Mrs. Ong Writes: summer in Quebec

Monday, January 4, 2021

Visiting Rawdon, Quebec during the Pandemic

After several months of being holed up at home and when the lockdown was lifted, my friends and I headed to Rawdon, Quebec. We had two opportunities to visit the area, the first one on the 26th of July and the second on the 8th of August. Rawdon is a popular tourist destination for foreigners and locals alike. Its mountains and vast lakes, as well as summer cottages are a sure hit to visitors. Rawdon is over an hour trip or 79 kilometers from Côtes-des-Neiges, Montreal via Autoroute 25 Nord Mascouche. There was a toll fee of $8, one way. It was fairly a smooth drive, although the roads get narrower as we got farther away from Montreal. I also noticed it was difficult to drive at night because there were hardly any street lamps and cars were coming in fast as the maximum imposed speed was 90 km/hr.

First stop was at Parc des Chutes Dorwin, or Dorwin Falls, a majestic sight to behold at 60 feet. Parking was ample, but if you go after 11 A.M. or 12 noon, expect a short wait of about 10 to 20 minutes. We arrived here before 9 AM, so the park was not crowded and we mostly had the place to ourselves. It has ecological trails for hiking and is best for beginners. There were several picnic areas and four observation decks. Swimming was strictly prohibited here, but the municipal beach and cascades would allow you to. The admission fee was priced at $12 for all three attractions (Dorwin Falls, Cascade, and Rawdon Beach). Oh, make sure you also bring your snacks or food because there were zero food trucks or stall here.

After our grand time in Dorwin falls, we went straight to the municipal beach. It was okay. If you fancy the beach with sand, then this is for you. :)

We were too excited to go Parc des Cascades Rawdon. We heard random stories about it, all being wonderful especially in summertime. Our chicken and pork barbecues were ready for grilling. Our toes were too excited to be dipped in cool running water. We've also seen various camping tents scattered all over the vicinity. And may I suggest that you wear non-slip shoes when walking on the cascades, and don't go too far from the stones as the current can be strong. Just enjoy, chill, and watch the sunset to cap off a nice day trip. This is by far one of the most memorable places we've gone too.

P.S. I also got to shoot some of the cute houses I've seen in the area.

when the kind owner of this house noticed us admiring it, she gladly showed us the back of her house, the pool area <3

As always, stay safe and keep a safe distance between you and others. Let's conquer the virus!

Saturday, January 2, 2021

Visiting Saint-Eustache, Quebec during the Pandemic

When quarantine was lifted sometime in August, we took the advantage of going some place we've never been to. The day started cloudy, but the summer sun finally showed up during our scenic drive. We chose St Eustache, a suburb off-island of Montreal. I wanted to take my husband to a cabane a sucre (sugar shack) or to a cabane a pomme (apple shack) but both were closed on the weekend, I'm guessing because of the virus. We are not big fans of apple picking but any excuse to go some place green and filled with nature was surely an inviting idea.

While seated on the passenger seat, many wonderful things about my childhood spent during summertime resurfaced. The drive was pleasant and smooth-- one that called for a travel down memory lane. :)

Jardins Michel Corbeil was a sure retreat from the warm afternoon sun. I think we paid $8 for the entrance fee. It was nestled between corn fields and cute, cozy cottages. It was mainly a plant nursery and garden center. Those who were inclined to horticulture would find this a gem.