Here’s a riddle:
What comes back every spring, which feels overwhelming for parents, but which makes all the kids happy?
Answer:
Spring Break.
Let’s agree on one point. If spring break gets worries us, it’s not because we parents don’t like spending quality time with our family. It’s just that with so much to think about on a daily basis, thinking about and planning an entire week’s activities can feel overwhelming.
Dominique to the rescue!
I offer you a little 5-day “road trip” in Quebec, which includes an original activity to do per day and a place to stay. You would have nothing to think about except… have FUN!
Pack your bags, we’re leaving in 3-2-1…
Destination Quebec
For your first stop, I suggest Village Vacances Valcartier in Saint-Gabriel de Valcartier for a two-day “hot and cold” stay.
“Hot” Monday: Bora Parc
Who has never been to Valcartier Village in winter? To be different this year, live the “hot” experience at Bora Parc which offers more than 102,000 square feet of diversified summer pleasures, with a large wave pool, more than 14 water slides, a family pool with water games, a multi-activity adventure river and a double surf wave.
“Cold” Tuesday: Visit to the Ice Hotel
Early March is your last chance to visit the Ice Hotel. Entirely made of ice and snow, this ice hotel stimulates the imagination. With its grandiose sculptures, its spectacular snow vaults, its majestic ice chandelier and its popular big slide, one could imagine oneself in a magical world where winter is eternal.
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Depending on your budget, you can consider the possibility of spending a night there (see the 24 themed rooms and suites) or take advantage of the accommodation at the Valcartier hotel, a 4-star hotel that offers 153 rooms and suites directly on the Valcartier Vacation Village website.
Destination Ile d’Orleans
Wednesday: Dog sledding
Earlier this year, I offered you an article in which you can find 6 places in Quebec where you can indulge in this activity. I suggest another place, this time on Île d’Orléans at Mi-Loup expedition. You can enjoy the magnificent winter landscapes of the island and a breathtaking view of the frozen St. Lawrence River.
Would you like to spend the night on the island? I suggest the Auberge La Goéliche, at the very end of the island, in Sainte-Pétronille, with its restaurant and its rooms overlooking the river. Its country style and friendly staff will charm you.
Destination Charlevoix
Thursday: Winter Via Ferrata at the Palissades de Charlevoix with Aventurex. Les Palissades de Charlevoix is a mountain adventure park and a unique natural gem in North America. They offer 2 Via Ferrata routes, including the one in winter that combines hiking and ice climbing. On this course, you will cross a spectacular aerial bridge 200 meters above the valley and finish the course with a magnificent abseiling on a 70-meter rope and then a descent on the double zip line which crosses the lake. This activity does not require any climbing experience or technique and is ideal for families and beginners.
For accommodation, I suggest the charming Gîte aux Tournesols, located in Saint-Siméon. You will therefore be a little less than 10 km from Les Palissades.
Destination Eastern Townships
Friday: admire the Milky Way in the heart of an international dark sky reserve. Did you know that there are only about fifteen international dark sky reserves in the world, and it is Quebec that has the very first: that of Mont-Mégantic in the Eastern Townships. In winter, as it gets dark from 4 p.m., you will have the luxury of enjoying the stars and planets for a long time, which you can admire with your bare eyes or through the huge ASTROlab telescope.
For accommodation, I suggest Aux berges de l’Aurore, a friendly and warm hotel located one minute from the entrance to the national park and the ASTROlab.
So here is my little “road trip” which will be amazing for creating wonderful family memories. I suggest you mark each of the destinations on my customizable hand-drawn map of Canada to immortalize this incredible week.
