This town in the Eastern Townships has new zip-lines, aerial activities and multipurpose trails for hiking and biking

From rope courses and zip-lining, to paths for mountain biking and hiking, Bromont has a slew of new family attractions and activities on offer this summer. Approximately one hour southwest from Montreal in the Eastern Townships, the area is known for mountain biking, water slides, multipurpose trails and cultural events.

Probably the most interesting new activity for kids is Divertigo, a mountainside wooden structure that has 40 aerial activities, including three zip-lines that take participants on a 750-metre adventure, a nine-metre mega swing, a climbing wall and a 12-metre free-fall drop (pictured above). Located near Bromont’s water park, Divertigo opened in May and has an adventure course divided into four sections. The first level is geared to younger children, while older kids can master the more challenging upper levels.

This summer also marks the opening of a vast green space called Parc des Sommets that includes 140 km of paths for mountain biking, hiking, running and horseback riding. The public can take advantage of free access to the park this summer. Maps and trail locations are available at the Bromont Tourist Information office as well as on the Ondago app, which allows you to access interactive maps while offline.

There will be a family festival called Bromont Blues & BBQ every Thursday evening from July 4 to Aug. 15 in Old Bromont, where jazz musicians will play free concerts under a gazebo from 5 to 7 p.m. Marie Allaire, director of touristic development Bromont, said that families can lay down blankets, bring camping chairs and have a picnic-style barbecue with a choice of various local foods. “Beginning last year, we created a family area beside the gazebo with cushions and games for little kids in order to encourage families to join the fun.”

Outdoor theatre is also on the calendar. On July 14 and 27 at 11 a.m. as well as Aug. 11 and 25 at 3 p.m., people can watch a play called Doohickeys and Ghosts: A Townships Trail Mystery. Geared to kids 8 and up and presented in French (and for free on those dates), the story is about the mystery of objects disappearing or turning up in unexpected places. Olivia, the employee responsible for assisting visitors to the trail, is dismayed at having to deal with disgruntled people who have had items stolen. Ghost hunter Glenn Stevens has been hired to investigate. Thanks to his paranormal abilities, he discovers that the disturbances are indeed the work of a spirit looking for a precious ring. Olivia and Glenn soon realize that the only way to rid the premises of this visitor is to help her find what she is looking for. The show will take place at the Centre Culturel St. John, 593 Shefford St., Bromont.

Cycling is a popular activity in the Eastern Townships and Bromont is home to the National Cycling Centre, which rents out all types of bikes and even lends out balance bikes (ones with no pedals) for free to little kids learning the basics. At this centre, people can ride in the velodrome, try out a BMX or pump track (a circuit of smooth dirt mounds, banked turns and other features ridden by generating momentum with up and down body movements) or cycle on various paths in the area. There are other places to rent bikes including Bromont Ski Centre, which operates a mountain biking business in the summer, as well as Boutique Ubac on Bromont Blvd.  Also, a day pass to the water park in Bromont gives people one free mountain biking descent at no extra cost; bike and helmet are provided.

So, if you haven’t firmed up all your summer plans, Bromont might be a fun destination for families looking to do something a little different.

For more information, click here.

Source : Kelly Wilton
montrealfamilies.ca