What we did today: Merveilles de sable

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Today we went to check out Merveilles de sable (Wonders of Sand) at Lac-Beauchamp in Gatineau. Good citizens of Gatineau, you’ve been keeping this a secret for far too long. We had a blast – and can’t believe that we haven’t heard of this before. (It’s been a yearly event since 2001.) A few things that our family enjoyed:

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Sand sculptures.  There were amazing professional sand sculptures (pictured above and below), and an amateur competition as well.
  

  


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A beautiful beach, a sunny summer day, warm water, party tunes blasting.
  

  


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Free boat rentals - canoes, kayaks and paddle boats.
  

  


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Reasonably-priced food and beer, a bouncy castle for kids, short waits at the porta-potties, lots of helpful volunteers, totally bilingual service the whole day
  

  


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Cheap.  $15 got us on-site parking and admission for 2 adults.  Kids under 12 are free.

Aside from a bit of sunburn it was a perfect summer Sunday. See you there next year.

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Related: ** Ottawa Beaches & Swimming Guide

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