Lac Etchemins
Moulin La Lorraine
In the heart of Lac-Etchemin, the Moulin La Lorraine is one of those magical places that combine history, nature and artistic creation. An exceptional spot where nature, art and culture come together, the mill stands on part of the foundations of the Beaudoin mill, established in 1860. Now converted into an art centre, it takes part in the region's cultural awakening while honouring its rich past. Inside, you discover exhibitions of work by emerging artists and well-known Quebec creators. But the site's great asset is its horticultural garden, which is worth the detour on its own: flowered walking paths, a sculpture trail, poetic undergrowth, a stream and a cascade draw admiration from visitors. A feast for the eyes and for all the senses, the garden presents a hundred or so species and cultivars growing alongside native plants.
A little gem that complements the visit to Moulin La Lorraine: the interpretation tour, which plunges you straight into the industrial and milling history of the site. In season, an interpretation tour lets you see the mechanism that drives the millstone and better understand the process of turning wheat into flour. You also learn how the bucket wheel works, a feature particular to this establishment. It is an experience both educational and fascinating, one that will delight curious children as much as adults who love history and industrial heritage. Moulin La Lorraine still lets you watch wheat being turned into flour — an old-time skill that is a pleasure to see live.
Rates: $10 for adults, $8 for students and seniors (65 and over), free for those 17 and under. Excellent value for a complete cultural outing that brings art, history and nature together in a single place.
Éco-Parc des Etchemins
About an hour from the Quebec City bridges, on the shores of Lac Etchemin, the Éco-Parc des Etchemins is without question the region's flagship attraction for families. A family recreational park known for its large supervised sand beach, its varied water facilities and its many summer activities for all ages, it has everything you need for a memorable day! On the menu, you are spoiled for choice: a large supervised beach with a floating dock and a water trampoline, a heated wave pool, 4 heated Twister-style waterslides, 2 AquaTwist slides, a heated wading pool with a water play structure, and 35 watercraft to rent at low prices — paddleboards, kayaks, canoes and even a mega paddleboard for 7 people! Special mention too for the adapted watercraft (an adapted paddleboard and swim chair) that make the site accessible to the whole family. Beyond the water, dry-land players are not left out either: basketball and soccer courts, play areas for ages 0–3 and 3–12, trails, picnic areas. Access to the park, to the basketball court, to the dry play area, to the water play features and to the picnic tables is in fact free — only the water facilities and the boat rentals are paid. On the food side, the food truck La Poutinerie du Parc feeds the whole family! In short, it is a genuine little water paradise only an hour from Quebec City — the perfect place to get away with friends or family without breaking the piggy bank.
