To start the week off on the right foot, we're off to Ripon for a day at Ripon's Black Mountains Park. On the agenda: tobogganing, cross-country skiing, hiking to the lookout point and the 12-metre observation tower.
In the afternoon, we strap on our skates and head to Lac-Simon for the forest skating rink. Right next door, a slide awaits us, as well as cross-country ski trails.
Phew, after this splendid day, we're back in shape for an equally stimulating one the next day...
Chiens de traîneaux Sled Dogs awaits you for an out-of-the-ordinary canine experience in Saint-Sixte.
Then it's on to Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix for a variety of activities at theAuberge et Club de golf Héritage. Skating, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and even snowmobiling await you. Afraid of the cold? Warm up around the fire or come inside for a cup of herbal tea.
If you've got any energy left, you're just a few kilometers from the must-see Parc Oméga. Discover hundreds of animals in their natural habitat along a 15-kilometre trail.
Montebello offers many interesting activities for the whole family. As soon as you arrive, a cup of hot chocolate will brighten up your morning. After sipping this simply delicious hot beverage from Chocomotive, it's time to strap on your skates and take a stroll through Parc Monseigneur Chamberland, located just behind Montebello's famous train station. Once your body is revitalized with fresh air, it's time to fill your belly. Sushi lovers will be delighted by the Souche-i restaurant at Brasseurs de Montebello. So, while mom and dad enjoy a microbrewery beer, the kids can play board games. Slice of life: I introduced my daughter to chess here. It was a memorable afternoon. For those whose children don't like sushi, several other restaurants in Montebello offer different menus to please everyone.
Head to the Bowman side of the Forest of Bowman Regional Park for a snowshoe hike or ice fishing at the Lac de l'Escalier reservoir. You can catch pike and bass. At Parc du Centenaire, little ones will be delighted to find snow slides and play structures in the municipal park.
Just across the bridge in Val-des-Bois, the Sentier Albatros offers snowshoeing, while the Sentier du Lièvre offers slightly easier hikes. You can then tease brook trout (speckled trout) at Lac Vert and end the day at the municipal park.
During spring break, two treasure hunts will be organized in these municipalities. Dates to be determined. To round off spring break, the Snow Castle Challenge will be held in Val-des-Bois on March 5. There will be a number of outdoor activities, and families will be invited to complete the big castle.
Before heading to Mayo or Val-des-Bois, we suggest you stop off at Réserve écologique de la Forêt la blanche . Located in Mayo, this is one of the few ecological reserves in Quebec with restricted access for the general public. It's an ideal place for snowshoeing.
The day begins in Saint-André-Avellin at the Club de ski de fond des montagnes blanches (Louis-Joseph-Papineau bike path) for a few kilometers of cross-country skiing, walking or snowshoeing. Benches have been set up in several places so you can take full advantage of the scenery.
A number of restaurants in Saint-André-Avellin, including La Toquade, Café du Bistrot, Le Vieux Chaudron and Chénéville's Villa du Bifteck, will give you the energy you need for an afternoon of sledding at the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon . Once you've hit the slopes a few times, you can tease the brook trout at Lac de la Ferme or take a dogsled ride with Meute Tanwen. On your return, Carbo Barbecue awaits you for a memorable meal.
