Splish splash in the Etchemins!

When it comes to waterslides, laughter and fun are guaranteed! At Lac-Etchemin, summer is all about vacations and perfect times. With a transformed campground and a water park that’s grown faster than an ice cream sundae under the July sun, there’s plenty of action. Hair-raising slides, a wave pool, a golden beach and evenings by the fire: everything to leave you tanned, soaked and satisfied. Ready to dive into summer like never before?

The good life begins here...

It’s a beautiful late summer day when we meet up with friends and family for a BBQ at Camping Lac-Etchemin. Louis, a camping enthusiast second to none, welcomes us to his trailer, cleverly set up right in front of a park. Perfect for everyone, the kids have fun while the parents enjoy an aperitif, play washers and prepare the meal.

... under the stars!

After supper, what could be more satisfying on a camping trip than to end the evening around a fire until tiredness sets in? Under a magnificent starry sky, we let the crackling of the flames punctuate our conversations, while the constellations invite themselves to the vigil. We discuss the plan for the day ahead. The weather forecast is fine and warm, so it’s going to be a day in the water, and there’s no shortage of opportunities in the area.

As part of the group is spending the night at the nearby Manoir Lac-Etchemin, we meet here at the campsite to start the day in “relaxation mode”.

There's no rush this morning!

The next morning, it’s hot as predicted! After a hearty breakfast at the manor’s restaurant and a relaxing stroll along the lakeshore, we head back to the campsite to meet up with the rest of the gang. As soon as we arrived, the kids were off to the water games and the pool, while the parents settled down in total relaxation mode – coffee in hand, sunglasses on, savoring this precious moment of tranquility. If we hadn’t stopped them after a while, they might well have spent the whole day there! The perfect start to the day: happy children and peaceful parents.

But what’s next is just as exciting: off to the Etchemins Eco-Park, just a stone’s throw from the campsite. On the agenda: games on the beach, a gourmet picnic and a whole afternoon to enjoy the water park! Enough to prolong the fun and refresh the whole gang under the bright sun.

Beach, sun and sandcastles!

As soon as we arrive, the beach has a WOW! effect. With its golden sand, refreshing water and shaded areas under the palapas, the place immediately invites you to relax. While some make themselves comfortable in the shade, others rush to the water, eager to dive in. Many activities are offered directly on site, such as pedalo, kayak and paddleboard rentals. The atmosphere is perfect for a day of pure pleasure, with swimming, games on the beach and a well-deserved moment of idleness!

Pirates, wave pool and slides... is the crew ready?

After a lunch bought at the local snack bar and eaten right on the beach, we headed for the other section of the site: the water park. I’ll always remember my daughters’ eyes as they walked through the entrance. They were so excited, they didn’t know which way to turn.

What followed was a tight negotiation with the other friends to see where we would start; the wave pool, the pirate ship or the water slides? A GO for the wave pool!

Then it’s off to the pirate ship, with its water games and slides. It’s the kind of game every kid would love to have in their playground (I asked for one, but… unfortunately I don’t have enough space…).

After one downhill run after another on the “not too big” pirate ship slides, the kids are finally ready for THE big step: the famous BIG BLUES! A challenge they take up with excitement, often accompanied by an adult for a good dose of laughter and a touch of courage to boot. The result? An avalanche of descents and a perfect adrenalin rush to round off this aquatic day in style!

Photos: Stéphanie Allard