Centre de la nature welcomes new residents and winter fun

Laval’s nature park, le Centre de la nature, welcomed new residents last week. Two alpacas named Tristan and Lancelot join the growing herd of farm animals that form part of the ever popular petting zoo.

Visitors can meet Laval’s newest celebrities at the farm every day of the week, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The fifty hectares nature park is one of the largest in the region. It has become one of the most popular tourism destinations in Laval, with more than a million visitors per year. Seasonal outdoor activities, sports and initiation to natural sciences are just some of the discoveries awaiting residents. The winter offerings include skating on the park’s lake. The rink surface is well maintained with a Zamboni ice machine. There is pleasant background music and skates are available for rent at the rental shop.
Cross-country skiing is another nature park winter favourite activity as a 5km skiing network is maintained daily by machinery. There are also five mechanically groomed slopes made available for the ever popular sledding. A team of experienced instructors ensure everyone descends in safety. For those not bringing their own gear skis and sliding tubes are available for rent from the rental shop. The season usually starts when a snow base of at least 30 cm of the white stuff has fallen.
Even alpine skiing and snowboarders are offered beginner’s snow slopes to learn their craft. A program (experience maneige) to initiate children from 5 to 8 years as of age to the joys of alpine skiing is available to residents. The program is offered free of charge by the Association of ski resorts in Quebec and the City of Laval. Ski equipment is provided free (skis, boots and helmet). However, identification will be required for the loan of equipment. This service is available from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm on weekends and by reservation for school groups on weekdays. Cross-country skiing, sledding and downhill skiing is available from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily. The park and skating rink is open till 10:00 p.m. for the winter months.
Christmas decorations and special yuletide presentations are offered at the cottage, on the farm and the greenhouse every year at the Nature Park. Christmas programming that enchants children includes visiting with Santa Claus, face painting and Christmas caroling and concerts to name a few.