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Child on Berthier-sur-Mer beach at sunset

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Lydiane autour du monde

Sleep elsewhere

Lydiane autour du monde tells us about her family weekend

Parc du Massif du Sud and Berthier-sur-Mer
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Mother and daughter discover Ziptopia Village at Ziptopia Adventure Park

Lydiane around the world

This summer, we decided to explore the Chaudière-Appalaches region, just across the river from Quebec City. It was a real surprise to discover the wealth of activities and landscapes this region has to offer. To give you a flavour of our family adventure, here’s a summary of our two favourites: Parc du Massif du Sud and Berthier-sur-Mer.

 1ᵉʳ stop. Parc du Massif du Sud, a great playground!

Our adventure began with a complete immersion in nature at Parc du Massif du Sud. This park is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts, and it offered my family a multitude of activities that delighted young and old alike!

Camping in the wilderness

We spent two nights in an Eclipse ready-to-camp, and I have to say it was simply ideal; everything we needed to cook was already on site, from beds and mattresses to a dining table and wood-burning stove. It really simplified our camping experience, especially with our little daughter Zoé! With over 60 wooded campgrounds, shelters and many other ready-to-camp sites available, there was something for everyone. And for those rainy days, there’s a building open to all, so you can cook under cover, which is really handy!

Hiking for all levels

The park offers an impressive 71 km of trails, but my favorite was the “Parcours des Passerelles”. This 4.6 km trail runs alongside the crystal-clear waters of the Ruisseau du Milieu. It was pure joy to see Zoé having fun crossing the wooden bridges and throwing pebbles into the river.

Hebertism course: Fun challenges in the great outdoors!

To add a little adventure to our day, we tried out the free hebertism course. With 15 challenges and play modules along the river, it was the perfect place for Zoé to expend her excess energy!

Mountain biking: thrills and spills!

Mountain bikers will find what they’re looking for here, with some 20 km of singletrack and 30 km of gravel trails. Bike rentals are also available on site! We had a great time on the trails, and it was great to share our passion for mountain biking with Zoé!

Ziptopia: an unforgettable aerial adventure!

The park’s newest attraction, Ziptopia, was a real hit with the whole family! Ziptopia Village, with its bouncing nets, footbridges, perched houses, slides and suspension bridges, was perfect for Zoé! As for me, I opted for the Adventure Package, an agility course with climbing walls, zip lines and aerial bridges.

 2ᵉ stop. Berthier-sur-Mer, a little piece of paradise by the river!

After our stay at Parc du Massif du Sud , we headed for Berthier-sur-Mer. I had discovered this charming village last summer during an impromptu stopover on my way to Gaspésie, and I couldn’t wait to go back and explore this enchanting place even more!

Motel La Plage, a haven of peace by the water!

For our stay, I chose the Motel La Plage, and I was not disappointed! This motel, which has been in operation since 1937, is a veritable institution and a must-see, with its breathtaking view of the river and Mont Sainte-Anne. The rooms were comfortable and bright, and the staff incredibly welcoming. I particularly liked the domes located directly on the beach – a unique experience for admiring the most beautiful sunsets.

Berthier-sur-Mer’s municipal beach stretches for over a kilometer, providing the perfect setting for swimming with the kids. We spent hours enjoying the calm water, and I even got to do a bit of paddleboarding. With free parking right next door, it was the perfect destination for a relaxing family day out.

 Stop 3. Cruise to Grosse-Île

An adventure on the river with the Lachances!

To round off our stay in style, we embarked on an AML cruise to Grosse-Île. Captain Lachance, who hails from Île au Canot, told us fascinating stories about the archipelago, while introducing us to the river’s breathtaking scenery. It was an unforgettable experience for the whole family!

Visit to Grosse-Île… A wonderful trip back in time!

Finally, our visit to Grosse-Île was one of the highlights of our stay. It’s a former quarantine station where you can follow in the footsteps of tens of thousands of immigrants who arrived in Canada between 1832 and 1937. During this period, ships had to dock at Grosse-Île so that the people on board could be inspected to ensure they didn’t transmit disease(s) to Canadians. Only 35 minutes from Quebec City, this is a National Historic Site not to be missed! Accompanied by Parks Canada guides, we met period characters who immersed us in the fascinating history of this place. Even Zoé was captivated by the stories and settings from another time.

 In conclusion

Chaudière-Appalaches offered much more than we expected. This region, full of hidden treasures and natural beauty, is a perfect destination for families in search of discovery and memorable moments!

Photos: Lydiane autour du monde

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