Announced by the 'Pirates Hideout' slide overshadowing the car park, the summer-only Outdoor Waterpark at Village Vacances Valcartier is a water city that looms above the village like Jabba the Hutt next to Princess Leia. With a dozen sections, each with slides, water games and heated pools, it's heaven on earth for children. During the winter (December to March), the park opens a Winter Playground, and the adjacent Bora Parc offers indoor watery fun year-round.
At the Winter Playground (adult/child $35/27), you can hurtle down America's largest collection of groomed ice slides in inner tubes and inflatable rafts at speeds approaching 80km/h. A 1km-long skating path and a kids' play area complete with maze and ice castle offer alternatives for younger or less adrenaline-obsessed visitors. The tropical-themed Bora Parc (adult/child $42/35) has 15 slides and three pools, two with waves. There's also the Aroma Spa with sauna, steam bath, pool and treatments.
Reach Village Vacances Valcartier from ²Ï³Üé²ú±ð³¦ City via Hwy 73/175 north (exit 154) and Rte 371.