Parc Safari

Parc Safari is about an hour south of Montreal and offers something you won't find at other Quebec zoos — a genuine drive-through safari. Kids lose their minds when zebras, ostriches, and elk walk right up to the car windows. It's the closest thing to an African safari you'll find in eastern Canada.

The park has two main sections. The drive-through safari takes about 30-40 minutes and covers the savanna area where larger animals roam freely. You stay in your car the whole time, which is actually perfect for families with very young kids who can't walk long distances. Roll down the windows (carefully) and watch your kids' reactions when a camel stares them down from two feet away.

The walk-through section has more traditional zoo exhibits, plus a giraffe feeding platform that's worth the extra cost. Handing a piece of lettuce to a giraffe and feeling its tongue wrap around it is a core memory moment for most kids.

The water park is included with admission and has slides, a wave pool, and a shallow play area for toddlers. It's not as large as Zoo de Granby's water park, but it's more than enough for a hot afternoon.

Food options include a few snack bars and a sit-down restaurant. Prices are typical for an attraction — $12-$16 for a burger or hot dog combo. Picnic areas let you eat your own food.

The grounds are not fully paved, so stroller access is mixed. Some areas are gravel or grass, making all-terrain strollers the better choice. Restrooms are spread throughout but changing facilities are basic.

Note: The 3.9 Google rating reflects some mixed reviews about maintenance, but families with young kids consistently rate the safari drive and giraffe feeding as highlights.