don’t have the same means of promotion as players who have a lot of income. So we don’t see them in advertising,” admits Mr. Chevrier, who recently visited Hydro-Québec facilities on the Côte-Nord for free. Industrial tours of this type are among the activities that are often free, he points out. Guided tours are also free in certain places like Old Quebec.
Mr. Chevrier suggests contacting the tourist association of the region visited directly, on the Internet or in information offices, for advice on this subject.
In addition, family entertainment is organized in several municipal libraries, particularly in Montreal, such as movies, shows and reading clubs. To keep up to date with activities, workshops and neighborhood parties, Montrealer Maude Landreville points to the calendar proposed by Effervescence citoyenne. The Maisons de la culture website is also an interesting reference.
In for money
Mother Geneviève Simard says she favours activities that offer a good “cost per hour” ratio. She believes that it is possible to make the access fees profitable by having fun for a long time with board games in a fun pub like Randolph or La Revanche.
To this end, some of our readers also cited the example of Archipel Amélio, in Saint-Jérôme, which offers more than 400 outdoor games. That’s enough to keep young people busy for a whole day, for a reasonable price of $15 per child. In addition, families of four or more players can get a 15% discount.
Festivals, which abound in Quebec, also often allow you to get value for your money.
Enjoy nature
For families who vacation in their hometown, large parks near urban areas can even provide a sense of escape. “My family and I leave Hochelaga by bike and go to the Île Saint-Bernard wildlife reserve in Châteauguay,” says Maude Landreville.
Montreal’s municipal nature parks also provide an opportunity to breathe fresh air. Free nature interpretation activities are regularly held there.
In Quebec’s national parks, there is an entrance fee, but individual rental of outdoor equipment is free for minors in a family context, notes Simon Boivin, responsible for media relations for the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec.
Watch for discounts
In a marketing effort, recreational tourism businesses regularly offer lower rates in certain circumstances, such as during the week or late in the afternoon. By planning ahead, you can also buy discounted season passes for the following year.
Traveling out of season
When possible, Annie Labelle takes short getaways outside of peak seasons with her family of seven children. Accommodation prices and activities have often dropped by then. She combines one or two days off with a pedagogical day to stay at a place like Domaine Ste-Agathe. “The second day of the week [est offerte] at half price and [il y a] heated indoor and outdoor pools, so it’s possible to enjoy them even in October or November,” she says.
Call on friendly and family connections
By pooling financial resources with friends or family, the per capita cost of accommodation in a cottage or condo is often reduced. You can also avoid paying for a hotel by requesting the hospitality of acquaintances who live in another part of the province. And why not exchange custody of your children with a cousin, sister or friend? This change in their daily lives can already be exciting for the little humans.
Change the routine
Even when staying at home, children can easily be overwhelmed by a disruption to their routine. According to our colleague from Duty Fanny Bédard, her children’s enthusiasm is high for a breakfast for dinner – pancakes at 6 p.m., for example – or a picnic in the living room.
“We go outside and I tell them: you decide where we go, left or right, every street corner,” she also says. “When they feel like they’re deciding, it’s precious to them. It’s like a big party.”
Backyard camping is also a hit with many families who are lucky enough to have one.