FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
Wherever awards

Go a Little Wild in Western Canada

by Debra Bokur

Jun 23, 2019

Julen Arabaolaza | Dreamstime.com

Destinations / North America

In the nature of Western Quebec’s Outaouais region lies Parc Omega, a reserve of rescued and rehabilitated animals that live among thick stands of trees, wide meadows and deep lakes. Inhabited by a range of wildlife species, the park is especially notable for its populations of wolves.

 

Adventurous families can spend a night in one of the specially designated wolf cabins located along the perimeter of the grey wolf habitat. The spacious cabins have kitchens, beautifully appointed bathrooms and can comfortably sleep four adults. Best of all, each cabin has a glass wall facing the wolf enclosure so you can observe them while they’re observing you. You may, like me, wake up to see a magnificent wolf looking through the glass at you.

 

Wolf at the window at wolf cabin.

Wolf at the window at wolf cabin. Photo: Debra Bokur

 

The park is open every day, year-round, and is divided into separate territories, each featuring different — and equally magnificent — creatures, including red foxes, bison, raccoons, black bears, moose, boars, grey and Arctic wolves, Alpine ibex, beavers, Arctic foxes, musk ox and reindeer.

 

Cabin view from window. Photo: Debra Bokur

Wolf Cabin, view from window. Photo: Debra Bokur

 

Zoologist and park director Serge Lussier gave me a tour that was almost immediately interrupted by the arrival of an ambling mountain goat that approached us on the driver’s side of his truck, where an enormous bag of carrots is tucked into the space between the seats. Serge breaks off a piece of carrot and feeds it to the goat, then grins and passes a carrot my way so that I can share in the fun.

 

Over the next hour, we make frequent stops to deliver carrots to deer, boars and caribou. Park guests can purchase bags of carrots in the visitor’s center before they begin their exploration, though the rule is you stay in your vehicle and only offer the brightly colored vegetables to animals who approach of their own volition.

 

Buffalos in Parc Omega.

Buffalos in Parc Omega. Photo: Julen Arabaolaza | Dreamstime.com

 

When it’s time to stretch your legs, stop at the wood-beamed wolf amphitheater within one of the large wolf enclosures. At regularly scheduled times, a naturalist presents fascinating insights into wolf behavior while visitors can see them up close from an elevated platform, or through the glass of the lower area.

 

Parc Omega also offers an opportunity to learn about the history of Canada and the First Nations people. The park’s First Nations Trail is populated with deer and a number of fantastic totem poles and carvings — including a carved wooden serpent that acts as a bridge rail. Shelters shaped like teepees dot the shoreline of the zone’s lake, where feeding the trout is allowed.

 

Parc Omega giant sculpture.

Parc Omega giant sculpture. Photo: Debra Bokur

 

In the Land of the Pioneers, guests can watch wood sculptor and artist Michel Therrien at work, and see his latest piece — a colossal sculpture created from a single felled tree that stretches 60 feet in length and includes carvings of a deer, wolf, elk and moose.

 

Parc Omega Enchanted House.

Parc Omega Enchanted House. Photo: Debra Bokur

 

Another masterwork created by Therrien is The Enchanted House. Carved with magical animal faces that peer out from beams and branching tree motifs, the house looks as though it could be the setting for an ancient fairytale. Close to it is the new aerial course, appropriate for adults and kids from ages 7 and up.

 

At The Old Farm, pause for snacks in the café and peruse the museum of 19th-century farming implements; or visit the Trading Post, with numerous artifacts that detail the history of the fur trade. There’s also a petting zoo where kids can have a picnic among gentle deer or take a short hike. New this season is Omega Park at Night, an audiovisual experience that takes place once the sun goes down.

 

A place such as this, Serge tells me as I climb out of his truck, makes the wild world real to those who may not experience nature in their daily lives. “Being here, observing wilderness and interacting with these animals is an enriching experience,” he said. He smiles as I climb out of his truck to carry on a tour in my own car.

 

As my feet reach the ground, he leans across the seat and hands me what’s left of the bag of carrots. His parting words make me laugh. “You might,” he said, “need these.”

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Airlines
Oct 28, 2024

La Compagnie Turns Children’s Dreams into Reality for Its 10th Anniversary

Family travelers likely inspired La Compagnie’s new campaign in honor of its 10th anniversary. The airline’s new campaign, “La Compagnie is 10 years old,” brings together a diverse group of 10 children in New York City that are given free rein to redesign every aspect of La Compagnie’s offerings. The English-, French- and bilingual-speaking children go from suggesting in-flight movies to creating their own dream designs.

Discover the Magic of East Crete: A Perfect Family Getaway

East Crete is a blend of stunning landscapes, history and charming towns, making it an ideal family destination. Far from the crowds of the west, the region offers pristine beaches, ancient sites and authentic Cretan villages.

Hotels
Oct 24, 2024

The Charleston Place Hotel Announces Holiday Happenings

Celebrate the holiday season with family travel to South Carolina and a stay at The Charleston Place. The iconic hotel hosts a variety of holiday programming throughout the season. The theme for 2024’s concept is Be the Light, representing the hope, care and light of the holiday season.

Hotels
Oct 23, 2024

Make The Lodge at Moss Neck Your Next Virginia Getaway

Spoil the family on an outdoor-centric vacation in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with a weekend trip to The Lodge at Moss Neck. This private, countryside escape sits within easy access to the metro D.C. area and is a great spot for family travelers seeking an unparalleled retreat experience.

Hotels
Oct 23, 2024

Spend the Holiday Season in the Florida Keys at This Resort

Plan family travel to the Florida Keys this holiday season and celebrate Hawks Cay Resort’s 40th season of holiday programming.

Hotels
Oct 22, 2024

The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel New York Debuts Transformation

Family travelers planning a trip to New York City will want to consider The Benjamin Royal Sonesta Hotel New York, which recently unveiled the first phase of its transformation, designed by DLR Group. This phase included the lobby and the 209 residential guestrooms, even debuting the new Beverly Suite.