QUÉBEC CITY, Jan. 5, 2017 /CNW Telbec/ - Sépaq establishments: warm even in winter. This is the welcoming theme for a very special day, Saturday, February 18, when Sépaq celebrates its first winter open house, inaugurating what may well be a new winter tradition for Québec families. A total of 13 of Québec's 24 national parks, along with Camp Mercier and Station touristique Duchesnay, will open their doors to the general public absolutely free of charge, offering outdoor activities guaranteed to warm up even those with the worst case of winter shivers.
Establishments always on the go
Sépaq establishments don't hibernate during the cold season, with a number of them offering the same services as in summer, including a registration centre, caring staff, equipment loans, and groomed and marked trails. As if by magic, summer hiking trails are transformed into snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing or fatbike trails; certain frozen lakes become a favorite place for ice fishing; snow tubing slides appear; discovery activities unveil the mysteries of winter; and so much more besides.
"I would invite you to come and discover the frosty little side of Sépaq establishments. You'll enjoy a warm welcome along with all the activities in store on this very special day. A reminder that winter is a season of dreams, especially in Québec, says Sépaq's enthusiastic CEO, John MacKay.
Mr. MacKay also wishes to thank the Direction du Sport, du Loisir et de l'Activité physique of the Ministère de l'Éducation et de l'Enseignement supérieur which, as part of its Plaisirs d'hiver (winter pleasures) movement, is encouraging this initiative, especially by providing establishments with around one hundred pairs of snowshoes for children, so that a large number can try out this winter sport that's accessible to all.
Special activities
As well as enjoying free admission to the national parks, open house day visitors will be entitled to free access to all cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails, and can even borrow equipment for a tryout. And don't forget that complimentary skiing and snowshoeing equipment is offered at all times for youngsters under 18! In addition, one of the objectives of our winter open house day is to create a warm, welcoming atmosphere, and to do so, a space will be set aside to receive participants, where people can warm up on arrival or after activities. Visitors will be able to chat with staff on site while sipping hot chocolate or roasting marshmallows.
Depending on the establishment, a special program will also be offered for the day's participants, including a free trial clinic (snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, hiking with cleats, etc.), ice kayaking, ice fishing, snow tubing, guided hiking, and so much more. For the complete program, please visit sepaq.com/hiver/journee.
SOURCE Société des établissements de plein air du Québec
Lucie Boulianne, Communications Officer, Sépaq, [email protected], 418-686-4875
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