On rue des Colibris, as on other streets lined with RVs or trailers transformed into chalets, children ride freely on bicycles. Small families and seniors drive around in golf carts.
With more than 1,700 campsites, most of which are seasonal, the site has become over the decades a small village, crossed by 25 kilometers of streets overhung by mature trees.
The word village is not too strong, the site being equipped with its own water treatment system, a market, a leisure service, sports grounds and even a performance hall. That’s not counting its outdoor wifi network, one of the most extensive in Quebec, if not the largest.
We enjoy the summer
At the heart of the estate are two artificial lakes, fed by a stream from Lake Hertel to Mont Saint-Hilaire. Bordered by a beach, the largest is frequented for swimming, paddle boarding or pedalo rides.
Photo provided by Domaine international de Rouville
On the other lake, we have fun on a floating course. Right next to it, there is a beautiful swimming pool and water games.
The floating course at the aquapark.
Photo provided by Domaine international de Rouville
Travelers
At the western end of the estate, near the largest lake, a section is reserved for traveling campers. There, as elsewhere where the seasonal campers live, tall trees provide plenty of shade.
To say that originally, more than 60 years ago, the campsite was very sparsely wooded, the sector being agricultural.
New this summer: the rental of mini-container chalets. Everything is there, even the air conditioning.
Visitors
The estate is open to visitors for a day at the beach or a paddleboard tour. There is also something to have fun at the small aquapark.
In the surroundings, the atmosphere is sometimes relaxed, sometimes festive. Here and there we hear salsa tunes. Even for a day, one feels a pleasant holiday atmosphere.
INTERNATIONAL DOMAIN OF ROUVILLE
- Admission for one day: $16.50 (13+), $12 (6-12)
- Floating route: $20
- Campsites (tents, trailers, RVs): from $45 per night
- Coolbox mini-chalets: from $189 to $269 per night
- For rent : paddle board, kayak, pedal boat, electric bike, golf cart
- Sports and leisures : swimming, volleyball, disc golf, golf and more
- Shows : humor and country music www.domainederouville.com
OTHER OUTING IDEAS
Gatineau’s only park
The Champlain lookout, bike paths, beaches with good water quality, there is no shortage of attractions in this territory near Gatineau-Ottawa. Camping, refuges, hostels and hotels.
Coaticook Valley
The long pedestrian bridge suspended over the gorge and the illuminated Foresta Lumina circuit alone are worth the trip. Also to be highlighted: the Nature Discovery Park. Wide choice of accommodation, ranging from camping to bed and breakfasts.
►Alain Demers is the author of the book Rediscover Quebec: 101 destinationspublished by Éditions du Journal.