Go Wild - An Animal Inspired Spring Break

If you're not going south or going skiing for March break, and if you happen to have little ones who LOVE animals, below are some suggestions for animal-inspired activities either within the City, within day or 2-day trip distance.  For Quebec City you might well want to add a second night and visit the fabulous ice hotel just west of the City on your way home.

Canada Agriculture Museum - you've probably been there lots of times but remember this is the season when new babies start to be born; it's also the beginning of the Museum's new season and they have lots going on for their March Barnyard Break.  There are calves to be named, rabbits to be cared for and much more.  If you like to cook they are also teaching about cooking with maple syrup (yum!) and making butter.Check out all the details of their Barnyard Break activities here: http://www.agriculture.technomuses.ca/english/indexhpnagr.cfm

Wild Bird Care Centre - We first heard about the wild bird care centre after my son found a bird in the middle of the road with a broken wing.  Searching the internet we realized this was the place to go. And it's quite an amazing little place just outside Ottawa. It's open to visitors daily from noon until 3:00.  It's located next to the Stoney Swamp Conservation Area parking lots and there are lots of hiking/skiing trails that surround the centre though I would definately take your rubber boots (a good suggestion for almost anything at this time of year!) For more information about the centre and to see some pictures of what to expect, visit their website at http://www.wildbirdcarecentre.org/.

Mud Lake - OK, I love Mud Lake and you are sure to see lots of birds at this time of year. It is a place that makes you fully appreciate how full of life the land around us is. It is truly lovely and the trail down to the river can be particularly beautiful at this time of year because of the melting ice and snow (just HOLD ON to your kids!). Check out this past post for more details (and it also links you to another post by Andrea of Quietfish) .http://kitchissippikids.blogspot.com/2011/03/mud-lake-area-in-spring.html

Bearbrook Farms - At this farm just east of Ottawa (5396 Dunning Road, 1 km. south of Russell Road)
you can walk or drive around the property to see elk, deer, buffalo, llama, peacocks and chickens.  The farm is open to visitors on Tuesdays through Sundays from 2-5 pm.    http://www.bearbrookfarm.com/animals.html.  The farm does produce and sell a variety of wild game food products.
 

Parc Omega - I did a separate blog post about Parc Omega last year and have to say, again, that this is one of the best times of year to go. Fewer cars, excellent visibility because the leaves aren't out yet, and animals that actually WANT your carrots because they've been on a sparser diet throughout the winter.  See this post for details and pictures: http://kitchissippikids.blogspot.com/2011/03/take-your-rubber-boots-parc-omega.html

Montreal Biodome - The Biodome is an old favorite and shouldn't be too busy given that Quebec's March Break already took place last week. You'll experience 4 diverse climates: the tropical rainforest, the Laurentian Maple Forest, the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Labrador Coast / sub-Antarctic Islands.  The penguins are actually my favorites so try not to get too tired out before you get to the end.  Or walk all the way through and work your way backwards! http://www2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/biodome/site/site.php?langue=en

There is also an excellent "Insider Guide", published earlier this month by Where Canada, at http://www.where.ca/?s=biodome&filter=1

Montreal Insectarium - You may more likely frequent the insectarium in the summer months when the botanical gardens are also open, but if you are in Montreal over March Break, consider dropping by.. It's open Tuesdays through Thursdays from 9 to 5. It is very close to the Biodome (see above).

Granby Zoo - This is my favorite summertime zoo (for families it's much more accessible than the Toronto Zoo).  It started opening in the winter last year and even though it's hours are limited (for Ontario March Break it's only open on March 17 and 18, the 2nd weekend), I suspect it's still worth a visit.  Ideally, I'd probably combine it with a days skiing at nearby Bromont (which yes, is currently open, but check the ski conditions before you go). http://www.zoodegranby.com/

Riverview Park and Zoo. Peterborough -  I've had a hankering to go to Peterborough since last summer when I realized that it had a zoo. Although I have not yet ever been, I can tell you that the zoo is open from 8:30 am until dusk and there is an otter feeding demonstration daily at 1:00 pm.  The sledding hill would be open except that I suspect the snow is gone by now. For details about the zoo see the website http://www.peterboroughutilities.ca/Park_and_Zoo.htm

When you're finished with the zoo take a bit of time to explore historic Peterborough before heading back to Ottawa.  Include in this a visit to Hutchison House, a living history museum featuring life of the 1800's.  For details of it and its march break activities (which include paper making and native story telling) see http://www.hutchisonhouse.ca/.  Keep in mind that the programs are for children aged 6-12, they take places on Tuesday through Friday mornings, and they may require pre-registration.

Quebec City Aquarium - We often drive to Halifax and sometimes we're doing it in the winter or spring. Regardless of weather we are always looking for a place where the boys can get out and run around. Many people don't know of the Quebec City Aquarium as one of it's key attractions (it's not necessarily part of everyone's romantic get-away!) but when you're travelling with kids it's great. In winter, it may be cold but the advantage is that you get to see many of the outdoor animals (because it's not all fish!) in any more natural climate. Outside there are polar bears, walruses, otters, seals and many others. Whereas in the summer you may be vying with crowds hoping to see the feedings and shows, in the winter, you may in fact be the only people at a particular feeding or show! The advantage? Great sight lines and lots of time to talk with the feeders and trainers who, at least our experience, have been more than willing to answer all of our many questions. You will not get that in the summer. When you need to warm up just head inside but don't forget to take in the amazing view of the St. Lawrence River first! http://www.sepaq.com/ct/paq/

More on Mud lake and the Britannia Conservation Area

On Thursday I went to Mud Lake and the Britannia Conservation Area, just west of the Kitchissippi neighbourhood in old Britannia Village.  I posted http://kitchissippikids.blogspot.com/2011/03/mud-lake-area-in-spring.html

It was beautiful but I forgot my camera and also received some questions afterward that I wanted to answer.  This morning I had an hour and a half free time and I just wanted to get outside!  So, I took my camera, and off I went, to Mud Lake, again.

The Lake itself is still frozen though I wouldn't try to walk out on it from the shore.  I think the warm weather has brought an end to what was clearly a well-maintained ice rink complete with hockey nets nearby, not that long ago. 

I didn't walk around the entire Lake but starting from the westerly end of the trail I went a good distance.  The trail was still snow covered, crunchy and wet in only a few places.  It will definately be soggy when temperatures go above zero again so if in doubt, take rubber boots, though preferably ones with treads for the icey patches.

Dogs are not permitted on the Mud Lake trail (though they are permitted on the river trail across the street so read on...)

There were geese on the Lake (though for "better" geese, ducks etc. go to the river) and lots of squirrels and birds in the woods.  I'm no birder but if something were to turn me into one it would be Mud Lake.  Go there and you know it's spring.  

People were even feeding the birds directly from their outstretched palms - a great experience for kids and grown-ups a like.  (You are, of course, not really supposed to feed the birds, ducks etc. but that's another story). 

My bird photos make it clear I need a better zoom....

 After the Lake, cross the street and from the small parking lot on the north side of the road you'll find what I'll call the Ridge trail and the River trail.  On both of these dogs are permitted though they should be on a leash and you should of couse clean up the waste (and watch your step for those who didn't!)

The Ridge trail takes you up a small hill (see left) and along a ridge overlooking the Ottawa River and running parallel to Cassels Road.  There are nice views and more adventurous people than I clearly did some scrambling around for photographs. 

You can get down to the river in various spots - probably every 30 feet or so.  It's a short trail but pleasant and of course bring your birding binoculars and camera.

If you don't go up the hill to the ridge, simply follow the trail down to the river and that is my favorite spot.  Again today there were lots of geese, ducks, squirrels, seagulls etc.  The mix of ice, water, snow and wildlife is beautiful.

Do not go too close to the edge.  It is the river.  The water is cold.  Nobody wants an accident and people are NOT ducks!

These trails are a poignant reminder of the importance of green space in our city.  The ability to visit this type of environment so close to home is priceless. 

Mud Lake / Britannia Conservation Area - In Spring!

I first went to Mud Lake in October after viewing a post by Andrea at Quietfish http://www.quietfish.com/notebook/?p=9449.  It's a short drive from here in quaint Britannia Village (which I had equally failed to discover unhtil last summer) and today we decided to go there again in the hopes of seeing some ducks.  I had three young ones with me and we didn't actually pursue the trail around the lake as it looked a bit snowed-in at least at one end, and the littlest man probably would not have made it around.

We did however take a walk down a short trail on the other side of the road to the Ottawa River (or at least a small arm of the Ottawa River.  And it was beautiful.  Really beautiful.  It didn't hurt that the sun was just coming through the clouds, or that there were large melting ice formations along the trees standing in the water a few feet from sure.  It was spring weather, slushy but not yet muddy and there were ducks, and geese and seagulls and squirrels and the sounds of lots of birds.  In fact we did even see a cardinal.  Next time, and I wish it could be tomorrow, we will take the camera and the binoculars.  We will also be sure to make our way around the lake.  There's a painted rock there (apparently with a scarey face!) that I want to see. 

In the meantime, I need my camera surgically attached to my right hand.

When near the Ottawa River at this time of year, never get too close.  The water is COLD and little people in particular can easily lose their footing.  Never take a risk.

To reach Mud Lake from Kitchissippi, take Carling Avenuewestward.  Just after you pass the Carling / Richmond Road intersection turn right at Britannia Road (this is before you reach Britannia Park).  Follow Britannia Road as far as you can and then turn right on Cassels Road.  You can't miss Mud Lake which will be on your right.  You can also reach it via the NCC trail but I'd wait till the snow clears a bit more for that.  Great bike destination for the summer though!

The NCC describes Mud Lake and the  Britannia Conservation Area as follows

 "A patch of wilderness in the middle of an urban setting,  Mud Lake is an amazing area of forest and wetlands. Located in Ottawa’s west end, Mud Lake is home to hundreds of species of wildlife, with raccoons, frogs, turtles and foxes, to name but a few. This ecologically significant urban natural landscape is also prime birding territory, with thousands of birdwatchers coming each year to observe hundreds of different species. A walk through this easy-to-access urban jungle provides an exciting escape from city life."

For more detailed information about birds in the area visit the Ottawa Field Naturalists Club at http://www.ofnc.ca/birding/wheretogo/britanniabirding.php. This "5-kilometre stretch of shoreline and conservation area bordering Lac Des Chenes and the Ottawa River represents, without question, the best year-round birding hotspot in Ottawa", they say.