Beaulac-Garthby
Vélo-Rail
Les Vélorails offers an original activity of a kind you find few places — if anywhere at all — else in Quebec! An activity unique in Quebec: a small vehicle that runs on a railway track! Picture yourself pedalling on a platform made of two bicycles along old railway rails, out in the middle of nature. That is exactly what a vélorail is! The concept is as simple as it is charming. Visitors pedal an out-and-back route of 10 km or 18 km, on a vélorail — a platform attached to two bicycles — through picturesque landscapes, including views over Lac Aylmer and the surrounding forests. Each vélorail takes two adult pedallers and up to three children under 10. The 10 km route takes about 1 hour 30 minutes, while the 18 km one takes about 2 hours 30 minutes. Reservations are required, and the season generally runs from early June to Thanksgiving. It is an experience both sporty and contemplative, ideal for soaking up nature as a family. Then there is the collaborative pleasure: pedalling as a pair, or as a group, creates a uniquely convivial dynamic. The activity suits the whole family, couples, groups — in short, anyone looking for an active and original way to explore the countryside. And a welcome bonus: Les Vélorails is a non-profit organization, so by taking part you directly support the local economy and the community of Beaulac-Garthby. Prices remain very reasonable, which makes it an excellent low-budget family outing. In short, an activity to put on your list without fail if you want to discover the Thetford region differently — a genuine offbeat favourite!
Thetford Mines
La Rielera
In the heart of Thetford Mines, on rue Notre-Dame Est, the restaurant La Rielera is one of those small gems you are lucky to come across in the MRC des Appalaches. This authentic Mexican restaurant carries us straight to Mexico for the length of a meal — colourful atmosphere, vibrant flavours and a warm welcome all on the program! As the house itself puts it so well: La Rielera is a Mexican restaurant that carries you into the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine of Mexico. A welcoming, festive place where you enjoy authentic traditional Mexican dishes. And that is not just a promise: its rating of 9.8/10 on the official Chaudière-Appalaches site makes it one of the best restaurants in the whole region! A welcome bonus: the prices are affordable and the portions generous, excellent value for money. A word of advice: the restaurant's sign is not very visible from the road — keep your eyes open! But once you have found the place, you understand right away that you have found a gem. An address you hurry to add to your favourites from the very first visit. ¡Una experiencia que vale la pena!
St-Joseph de Coleraine
Le Mont Oak
Tucked away in Saint-Joseph-de-Coleraine, right in the heart of the MRC des Appalaches, Le Mont Oak is one of the three emblematic summits of the 3 Monts de Coleraine territory. Mont Oak is the smallest of the 3 monts, part of the Serpentine-de-Coleraine ecological reserve. At 460 metres high and rated easy, it is without a doubt the ideal place to start mountain hiking with children. In short, it is the perfect hike for a gentle introduction — without missing out on striking panoramas! What makes Mont Oak unique is that it is both educational and accessible. Come discover the educational trail, Mont Oak's "Boucle géologique," which informs the hiker about the geology of the site by means of 17 interpretation panels, available in French and English. You learn to recognize serpentine rock — which gives the reserve its name — and to understand the region's exceptional geological richness. The full loop is about 5 km and takes 1 to 3 hours, depending on your pace. As for flora and fauna, the trail crosses a red oak and sugar maple stand growing on the gentle slopes to the west and north of Mont Oak, then a stand of red pine and white pine, rare in the region. This diversity of ecosystems is an integral part of the Réserve écologique de la Serpentine-de-Coleraine — the largest one open to the public in Quebec, with its 1,200 hectares to explore. For families, it is outright paradise! On top of the basic services (welcome chalet, chairs, tables, fire pit, washrooms, etc.), the 3 monts hiking trail offers your children an obstacle course with 10 stations. A nice little challenge that will delight young adventurers before or after the hike. Special mention too for universal accessibility: Mont Oak is accessible to everyone thanks to a single-wheeled all-terrain chair called a Joëlette, which allows anyone with reduced mobility or a disability, child or adult, to go hiking. A fine gesture of inclusion! For those who want more, you can also carry on to Mont Kerr (panoramic view over Lac Aylmer, the Lab Chrysotile mine and even Mont Mégantic in clear weather) or Mont Caribou, which is more demanding. And to extend the pleasure, yurts, campsites and a chalet are available to rent — perfect for turning the adventure into a real little getaway!
