text written by: Lisa-Marie @la_famille_faventure
Crystal clear water, snowy peaks and valleys of lush forests are just some of the qualities of the Parc du Massif du Sud. You will undoubtedly be captivated by the impressive beauty of the landscape. In winter, an average of about 450 cm of snow covers the ground. The view will make you feel like you’ve beamed to Alaska! There are more than 35 km of trails in the park, including more than 10 different trails suitable for all types of adventurers. With my family, we chose the Passerelles route, a well-marked 4.6 km trail that allowed us to follow a crystal clear river and make a course suitable for our young children. The most popular trail is undoubtedly the Mont-Chocolat trail, an 8.2 km trail for experienced hikers! You can go directly to the site of the Massif du Sud to look at the map and make your choice, you can also download the map on the AVENZA and ONDAGO applications, because in the park, your cellular network will not work, it’s just you, your family and nature!
There is no shortage of choices when it comes to choosing your type of activities at the Parc du Massif du Sud. If by chance you don’t have a lot of equipment or if you have forgotten something important at home, you can certainly rent what you need on site. You will simply need a photo ID. Prices vary depending on your choice of activities! You can even take the time to rent online before you arrive, to be sure you have the equipment of your choice.
You can do it right here:
In the park there are several types of accommodation. Beautiful shelters of all kinds are offered to accommodate all types of adventurers. Mega-POD, Mini-pod, shelters, a yurt, ready-to-camp and more! If you have a dog, some accommodations accept furry friends, but inform yourself first, as these are not all accommodations.
For our part we opted for the Méga Pod Saint-Luc. A kind of refuge with wood stove, electricity and mattress. There is even 10 liters of drinking water provided and a nice fire will be lit so that when you take possession of your POD, it is already hot! We loved the experience, the children no longer wanted to leave. Everything you have to bring;
That is all!
You can enjoy the Mega-POD in peace! Please note that the Mega-POD is approximately 1.5 km from the parking lot and you will need to bring your luggage by sleigh. This is not to be overlooked when you come back from a hike with your children and they are tired. Calculate the extra miles of walking in your exit planning and everything should be fine!
Depending on the time of year and the outside conditions, there are some safety precautions to follow. First, make sure to check the weather before you leave. The weather can change and with our little ones, we don’t want to be caught off guard. I suggest bringing ‘hot poc’ to keep small hands and feet warm. Several layers of clothing including merino wool are essential. Remember that a baby or baby in a carrier can get cold faster, especially at the extremities.
Leave your worries and grumbling aside and enjoy the best the park has to offer. At the end of the day, if you’re a beer fan, know that the park has its own beer brewed at the Microbrasserie de Bellechasse! A good light red IPA that quenches thirst after a big hike. For children, why not opt for a good hot chocolate from the Pralinière? A great way to taste the local delicacies after your big day outdoors!
Photographer, traveler, entrepreneur, content creator and mother, Lisa-Marie never miss an opportunity to go on an Adventure with her 3 kids and then share her discoveries with faventure community
@la_famille_faventure / 