An enormous winter-themed outdoor park is opening near Montreal this weekend, complete with an illuminated snow slide, a half-kilometre illuminated skating trail and a 2.5-kilometre snowshoe trail.
The RécréoParc in Sainte-Catherine, Quebec — known for its beaches, sports and wildlife in the summer — is inviting Quebecers to its first-ever "Polar Rendez-vous."
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January 16 - February 14
Rendez-Vous Polaires at RécréoParc
Yes, even with the COVID-19 measures currently in effect. Though you'll want to roll solo or with members of your household bubble to follow provincial rules — and you'll still have to be home in time for curfew.
On its Facebook page, RécréoParc says it's implementing guidelines to ensure it complies with the public health restrictions that are in place.
For example, the ground floor "Welcome Pavilion" will be closed and the basement pavilion will only be accessible to those renting equipment or using the bathroom — a maximum of 24 people at a time.
It says the site is so big that it does not need to put a limit on how many people can be outside. An article in Le Reflet says the park has a capacity of 1,000 people in order to maintain social distancing.
RécréoParc also says on Facebook that, as a regional park, it will not make any distinctions based on the origins of Quebec visitors.
In addition to sliding, skating and snowshoeing, the polar-themed park boasts a 10.4-kilometre cross-country ski trail, a fire pit area, a weekend DJ for "musical ambience" and the Bambou Café Bistro, open on weekends for takeout.
Entry to the park is free. But skates, snowshoes and tubes — including saucers and crazy carpets — are available to rent.
You're encouraged to come dressed and prepared for your activities since "access to the basement will be allowed primarily for people who rent equipment on site."
Wearing a mask and washing your hands are necessary to enter the RécréoParc pavilion, and masks are mandatory while waiting in line for the snow slide.
No reservations are required.
Les Rendez-Vous Polaires, RécréoParc
Price: Free entry, with $5 to $7 rental equipment
When: January 16 to February 14, 2021
You can access the park every day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The rental centre is open Fridays from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., as well as Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The washrooms are open Monday to Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and on weekends from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Address: 5340, boul. Marie-Victorin, Sainte-Catherine, QC
Website
Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.