Au Pays des Merveilles amusement park in Ste. Adèle opens on June 15, 2011. This is one of our favourite Montreal family attractions, and we look forward to going back this summer. Here’s last year’s guided tour, updated with 2011 schedule and price information.
If there is a theme park for parents who don’t like theme parks, this is it
We spent five hours at Au Pays des Merveilles in Ste. Adèle without waiting in a single lineup. On top of which, the hillside forest setting is rustic and relaxing, without the “spend more!” feeling of many family attractions. The park, which is ideal for the 6 and under age group, is themed around Alice in Wonderland and other storybook characters. With several small play areas and toys to suit the infant/toddler crowd and peaceful places to breastfeed, parents with babies will feel welcome. It took us just under an hour to get there from Montreal, cost about $75 to get in, and was a really worthwhile day trip.
It’s not a small world, after all
Au Pays des Merveilles looks small when you enter, but prominent signs indicate that 80 per cent of the site’s 42 activities are a short train ride up to the top of the hill (view park map). Cool! We explored the ground-level area first, which has a climbing structure similar to what you’d find in a local play centre, a spooky house, a mini roller coaster, mini train, carousel, a helicopter ride and spinning apples. Our guys spent tons of time in the climbing structure, exploring the tunnels and going bananas in the ball pit. Unlike some other climbing structures we’ve visited, it was super clean, well-shaded and surrounded by benches for moms and dads.
Surprises around every corner
Then, we took the mini train up the hill. We passed a wading pool with fountains before riding through a beautiful forested area, where we disembarked to discover all kinds of great activities. What makes it even more fun are the storybook-themed wooden houses along the way. Look out for Snow White and Cinderella! Along the tree-lined path, we stopped to:
- bumble our way through a small maze
- bounce on an inflatable race track
- chat with some goats and sheep
- play giant checkers
- score a hole-in-one in mini-golf
- have lunch (You can buy food like hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza and popsicles. If you want fruit and veggies, bring them)
- go on more rides
- play mini basketball and twister
Hours later, still going strong
When we headed back down the hill, the kids still had long to-do lists: More climbing structure, three rides on the mini helicopters and a peek into the spooky house. We refreshed our tired feet in the wading pool before leaving. It was great to find that there is a tiny baby pool attached, with just a few inches of water in it. Though the kids wanted to stay, we decided to quit while we were ahead at about 4 p.m. They were practically asleep in the car before the key turned in the ignition. And we all lived happily ever after.
Tips:
- Bring a stroller or wagon for little ones
- Have the kids wear velcro sandals or easily removable shoes, because they have to take them off for the inflatables and climbing structure
- Pack bathing suits and towels for the wading pool
Au Pays des Merveilles 2011
Address: 3795 de la Savane, Ste. Adèle, about one hour from Montreal. View map.
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily from June 15 to Aug. 28, 2011. Ticket counter closes at 4 p.m. Also open Sept. 3, 4, 5, 10 and 11.
Cost: $18 per person (tax included), age 2 to 99. Free for children under two, but health insurance card must be shown as proof of age.
Telephone: 450-229-3141
Website
Have you been to Au Pays des Merveilles? How was your visit?
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