MARCH BREAK IN THE OUTAOUAIS
There are dozens of things to do during March break in the Outaouais. Here a few ideas:
It’s all about chocolate
Do your children have a sweet tooth? Do they enjoy creative, hands-on activities? Sign them up for a special spring break chocolate making workshop at Miss Chocolat March 7 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Besides sampling delicious handmade chocolates, they’ll have an opportunity to create their very own moulded chocolate Easter treats. Online: Goo.gl/5bxMC
A (bank) noteworthy break
At the Currency Museum of the Bank of Canada (free admission), you and your kids can learn all about the history and evolution of money. Tour the world’s largest collection of Canadian coins, paper money, and tokens, and see a fascinating variety of currencies from other countries, including such unusual things as seashells, beads, teeth, cocoa beans, and precious metals. Online: Goo.gl/mAElw
Skating in the great outdoors
There’s nothing like a free skate on an outdoor rink on a sunny spring day — and in the Outaouais region, there are lots of rinks to choose from! In Gatineau, visit the Centre de plein air du Lac Beauchamp (Online: goo. gl/73vSs) or the Centre de plein air du Lac Leamy (goo. gl/P1eP2). On the Ontario side, you can practise your figure-eights on the skating rink at Rideau Hall (Online: goo.gl/Xwx2b) — and don’t miss the famous Rideau Canal Skateway (goo.gl/VMjyE), the longest skating rink in the world!
Centre de plein air du Lac-Beauchamp
The outdoor centre at Parc du Lac Beauchamp offers fun, affordable winter activities for the whole family. The younger set will enjoy tube sliding or skate, while older kids can hike, ski or snowshoe along 15 km of groomed woodland trails. Admission and parking are free, and you can rent equipment at very reasonable rates. Online: Goo.gl/WnyfU
Spring break at Montebello
The Fairmont Le Château Montebello, the world’s biggest log building, is offering special family activities during spring break. During your stay, guests of all ages are invited to try snow sculpting, go for a ride on a dog sled, learn the basics of curling, decorate homemade cookies, and participate in an outdoor rally. Online: Goo.gl/f4E3G
Downhill skiing more affordable than ever
This year, families can downhill ski for less in the Outaouais region. With the purchase of one room night at a participating hotel, families can buy two adult ski passes for just $24 each. It’s a great (and affordable) way to discover the beautiful slopes of the Outaouais region. Online: Goo.gl/B0DA3
An all-inclusive getaway
This year, get off the beaten track and pamper yourself with an all-inclusive week in the Outaouais region. La Petite Rouge vacation resort offers a package that includes accommodation in a private cottage (two to eight bedrooms), plus all meals and sports equipment. During your stay you can enjoy crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing, skating, tube sliding, hockey, and broomball. Online: Goo.gl/yr3KD
For those really cold days
We admit there are some days when you’d just rather stay indoors. In that case, gather the gang and head for Tubes & Jujubes, the largest and most entertaining family amusement centre in the region. With its giant play structures, ball arenas, kiddie park, climbing wall, and wide array of agility games, Tubes & Jujubes offers hours of fun for everyone! Online: Goo.gl/ t8Fgc
Snowshoeing among the white-tailed deer
A unique concept in Quebec, Parc Oméga is open even in winter. Observe North American wild animals in their natural habitat, and meet some of them up close. Snowshoe through the woods among the white-tailed deer, and create some lasting family memories. And now that Autoroute 50 is complete, Parc Oméga is even easier to get to. Online: Goo.gl/IZFlP