Want to get off the beaten track and do something different outdoors? Sépaq offers a range of new activities to practice throughout the cold season, including school break. Fasten your toques, let’s go!
Live from Scandinavia
The snow scooter, to have fun in the great outdoors Originally from the countries of Northern Europe, where it is inseparable from ice fishing, the snow scooter is gaining popularity in Quebec. And for good reason ! A hybrid between dog sledding and cross-country skiing, it’s an exciting activity for young and old. Mounted on two skis, this Nordic sledge is equipped with handles and a bench on which you can sit a child or put a heavy backpack. Whoever “drives” propels the scooter according to his abilities and the mood of the moment and puts his feet on the skis to enjoy the pleasure of the descent. Try it on the hard-packed snow hiking trails in Oka, Jacques-Cartier, Bic and Aiguebelle national parks. Reservation required for equipment rental (caution, inventory is limited), which is chargeable for adults, but free for children 17 and under.
head in the stars
A visit to the ASTROLab, day or night The Mont-Mégantic Observatory (OMM), in the national park of the same name, houses the largest telescope in eastern North America and the most efficient in Canada. Since 2007, the creation of the International Dark Sky Reserve, with the aim of reducing light pollution, preserves access to this unforgettable spectacle, today and for years to come. During the winter season, tickets for a day visit to the ASTROLab, the activity center at the foot of Mont Mégantic, give access to the exhibition From the starry sky to the infinite universe, which allows you to experience the evolution of our conception of space, and allow viewing of the high-definition film Emergence: Cosmic Evolution, projected on a giant 10-meter screen. This scientific incursion can be supplemented by a snowshoe trail. Equipment rental is available on site, at the Discovery and Visitors Center in the Observatory sector (reservations at least 24 hours in advance). Paid activity for adults, free for children, by reservation.
You can also treat yourself to a two-hour astronomy evening at the ASTROLab, which includes The Quest for Origins, a presentation on the James-Webb Space Telescope, as well as the viewing of Emergence: cosmic evolution and, if the sky is clear, stargazing with the naked eye and observing a celestial object in one of the telescopes available to visitors. The whole, completed by a torchlight walk. Paid activity for adults, free for children, by reservation.
Sleepless nights
Moonlight Expeditions There’s nothing like a winter nighttime experience in the heart of nature to thrill young people (adults too!). On a clear day, the shimmering skies and moonlit snowy trails are simply magical. In addition, it is after dark that a good part of the fauna is active, which gives rise to unforgettable encounters. On February 4 and March 7, Parc national d’Oka is offering the immersive experience Under the moon at Calvary, a guided snowshoe hike on a historic trail that allows participants to soak up the sounds of the nightlife. On February 5 and March 7, the Duchesnay Tourist Station, near Quebec City, offers the total after dark, a moonlit cross-country ski tour including a stop halfway at the La Bicoque refuge, where campfire, torches and hot chocolate await participants. On February 5 and March 4, walkers can also enjoy a group or family outing on the Parc national du Bic site. On the program: a 5-kilometre torchlight walk on an easy trail, punctuated by a marshmallow and hot chocolate break around a campfire and completed by a mini slide (participants must provide their sledge). Paid activities for adults, free for children, by reservation.
Explore, learn, have fun
Outdoor educational rallies Autonomous rallies, perfect for family fun on a beautiful winter day, allow participants to travel snowy trails at their own pace while familiarizing themselves with the climate, fauna and flora of protected sites. This fun activity, which calls on the sense of observation, comes in the form of charades, riddles and various challenges. To discover: the rallies Winter Facts, Following the Trail, Of Forests and Trees and Adapt or Fly offered at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier, as well as the Ghost Rally and experience find the beast in the Monts-Valin National Park. Snowshoeing enthusiasts can take part in the rally Discovery on snowshoes Have fun of Mont-Orford National Park. Free activities that do not require reservations.
Technology and physical activity
Go for geocaching! This techno treasure hunt can be practiced with family, friends or even solo. How it works: geocachers hide clues in geocaches (plastic containers) and publish their geographic coordinates online, while treasure hunters, aided by an application, use a GPS or their smartphone to discover them. Want to try the adventure? Go to Parc du Mont-Orford to discover the trails L’Érablière and 80 years of history (which allows you to make a real journey through time) and The Snowshoe Owl (to become familiar with the fauna, flora and geography of the place). To ensure the longevity of Québec’s national parks, Sépaq has implemented preventive measures that show the growing number of enthusiasts how to have fun while respecting nature. To find out more, see Geocaching in protected territory of Sepaq.
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.
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