This summer we are spoiling the children with outings to the zoo and fireworks evenings, good family time in perspective!
3 fireworks to discover
Lac des Nations Festival
For five evenings, the best firms in the country engage in fierce competition on the shores of Lac des Nations, in Sherbrooke. These lights – and the closing one – are projected into a natural amphitheater at 10 p.m. Before, you can enjoy the bistro, family activities, and many musical shows.
Access: $35 for 6 days, $14 for one evening; free for children under 12. From July 16 to 21, at Parc Jacques-Cartier. Info: 819-569-5888, fetedulacdesnations.com .
Grand Prix de Trois-Rivières
For the past few years, the Grand Prix has been offering residents of Trois-Rivières and visitors a spectacular fireworks display. Inspired each year by a new theme, this pyromusical show is launched from a barge in the middle of the river, which allows you to see it well from both banks. For the occasion, the animation is at its height in the streets of Vieux Trois-Rivières and on the promenade along the river.
August 10, around 9:30 p.m. Free. Info: gp3r.com.
Double anniversary
This summer, the Grand Défi Pierre Lavoie celebrates its fifth anniversary and the Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean region is blowing out 175 candles. The day before the next start of the Challenge, the participants and the public will be treated to a fifteen-minute fireworks display, signed by a reputable firm and accompanied by a musical score.
On June 13, opposite the La Baie dock, around 9:45 p.m., preceded by a show by Marie-Mai (around 8 p.m.). Info: legdpl.com , fete175slsj.ca .
3 friendly zoos
Animals from here and elsewhere
The Wildlife Observation Center – Zoo St-Édouard, in Mauricie, is home to more than 85 species of animals, including cougars, bears, wolves, deer, and even antelopes of America and camels. There is also Oncle Pierre’s farm, a mini-train, a romper, water games, and a picnic area.
From June 1 to September 2. Adults: $17, 2 to 17 years old: $12, taxes incl. Info: 819-268-5150, betes.com .
Nice to see!
At the UQROP Center for Birds of Prey in Montérégie, many of these birds are cared for and rehabilitated (owls, snowy owls, sea eagles, eagle owls, etc.). On the program: visit the aviaries and two daily shows that allow you to admire the most beautiful specimens in full flight, including the peregrine falcon and the black vulture.
From June 22 to August 25, Wednesday to Sunday. Shows: 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Adults: $10, 5 to 12 years old: $6. Info: 450-773-8521, ext. 8545, uqrop.qc.ca .
Forest Animals
Located in Amos, the Refuge Pageau collects and cares for animals from the Abitibi forests. In summer, you can see several species: wolves, lynx, foxes, moose, birds of prey, black bear cubs, and young raccoons, not to mention the otter, which arrived so small that it became the refuge’s mascot. His guides, who know all these animals well, tell us their story and tell us about their behavior. Educational and inspiring!