African Safari Experience Close to Montreal
SPOTLIGHT: An African Safari in Your Backyard
Parc Safari | Feature
A little taste of African safari
Are your kids over their youthful excitement for squirrels, raccoons and the neighbor’s dog? Don’t worry. There’s still plenty of wildlife to explore in Quebec! And no, we’re not talking about those rogue pigeons that find their way into the metro stations.
Located in Hemmingford, QC, Parc Safari is a little taste of African safari right in our own backyard.
If you grew up in the Montreal area, you probably remember at least one school or family trip to Parc Safari, but trust us, the park has evolved quite a bit over the years.
Q/A : How far is Parc Safari From Montreal?
Parc Safari is 45 min away from Montreal.
There are 4 ways to experience the many wonderful and exotic animals at Parc Safari:
1. From Your Car
From the comfort of your own vehicle, you drive through an African style plain where over 200 animals from 28 different species graze, play and run! You’re allowed to have your car windows or sliding van doors open for an up close and personal experience, and can even feed the animals, provided you purchase a Parc Safari food box and only feed them from that, as other food could potentially make the animals sick.
2. From the Tunnels
But wait. This is supposed to be an African safari. Where are the lions??? Oh, you’ll get to see lions! And tigers! Parc Safari features glass tunnels that allow you to view the lions in their habitat, right up close, from above, below and on either side of you! Have you ever been nose to nose with a lion? This is your chance! The tigers’ haven is also accessible via glass tunnels for you to observe these huge animals lounging like… cats!
3. From the Terrace
If you want to get out of the car and stretch your legs, you can also make a visit to Afrika Terrace, a huge terrace that gives you a view of the animals from above. This is where you’ll see giraffes, rhinos, elands and addax (don’t worry if you have to Google those last two… we did too). But this elevated terrace isn’t too elevated. You’ll be face to face with long necked giraffes and even able to feed them!
4. From the Tunnels
But wait. This is supposed to be an African safari. Where are the lions??? Oh, you’ll get to see lions! And tigers! Parc Safari features glass tunnels that allow you to view the lions in their habitat, right up close, from above, below and on either side of you! Have you ever been nose to nose with a lion? This is your chance! The tigers’ haven is also accessible via glass tunnels for you to observe these huge animals lounging like… cats!
5. On Safari!
You can also take an off-road expedition in an M35 truck, led by a professional zoologist. You must reserve this experience in advance, but it is well worth the extra planning as you will get right up close and personal with zebras, giraffes and even a white rhinoceros.
Isn’t that amazing? But wait! There’s more!
Your visit to Parc Safari can also include:
Question: What else can you do at Parc Safari?
- The Water Park
Oh yes! The Safari Aquaparc is one of the best water parks in Quebec and not to be missed. In addition to its many amazing water slides, the park also has a beach, waterfalls, splash pad, wading pool and much more. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
- Play & Relaxation Areas
Nairobi Park and Nishati Park feature playground equipment, inflatable games, a huge maze, climbing walls, a mini golf course, hammocks and more.
- Take in a Show
There are scheduled shows daily in the Place d’Afrique Theater, as well as entertainers and characters circulating the park throughout the day to make your visit extra special. You can also visit one of the many presentations from Parc Safari staff to learn more about the life a lion, falconry, cheetahs, the story of the jungle and much more. Be sure to check the schedule online before your visit!
- Restaurants
There are several restaurants and canteens located around the park for you and your family to take a break and have a meal, snack or cold drink. The large outdoor eating areas are shaded with large umbrellas for you to relax out of the sun and put your feet up for a bit.
A lot to offer
Parc Safari certainly has a lot to offer these days, and you might be wondering how you can fit it all into one visit. Well, you don’t have to! Hemmingford is a pretty short drive from the city, so you could go back again and again throughout the year (in fact, you can even get a season pass), or you can make a getaway out of it and stay at one of the many hotels, motels or campgrounds nearby!
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