Toronto 
Stay cool this summer by visiting various communities along the Ottawa River or walking in the forests of this lush, treed area. It’s a great escape from the hot pavement and bustle of the city, with lots of birds and fish to keep you company.
(All activities are free unless a price is listed.)
1. Cool off at Calypso
Canada’s largest themed waterpark will thrill you with 35 slides, two theme rivers and 100 water games. The wave pool will give you the ride of your life. Everything you need is on-site, so just bring your swimsuit, waterproof sunscreen and a towel. It’s best to book your time ahead online.
Cost: Day passes cost $40 for seniors and kids under four-foot-four and $50 for anyone taller.
Address: 2015 Calypso Street, Limoges
2. Relax under the palm leaves
The beach at L’Orignal faces the Ottawa River and gives you ample space to dry off and host a picnic. It also has swings, thatched beach huts, a boat launch and swings for the kids. You need to supervise your own swimmers since there is no lifeguard service here.
Address: 772 Front Street West, L’Orignal
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3.Yahoo, there’s a splash pad
Yahoo Park in Embrun gives you a chance to play in the spray up until 11 p.m. each night. You can find it at the corner of Marcel and Blais streets, near the Embrun arena.
Address: 2 Marcel Street, Embrun
4. Brew and Chew
Technically named the Broue and Chew, you get the drift. This self-guided food tour introduces you to all sorts of food growers and producers in the area. Try out the local breweries, bakeries, produce and so much more after downloading the map.
5. Search for treasure
Seek out a geocache on the shores of the Payne River as part of the Geo-Passport program for South Nations Conservation Lands. You only get this one hint, so have fun following the coordinates.
6. Catch the dew at Richelieu
Richelieu Park in Casselman has a great splash pad tucked away on a quiet crescent where the kids are safe to run and play. Plan a visit for about 45 minutes before heading out to explore the town. The pad is open from 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. each summer day.
Address: 46 Faucher Blvd., Casselman
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7. Voyage to Voyageur
For a longer outing, visit Voyageur Provincial Park’s four beaches and lovely picnic area. You can fish, play at the playground, launch your boat or hike along 20 kilometres of trails. You can also watch the churning waters of the Long Sault Rapids. Get your day pass from the self-serve station at the entrance for $11 to $18.50, depending on your age and the size of your party.
Address:1212 Front Road, Chute-a-Blondeau
Phone: 613-674-2825
8. Mosey around Larose Forest
It would take several visits for you to see the full extent and beauty of the Larose Forest. Hike around the trails to admire the pines and hardwoods, with all the creatures that live within the woods. You may even see a moose!
Cost: Fees costs $10 for the day or $50 for the full year.
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9. Play in the water park
The splash pad creates rainbows of fun from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. For a change of pace, visit the play structure, basketball court, rollerblade rink, or use the courts for tennis or beach volleyball. To start the water again, just push the grey cap.
Address: 20 Arena St., St. Isidore
10. Dodge the heat at Clarence Creek
This village’s modern water park also hosts four covered picnic tables so you can take a break and recharge. It’s a short walk in from the bend in Josee Street. The park also has large and small play structures for various ages.
Address: Josee St., Clarence Creek
11. Watch the birds and cool down
Bring your binoculars to observe a wide variety of birds atop the wooden stairs and raised platform at Alfred Lagoons Observation Tower. There is also a set of mounted binoculars in case you bring a friend.
Address: 731 Peat Moss Road, Alfred
12. W. E. Burton Conservation Area
The W. E. Burton Conservation Area takes you on trails along the Caster River and gives a lovely view of the Russell Dam. There are three kilometres of trails to explore on foot with or without your dog (leashed, of course).
Address: 602 Church Street, Russell
(B) 877-984-2948
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13. Simon says Splash!
The Optimist Aquatic Park in Simon Park in Rockland is a great respite on a sunny day. Kids can also use the Joel Gauthier Skatepark or one of the park’s play structures to pass the time.
Address: 1450 Du Park Ave., Rockland
14. Earn your Geo-Passport!
Road trip! The South Nation Conservation Lands host several geocaching sites as an incentive to get out and find 40 treasures at 20 different sites. You can earn your Watershed and Historical Geo-Passport and possibly a South Nation Conservation geocoin! Along the way, you’ll explore the ecological, economic and social benefits of forests in the area. Start your hunt at Jessup’s Falls near Plantagenet.
Address: 6675 Highway 17, Plantagenet
15. Go Back in Time at Gagnon Park
Gagnon Park features an authentic pioneer home from the 1880s that is now a museum. Have a picnic under the gazebo and enjoy the accessible swing set
Address: 1760 Calypso Street, Limoges
16. Anyone can play in Giroux Park
A completely accessible park welcomes children of any ability. Parts of it are made from recycled tires to ensure a soft landing if you tumble.
Address: 119 Giroux Street, Limoges
17. Follow the Rail Trail
The Prescott-Russell Recreational Trail runs from Rockland to Hawkesbury along 72 kilometres of rail bed, making a smooth, level back for hikers and cyclists. Stop at one of the five pavilions at St-Eugène, Vankleek Hill, Plantagenet, Bourget or Hammond.
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18. Revel at the vastness of Reveler
With 100 acres to explore, the Reveler Conservation Area is a wonderful oasis. Enjoy its ponds, rare tree species, fields and dozens of bird species. Dogs are welcome on leash; they can help you sniff out the geocache on site.
Address: 14255 Concession 10-11 Road, Crysler
19. Hustle to Russell
The Boucle New York Central Trail takes you along 7.2 kilometres between Russel and Embrun, along part of a rail line that used to connect Ottawa and New York from 1898 to 1957. It’s ideal for cyclists since it is level all the way.
20. Hike with the bunnies
The Lavigne Natural Park near Bourget offers an escape into the calm forest where you can join birds, bunnies and other nature lovers in the shade within 50 acres next to the Morin Forest. Enter via the parking lot off Marcil Road, where you can pick up a map and make a donation before hitting five kilometres of trails.
Address: At the intersection of Marcil and Lavigne Road
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21. Stay at a Zoo Go on a night safari
Visit Papanak Zoo and see all the animals or stay overnight in the cabin.
During late summer (early fall), they also offer night safari. Admission is $10 for kids and $20 for adults.
Address: 150, County Road 19, Wendover
