Day Out: Coteau-du-Lac National Historic Site

I’m really loving discovering new spots and going on little adventures with my boys.  They are such little troopers and such curious little kids.  To continue our explorations of Montreal and around we headed off island and stopped at the Couteau-du-Lac National Historic Site.

They aren’t kids who will happily colour or do arts and crafts for an hour (or even 5 minutes) so we have to make sure that when we choose an outing where there is lots of room to move, climb, play and ruuuuuuuuunnnnn.  This site has all of that and is probably the least expensive fun you can have.  The entry for all FOUR of us was $7.80.

I’ve really loved exploring the awesome Stroller Parking blog and I recommend you check it out too.  She has tons of great ideas for energetic kids and we chose this activity from her staycation ideas.  I recommend you read what she has to say about this site, as she did different things than we did.

The site is basically a huge collection of archaeological ruins and they are all hands on.  There’s also a blockhouse you can go inside and North America’s first lock system.  Apparently you can get your kids to dress up in the visitor’s centre but we didn’t get the chance to do so.

My boys basically just ran, climbed and explored.  There’s some picturesque rapids and a beautiful river, and lots of rocks and hills to scramble and climb over.

The site isn’t huge.  I think after reading Stroller Parking’s review we had a few inflated expectations (whereas she had very low expectations and was pleasantly surprised) but regardless, once we finally sat down for our snack we were surprised to discover we had spent 1 1/2 hours exploring. Not bad with a 1 and 4 year old.

We were there on a Saturday when the Farmer’s Market was on and had some nice baked goods.  There’s also lots of nice local vegetables and other local products (maple syrup, etc.) if you are interested.

I would totally recommend it, but definitely save this for a cooler day.  We chose to go on a day that was too cold for the pool and I’m glad we did.  The day we were there, there wasn’t much of a breeze and quite a few mosquitoes.  I think this would be a great trip for early spring or late fall.  And it’s not far from Montreal.  If you’re on the West Island it’s a breeze.  From our home in central Montreal I swear the ride back was 40 minutes.

High-five boys!  I can’t wait to keep exploring with you guys!

Interested in more days out?  Read here.

Cute  t-shirts aren’t they?  Find them online from local clothing brand luvmother.  

Do you guys have any suggestions for us of other local destination-worthy spots?

ps Like these photos?  I also do family and newborn photography in a casual, candid authentic way.  Contact me for more availability or check out my website!  I promise, I’m fun to work with and even your husband will enjoy it. 😉