During March Break, get the kids moving outside and get them energized (and you, too!) before proceeding with the rest of the school year. For something different than the usual sledding in the park, here are a few original ideas for kids both young and old.
1. Skating on a trail
To switch things up, skip the neighbourhood ice rink and opt for a picturesque kilometres-long skating trail instead. In Montreal, the Parc Jean-Drapeau trail boasts 457 metres of trail with a breathtaking view of downtown. For something more bucolic, try the forestry trail at Domaine enchanteur (15 km) at Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel, or at Lac-des-Loups (6 km). There are many skating trails all across the province.
2. Borrow outdoor equipment
Want your kids to try out snowshoeing or cross-country skiing without paying an arm and a leg? Many municipal parks across Quebec lend out sports equipment for free on weekends and during March Break. Find out what services are available in your city. On the SÉPAQ network, some parks even offer cross-country ski trailers or lend out sleds.
3. Try fatbiking
For adults and teens that aren’t faint-hearted, fatbike is a more athletic activity. If your family enjoys mountain biking, they’ll love this winter activity that follows marked trails on snow on a bike with oversized tires. Many bike rental shops also rent out fatbikes, like VoilOka at Oka National Park, Écho Aloha SUP in Morin-Heights or Empire 47 in Lac-Delage.
4. Try snow scooters
Snow scooters are fitted with two skis and include handlebars to hold onto. Place one foot on a ski and use the other to push. You can even hitch your dog on using a special harness so they can pull, or even install a person at the front of the sled on a small seat, depending on the model. Try it at Parc de la Gorge de Coaticook, Base de plein-air de Sainte-Foy or even at certain national or regional parks.
5. Swing from the trees
Even in winter, it’s possible to have fun on aerial routes on suspension bridges and ziplines, offering gorgeous panoramic views of snow-topped forest trees. Arbraska centres in Rawdon and Mont Saint-Grégoire offer this experience.
To make the most of winter, be sure to speak to a Rachelle Béry representative with regards to protecting your and your child’s skin from the cold.
