EMILY HSUEH
QUEBEC Jan. 20, 2021
Under normal circumstances, Pontiacers would be getting together with friends and families to enjoy the winter. While many attractions and events are close or cancelled, there are still a few activities people can partake in to pass the snowy season, while following government health regulations and staying safe.
Escapade Huskimo
Located near Danford, Escapade Huskimo is offering plenty of outdoor activities that are safe. As of now, they are offering snowshoe rentals and an area for tobogganing. They have 60 pairs of snowshoes to rent out to those who reserve spots.
Escapade Huskimo also has overnight accomodation available — a lodge and a wood cabin — complete with a hot tub and pool and ping pong tables.
They usually offer dog sledding, raising their own dogs and giving rides. But due to restrictions, dog sledding will be put off tentatively until Feb. 8 to see what the health situation will be.
To reserve spots for snowshoeing, tobogganing or for an overnight stay in the lodge, or to get more information on the status of the dog sledding, call Escapade Huskimo at (613) 454-5443.
Willow Lane Alpacas
The Pontiac’s alpaca farm, situated in Bristol on Hwy. 148, is currently taking reservations for a tour of their farm. Families can go out and visit the fluffy creatures, who are native to South America, by sending a message to the farm via Facebook.
Ski Pontiac
Skiiers won’t need to hang up their skis this winter, as Ski Pontiac, which manages the trails around the Pine Lodge area, is always open as long as there’s snow. They have been maintaining trails specially maintained for skiing, snowshoeing and simple walking around the region. A new, all-year trail was recently added to the map which will be getting wooden boardwalks in the spring. With the recent snowfall, the trails are primed to be enjoyed.
Ski Pontiac lends out snowshoes for free, and can be reserved by contacting via email skipontiacquebec@gmail.com.
Timberland Tours
Though the annual dog sledding competitions had to be cancelled, the dogs at Timberland Tours are still getting to stretch their legs this winter. Having reopened on Jan. 2, the Bristol organization is open to the public to experience “an unforgettable adventure” by learning to harness up your team of five of their 40 dogs and racing down their world-class trails.
Visits must be booked through reservations, which can be made by calling (819) 647-3185
Lacs des loups skate trail
Located just outside the Pontiac in Lac des Loups, visitors can skate through a scenic forest on 3 km of iced trail. The cold weather is producing ideal conditions for the activity, which is open to the public everyday from 9 a.m. until sunset.
The facility rents out skates and has an outdoor area for visitors to lace up and follow public health guidelines. Snowshoes are also available to be rented and used on their trails.
Pricing and hours can be found on their website at www.patinageenforet.com.
If we missed any other open activities in and around the Pontiac, let us know by sending an email to editor@theequity.ca
