What is the ultimate road trip? A Coach bus across two Atlantic provinces en-route to Quebec City, with your sons hockey team, of course!

It’s an adventure that doesn’t come along that often for a parent and I couldn’t turn it down this time. This was my sons last year in peewee, and the minor hockey season was winding down. So it was the last big adventure we all had together as a team, not only the players, but us parents as well.

Our destination, Quebec City, plays host to the Quebec International Pee-Wee BSR Tournament. This is the largest tournament of its kind in the world, and teams come from all over the world- including Australia!

Fortunately the weather cooperated, and it was a smooth departure at 5am. The next two hours we drove in virtual darkness, only the low voices of parents and the hum of the bus making its way along the highway could be heard.

Twelve or thirteen hours after our departure (rest stops included) we arrived at the Hotel Classique, our home for the next 6 nights.

This is not a road trip that leaves you to your own… you’re at the whim of the team and its schedule.

Videotron

The bulk of our trip was spent at various hockey rinks in the Quebec City area… and at the Videotron. This very new arena is home to the Quebec Remparts, of the QMJHL. The Videotron holds almost 20,000 people!

It is, undoubtedly, the future home of the someday reborn Quebec Nordiques.

Ours boys made two trips to the Videotron for pin trading and one for a Remparts game (really, pin trading). We adults watched the game… Mostly.

One true highlight of our road trip was our trip to Valcartier Vacation Village. A true winter playground (and the largest in North America), with snow rafting and slides for all levels. We spent the afternoon and early evening on the slopes. I braved the Himalayas! But shied away from Everest… not for the faint of heart I say.

Everest

After a tasty meal at Resto Safari restaurant inside the Village, we called it a day.

Himalayas

The fun doesn’t end there for those looking for more. You’ll also find the Ice Hotel (Hotel De Glacé), and the indoor water park, Bora Park. A campground in summer, a hotel and spa…

The week really was spent socializing, watching hockey, and helping our children create memories they’ll have for a lifetime.

I’ll share in these memories as well and wouldn’t trade them for anything!