We invite families with kids for a spring hike in Gatineau Park. We’ll meet on Sunday, April 10, near the Visitor Center of the Park at 10:00 am at the address 33 Chem Scott., Chelsea, Quebec, J9B 1R5. If the Museum in the Visitor Center is open, we’ll explore its exposition and learn how to identify animals by calls, signs, and footprints. If the Museum is still closed, we’ll walk around parking and explore the closest area looking for signs of spring, animal footprints, and listening to bird calls. After the Visitor Center, approximately at 10:30 – 10:45 am we’ll go to the P6 (Parking 6) near Mackenzie King Estate, kids will have a chance to explore the ruins and to know about the history of this place. And then, we’ll visit a waterfall at a distance of around 500-700 m from parking, stopping that to listen to birds and watch animal tracks. This guided hike will be in English and Russian.
Place and Subject of the Excursion:
Gatineau Park is an amazing place to explore at any age. We select the simple trail this time, which should be interesting for kids and parents. If we’ll be lucky, we’ll have a chance to see some interesting birds, salamanders, and frogs near the trail. Chipmunks have already come out after hibernation and will watch us with curiosity, staying at a safe distance along the path. American red squirrels are also numerous in this part of the forest. We’ll talk about animals and plants inhabiting Gatineau Park. Kids will have a chance to play ecological games.
We’ll meet near the Visitor Center of Gatineau Park in Chelsea at 10:00 am on April 10 (Sunday). There is an opportunity for carpooling from Ottawa (2 places).
Dress:
It is expected that there will not be much rain on this day. However, after abundant rains in the last few days, it will be good to have waterproof shoes and rainy jackets. Prepare snacks for kids, do not forget some seeds to feed nuthatches and chickadees near the trail. Take your sandwiches and water with you.