Any parent who has ever set foot on the huge beach at the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon with their offspring will tell you: it's a real children's paradise.
The immense two-kilometre beach of fine white sand is the main feature that makes this resort so unique. The superbly crystalline waters of Lac Simon add to the magic of the setting.
The emphasis is on family activities, and there are plenty of them! In addition to the huge supervised beach, you'll find five slides, a giant trampoline, climbing equipment and water games. Seeing children and even teenagers forget their smartphones for a few hours and simply have fun will remind many parents of their 90s youth.
Running from activity station to activity station, the little ones have fun - and in complete safety. Parents can keep an eye on them as they sip their drinks in the sun. One thing's for sure, kids quickly fall into the arms of Morpheus after a day of fun in the water and on land.
For the not-so-young, you can rent surfboards, which you practice standing up with a paddle. Traditional canoes, kayaks and pedal boats are also available for hire. You can also float down the Petite-Nation River on a tube from the village of Duhamel. The current of the river as it flows into the lake will take you right back to the beach. A boat launch at the western end of the beach awaits anglers, who will be delighted by the number of species the lake shelters.
Open to all, you don't have to camp on the site to access this magical family universe. A daily pass is available for a great time.
Open year-round, this enchanting site offers a wide range of exceptional attractions. If you're interested in what the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon has to offer, visit www.sepaq.com/lacsimon for full details. You can also contact the team at 819 428-7931.
Text written by Yan Proulx of Journal Les 2 Vallées Petite-Nation La Lièvre and published in Journal touristique Papineau.