This week I got to cross something off my “summer to-do list”, when I took the kids to Mont Cascades Water Park. To be honest, this summer has been going by WAY too quickly. With the wet summer we’ve had so far, and a busy work schedule, combined with pregnancy issues, I really haven’t done as many things as I had planned with Lucas and Rowan. So, a sunny and warm Monday seemed like a great time to try out Mont Cascades for the first time.  I had heard it was a good place to take small kids like mine, and it didn’t disappoint.

For those of you who haven’t been before – Mont Cascades is a large water slide park in Quebec, about 30 minutes from Ottawa. It isn’t as large as Calypso (which I’ve heard is very impressive), but it’s also around half the price of Calypso. So, especially for families with smaller kids who wouldn’t be able to last a full day at the water slides, a cheaper option may be the way to go. You can save a few dollars if you buy your tickets online ahead of time (but you must purchase them at least 24 hours in advance).

To give you and idea of prices. 2 years old and under are free, Kids shorter than 1.32 m are $19.99 online, $21.99 if you buy them at the park. And for anyone taller than 1.32 m tickets are $ 22.99 online, and $24.99 at the park.

Mont Cascades has two dedicated slide areas for little ones and their parents. I found it totally doable with just my two kids and myself. Going on a week day was great, because it wasn’t too busy. I imagine it can get a little crazier on weekends.

Rowan was a little hesitant to go on the slides at first, but we found a couple of the slower ones that she felt comfortable on. Lucas, on the other hand, was fearless and he had a blast trying out every slide.

I really appreciated the pool areas around the bottom of the kid slides. Rowan and I could hang out and stay cool in the shallow water while we watched Lucas go up and down the slides time and again. I also loved that there are no rules about going down slides with your kids. I went down every time with Rowan, and we even went down as a triple train (Ro, Lucas and myself) a number of times – and it’s all allowed.

There is also spectacular seating all around the kids areas that allow parents to sit and watch. Rowan also enjoyed just chilling and snacking while cheering on Luke.

There are huge areas for picnics, and I was pleasantly surprised to find out you can bring in your own food. Families around us were set up with huge coolers full of food and drinks. There is also food available to buy on site as well (fries, hot dogs, hamburgers and such).

The younger kids section is just one area at Mont Cascades. There are many, huge (and intimidating) looking waterslides for older kids – big drops, tubing slides, racing slides with mats… lots of fun.  But, for me I was just really impressed with how friendly the park was for little ones. My kids both had a blast. After three hours at the park they were exhausted and both passed out on the way home. I can’t wait to take them back again!