© C. Labonté
You swear by the crazy carpet, but your children complain that their butts hurt after three runs? This winter, try tube sliding! Comfortably seated on large inner tubes, you’ll zoom down the slopes of the Outaouais at top speed. The whole family will enjoy this activity, which requires no special skills but provides maximum fun! Here are five exceptional sliding sites to discover in the region.
A tube sliding hill 15 minutes from Gatineau? This paradise exists, and it will please young and old alike! Domaine de L'Ange-Gardien will blow your mind with its eight trails for all ages and all levels. Rack up the runs thanks to the chairlift, and have no fear, the slopes are supervised for optimal safety. Spend a whole day in an enchanting setting, at an affordable price. Bonus: on Saturday evenings the slopes are lighted, and the cafeteria offers a sugar-shack takeout menu!
You’ll be the king (or the queen) of the mountain at Sommet Edelweiss! This downhill ski centre has an outstanding tube sliding park with five beautiful slopes and a mechanical lift, plus state-of-the-art facilities. Hop aboard one of their brightly coloured tubes and get set for a few exhilarating runs in the heart of the Collines-de-l’Outaouais.
Besides all the outdoor activities on offer at Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon, why not try its huge snow park? From the Stéphane-Richer chalet, you can access three tube sliding runs that are perfect for the whole family. As well, if you crave an adrenaline rush, there are two trails for different types of sleds. Take a few minutes to admire the Petite Nation landscape from the top of the observation tower, and check out the Mont Grand-Pic lookout.
Recapture your childhood on the slopes of the Centre touristique du Lac-Simon! Set between lake and forest, the resort welcomes you for a host of winter activities, including the ever-popular tube sliding. It’s not uncommon to come across white-tailed deer—there are literally thousands of them in Duhamel. With a beautiful view of the mountains, take a seat on your inner tube and build some unforgettable memories for the whole family!
For fun, family-friendly sliding, Lac Beauchamp Park is ideal, with several slopes set in the heart of nature. Covering more than 200 hectares, this urban park has over 15 km of trails (cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking) and a large skating rink. Have fun observing the many birds and deer that roam the park. The kids will love it!
Keep in mind that sliding carries a risk of injury. Please wear a helmet, climb up the sides of the slopes, and never venture into a closed area. + During these wild descents, is your dog also eager to play in the snow? Discover several places where your canine companion is welcome, and plan your next outdoor adventure with your dog!
I’m a nature lover and a food lover. My happiness is found in breathtaking landscapes, mouth-watering dishes and all the new colourful experiences. I travelled the world before coming back to my hometown: I missed the Outaouais so much. What if we rediscovered it together?