Richard Roy

Do you enjoy adventure? Are you a nature lover? Are you looking for a great family outing, one on which you'll never hear the kids complain "why did we come here"? Then why not visit the Coaticook Gorge Park, one of the most spectacular natural sites in Quebec. Before the day is over, you'll likely hear the kids say "it's so much fun here; when can we come back!" And believe me, you'll want to come back. The Gorge is truly a family-oriented park, where you can enjoy yourself while the kids are off "doing their thing."

TROUT STREAM
If you like camping, the Gorge contains campsites for both trailers and tents. You can even camp by the river and fish right from the entrance of your tent or from the conveniently situated picnic tables and cook your catch right there on a nearby grill. "This is a great, great trout river," General Manager Patrice Lamoureux says proudly. "Everyone catches something and everyone is happy."

WORLD RECORD BRIDGE
The main attraction at the Gorge is its magnificent suspension bridge. This bridge measures 554 feet (169 metres) in length, and is the longest suspended pedestrian bridge in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Last year, over 65,000 visitors braved the span. The panorama from the middle is nothing short of spectacular!

NATURE TRAILS
Speaking of views, don't forget to check out the surrounding landscapes from the two lookout towers situated along the more than 6 miles (10 km) of hiking trails. The attractions along these trails, which wind their way through woods and along the river, include a beautiful cascading waterfall. You'll also see countless types of birds, a true ornithologist's delight. You might run into deer, raccoon, and if you're lucky, a fox or beaver. Interpretive plaques are located at various spots to explain the geology and wildlife of the park. Some are bilingual, while others are in French only. But don't worry, if your French is a bit rusty, you'll be given an English brochure with numbers corresponding to the plaques. You can keep these booklets as souvenirs.
Mountain bike enthusiasts are not left out either. But be forewarned, the bike trail is not for novices, and its stones and roots make it a challenge.

OPEN-AIR THEATRE
How about some open-air theatre? On weekends you can attend a "stand up" play where you walk from scene to scene, giving actors and stage hands time to change the backdrops as the story unfolds. These performances are available in English as well as French, every weekend from June to August. "All the actors are bilingual, and if you let us know ahead of time we will accommodate you in the language of your choice," Lamoureux says. "The plays are put on after sunset in the dark forest and include the noises of nocturnal animals and the river in the background. They are usually dramas where the audience has to figure out the ending."

ABENAKI VILLAGE
You may be interested in visiting the hydroelectric station. In operation since 1928, the station supplies power to the town of Coaticook. History buffs will want to see the replica of an Abenaki village. "The village was built near what historians believe was a meeting place for Amerindian peoples at a bend in the Coaticook River," Lamoureux says. "Since the native people didn't have maps at the time, it was easy for them to locate the spot by canoe or land."

All trails eventually lead to a reception area, which includes landscaped gardens, a covered bridge, and a round barn. Here you can find rest rooms, a snack bar and souvenir shop. You can also sign up for a guided tour of the entire site in the language of your choice, or take the family on a leisurely horseback ride through the woods. Says Lamoureux, "a family can spend a week here and always find something different to do everyday." No doubt, he is right.

FALL AND WINTER
Coaticook Gorge Park is a great place to view the fall colours, and stroll among the tumbling leaves. "During winter," Lamoureux says, "we offer cross-country skiing and everyone's favourite, the tube slide. We are also on the local snowmobile trails." Sleigh rides are also available.

For more information on the Coaticook Gorge Park, contact Patrice Lamoureux at (819) 849-2331, or visit their website: www.gorgedecoaticook.qc.ca

(Photos: Courtesy of Coaticook Gorge Park)