QUÉBEC CITY, Dec. 14, 2016 /CNW Telbec/ - Sépaq establishments have switched to winter mode and are ready to welcome cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and fatbike enthusiasts. The snowfall of the last few days has lit up the snow condition dashboard, on which we're seeing conditions favourable to winter activities.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
It's a go! Camp Mercier is already open and the national parks will open their ski and snowshoe trails on December 17. These seven Sépaq cross-country skiing centres were very popular last winter thanks to the great Family Experience, which aims to make Sépaq establishments more welcoming for families, in particular because they're free of charge for children, with equipment rental included in the mix.
In light of this first season, Sépaq noted the interest of families in cross-country skiing and snowshoeing and has added more offerings in that regard. For example, Mont-Mégantic, Mont-Orford, Mont-Saint-Bruno, Mont-Tremblant, and Oka national parks, as well as Camp Mercier in Réserve faunique des Laurentides, and Station touristique Duchesnay are now equipped to offer more boots, skis, poles, snowshoes, baby carriers, sleds, and other such gear.
Parents are invited to look out for the family seal which will indicate the ski and snowshoe trails best suited for our young clientele. Sépaq trails also offer many challenges for more athletic snowshoers. Camp Mercier has even set aside a 1,000 m peak especially for them! Mont-Mégantic, Monts-Valin, and Jacques-Cartier national parks are among their favourite destinations.
Fatbikes
Fatbikes are becoming increasingly popular. This winter they will be offered for rent at Jacques-Cartier, Îles-de-Boucherville, Oka, and Mont-Saint-Bruno national parks. This type of bike is well-adapted to the winter and generates enormous interest among teenagers and young adults alike.
Snow
When the season begins obviously depends on the snow. Conditions at the various establishments offering winter activities can be checked at sepaq.com and anyone interested can sign up to receive the snow conditions of their favourite destinations or download an app for their smartphone to have conditions at their fingertips at any time. Details at sepaq.com.
The Aquarium during winter
Aquarium du Québec doesn't need snow to offer a memorable experience! But seeing polar bears, walruses, seals, and arctic foxes in such a playful mood when snow falls certainly creates a cheerful and festive mood. And what more can we say about Festi Lumière, this outdoor circuit where everything is illuminated and sparkling and which never fails to amaze the kids? Every evening from December 26 to January 8, from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., and Friday and Saturday evenings from January 13 to February 25 at the same times.
| Suggestions for evening activities |
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| Location |
Activity |
Dates |
Times |
Cost |
| Parc national du Mont-Mégantic |
Torch-lit snowshoeing |
Saturdays, from January 21 to April 1 and March 1, 2, and 3 |
From 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. |
$14.20/adult free of charge for children |
| Parc national des Grands-Jardins |
Torch-lit snowshoeing |
December 30, February 4 and 18, and March 4, 11 and 18, 2017 |
From 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. |
$10/adult free of charge for children |
| Parc national des Îles-de-Boucherville |
Experience the park in evening (torch-lit outing) |
January 21 and 28 |
From 4 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. |
$12/adult free of charge for children |
| Parc national d'Oka |
Les Nocturnes (friendly cross-country skiing competitions) topped off with a cheese fondue dinner |
January 11 and 25 and February 22 |
Departure for adults at 6 p.m. Departure for children at 6:45 p.m. |
$30/adult $22.50/child |
| Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier |
Tire-toi une bûche: Pull up a log Snowshoeing followed by storytelling and beer and sausage tasting |
Every Saturday from January 7 to March 11 |
From 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. |
$24.50 Adults only |
Complete details at sepaq.com
SOURCE Société des établissements de plein air du Québec
Lucie Boulianne, Communications Officer, Sépaq, 418-686-4875, [email protected]
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