Fall for local travel

Shorter days and busier schedules call for quality time with loved ones

 

The changing leaves, cooler nights and back-to-school routines don’t have to spell the end of summer adventure, and we set out to prove it with a road trip. As a time-pinched family with two kids, ages 5 and 8, we had some pretty specific needs: We wanted a destination that the kids would love, but could also learn something; a place that was driveable with impatient tots, but still far enough that it felt like we were escaping the city; that was fairly weather-proof; and—purely as a nice to have—wasn’t too painful for the adults. Parc Safari, an easy two-and-a-half-hour-drive from Ottawa in Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle, Quebec, ticked all the boxes.

 

We arrived at Parc Safari on a Monday afternoon and picked up the keys to our CoolBox—our home for the next two nights—where we unloaded our sleeping bags, luggage, and unpacked our cooler into the apartment-sized fridge. The CoolBox is a tiny house lover’s fantasy. It includes four queen-sized beds, the aforementioned fridge, a countertop stove, a compact dining area, a wee (pardon the pun) bathroom, small appliances, pots and pans, utensils and thoughtful extras, like free coffee and board games. (For those who are wondering, yes, it has running water, electricity and air conditioning.)

 

The kids were eager to wander after our car ride, so for the next couple of hours, we explored Parc Safari on foot. The park is easily walkable, with paths taking visitors to viewing areas including the Olduvai Walkway, Afrika Terrace, Bird’s Garden, Five Continents Animal Farm, the Deer Trail, the Cheetahs’ Plain and the Feline Tunnels.

 

 

 

 

The raised Olduvai Walkway allows visitors to get a bird’s eye view of the spotted hyenas, Arctic wolves, lynx, Japanese macaques (the antics of which delighted the girls), the black bears, and a tapir. The Feline Tunnels offer a close-up look at the zoo’s lions, with only glass in between—easily one of the highlights of the park.

Another top moment was watching the cheetahs in action at the Cheetahs’ Plain, a huge strip of land that gives the world’s fastest land animal space to reach its peak speed—which is faster than a Formula 1 race car.

A ride on the 100 percent electric bush truck (you can also take your own vehicle, but as a truck passenger, you can focus on the animals) brings you thisclose to animals from around the world, including African elephants, camels, water buffalo, wildebeest, oryx, bison zebras and rhinoceros. Some of the animals—the camels and deer in particular—are so used to guests that they’ll take leafy greens (which you can bring) or pellet feed right from your hand.

CoolBox guests were treated to perks including after-hours feedings: a porcupine (we happily kept our distance as our guide, the Discovery Pavilion’s conservationist Simon Sedillot did the honours) and fallow deer on the deer trail. The deer anticipated the arrival of the guests, and had a good appetite for the seed mix the visitors offered in their cupped hands. “Every evening,” says Sedillot, “is another magic moment.”

In the morning, we got another cheerful knock on the CoolBox door from Sedillot, who gathered guests to the Afrika Terrace to feed leafy vegetables to the giraffes. The kids cackled as the giraffes curled their long tongues around their fistfuls of greens.

With more than 350 animals and 45 species at the park, we were happy to have two days to take it all in. We even had time for a quick trip through the Discovery Pavilion, which contains minerals and fossils and skeletons dating back millions of years. There is even a piece of a rock believed to be part of the earth’s original crust, which would make it 4.28 billion years old—impressive, just like this park.

 

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Singin’ in the rain

Rain was often in the forecast this summer, but it doesn’t detract from the Parc Safari experience. We brought our raincoats and continued to visit the animals (many of which are actually more active in the cooler temps) and even visited the amazing water park during a sun shower (hey, we were already wet). While our five-year-old loved the Dolphins’ Lagoon with its kid-sized slides (still fast enough to make adults shriek with glee) and splash pad, we all spent way more time than we’d allotted at the Tropical Oasis, which featured three huge waterslides (you’ll get your cardio going up the stairs) and a 400-metre-long Egyptian-themed lazy river. One big perk of heading to Parc Safari when it’s not 30 degrees and sunny? It’s far less crowded, which means shorter wait times and better animal sightings.

 

Insider tips from someone who’s visited

Consider renting a CoolBox An overnight stay will give you time to see everything—and having your own accommodations will allow you to have a hot shower after visiting the waterpark (there are public outdoor showers to rinse off, but you’ll have to keep your swimsuit on. Also, the water is not heated).

Bring your own leafy greens Visitors are permitted to feed the deer and the giraffes. Leave the apples and carrots at home, unless you’re the one eating them.

Don’t overlook the Discovery Pavilion Seek out the Discovery Pavilion’s conservationist, Simon Sedillot. Many of the pieces are from his private collection, and he’s a wealth of information and can tell you more than you ever wanted to know about rocks.

Pack a picnic lunch (and dinner) While most parks do not allow outside food, Parc Safari encourages you to bring your own eats. We saw lots of families using collapsible wagons to transport their coolers.

Stay connected There’s free guest wi-fi in the Safari Village (hub with all the restaurants, gift shop and Discovery Pavilion), but not elsewhere in the park.

If you’re going swimming, bring flip flops The concrete can get hot enough to burn your feet.

For more info:

Address Parc Safari, 242 Roxham Rd., Saint-Bernard-de-Lacolle QC J0J 1V0

Website parcsafari.com

Telephone 450-247-2727

Facebook facebook.com/ParcSafarii.i

 

 

Looking for some other local destinations? We’ve got you covered:

 

 

Éco-Odyssée Nature Park

What: Located on 500 acres of land that includes a 70-acre marsh, agricultural fields, rolling mountains and a magnificent mixed forest, Éco-Odyssée Nature Park–located 30 minutes from Ottawa near Wakefield–is the only one of its kind in the world.

Where: 52 Chemin des Sources, La Pêche, QC J0X 3G0

Things to do: Go beaver watching while traversing a 5 km water maze via pedal boat, paddleboard, kayak or canoe; find your way out of a foot maze, hike a walking path, have a picnic or a campfire, or challenge friends and family to a game of pickup volleyball. Learn about nature conservation, wildlife and the park by completing a scavenger. Beginning in December, guests can go skating on up to 5 km of ice through several ecosystems: marshes, forests and fields; and go for a walk or snowshoe through 1.5 km of trails. “Many animals live in the marsh—beavers, otters, muskrat, ducks, geese, turtles, frogs, snakes and more, says park co-owner Amelie Rocheleau. But remember, it’s a natural habitat, not a zoo, so it’s a matter of luck and a good sense of observation.”

When to go: Éco-Odyssée’s fall schedule begins on Sept. 1. The park will be open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

Web: eco-odyssee.ca

 

Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian Children’s Museum

 

 

What: A visit to one of Canada’s most popular museums rewards visitors with 15,000 years of Indigenous and Canadian history, thought-provoking programs and events, and lots of family fun.

Where: 100 Laurier St., Gatineau, QC K1A 0M8

Things to do: Discover the resiliency and diversity of Indigenous cultures across Canada by visiting the Grand Hall and First Peoples Hall, and walk through Canada’s timeline in the Canadian History Hall—a stunning showcase that provides access to 15,000 years of social history through personal stories and 1,500 authentic artifacts, many of which are national treasures. The Canadian Museum of History is also home to the Canadian Children’s Museum, which allows kids of all ages to take a trip around the world. Board a colourful Pakistani bus, load packages onto a cargo ship, cook up a feast in a Mexican kitchen, explore a pyramid in Egypt, shop at an open-air market, visit homes in Japan, India and more. Kids can also make crafts at the art studio and play at making and serving pizza and sushi in the Kids’ Café. Included with admission is CINÉ+— showcasing inspiring, larger-than-life documentary films connecting audiences with culture, history and science.

When to go: Timed tickets can be booked online. Admission is free every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. (booking required) on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30) and on Remembrance Day (Nov. 11).

Web: historymuseum.ca/

 

War Games at the Canadian War Museum

What: A special exhibit on through Dec. 31, War Games is an expansive introduction to wargaming. Across centuries and around the world, military planners developed games to meet challenges and hone tactics. Many of the games we play at home, from chess to online multiplayer battles, have been shaped by contemporary and historic conflicts.

Where: 1 Vimy Place, Ottawa ON K1A 0M8

Things to do: Find out how games—from tabletop battlefields to digital simulations—have been used to train military personnel. Explore the connections between military conflicts and popular games. Hear thought-provoking perspectives from professional gamers, researchers, designers and veterans.

When to go: Through Dec. 31. Timed tickets can be booked online. Admission is free every Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m.

Web: warmuseum.ca/war-games/

 

Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival

What: The 36th edition of the Gatineau Hot Air Balloon Festival features several music stages with well-known and local and emerging artists, including some family shows (check the website for the schedule); the Beauce Carnaval amusement park; fireworks; and of course, a sky full of dozens of hot air balloons from all over the world.

Where : Parc de la Baie, Gatineau. In the event weather prohibiting lift-off from the Parc de la Baie, alternative sites have been set up: École polyvalente de l’Érablière and Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport.

Things to do: Book a hot air balloon ride, participate in a silent disco, take the kids to jump on inflatables, shop the La Baie market for crafts and creations, visit the car show, meet a hot air balloon pilot, practice hatha yoga with Espace elvi and get a front-row seat at the GPW-LPG wrestling gala.

When to go: 5 p.m. on Aug. 31 to 5 p.m. on Sept. 4. Times of the lift-off are weather dependent, so bookmark the website for updates. Don’t want to miss a moment? Consider staying at the on-site RV park.

Web: montgolfieresgatineau.com/en/

 

Mādahòkì Farm

What: Celebrate Tagwàgi (Autumn) at Indigenous Experience’s new property, Mādahòkì Farm—Canada’s only Indigenous agritourism destination and working farm. The farm is the year-round home of an Indigenous Marketplace that promotes products made by Indigenous artisans and the permanent home for a growing herd of endangered Ojibwe Spirit Horses.

Where: 4420 West Hunt Club Rd., Nepean, ON K2R 1E7

Things to do: Shop the Indigenous marketplace with arts, crafts and food from more than 40 Indigenous artists and makers; feed small farm animals; walk the legacy trail and leave a message of reconciliation; play in the children’s area and meet rare Ojibwe Spirit Horses—Canada’s only Indigenous horse breed.

When to go: This fall, the farm is open from Monday to Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 pm. Check the website for updates.

Web: madahoki.ca/