Did you hear the exciting news?! Éco-Odyssée opened their “Ice Maze” for skating yesterday and it is so cool! Literally and figuratively! From Toronto, it is a 4.5hrs drive from the east end near the Toronto Zoo, (40 mins from Ottawa). Last year we made the 4.5 hrs trek twice once in fall and once in winter and both times it was worth the trip! Canadian winters can get hectic so I encourage everyone to invest in good winter tires to stay safe! Click here to find some delivered to your local installer if you haven’t already invested: Good Year Tires . Nevertheless with good weather the Water Maze near Ottawa transformed into an Ice Skating Labyrinth is worth the cross provincial border journey!
What to Expect!
Éco-Odyssée’s Ice Maze is open day and night! I’ve done both and each are magical in their own way. I have to admit though if I had to choose one night time is a beautiful winter wonderland, with it’s illuminated colour changing L E D lighting throughout the maze! Éco-Odyssée is a family owned and operated business. A dynamic brother and sister team and two very amazing people are currently running the vision! We had the pleasure of meeting them both during our last year’s visit! Amélie, who greeted us at the visitor check in area and Olivier, who took care of us while we were outside. Éco-Odyssée offers a bring your own equipment experience and everything takes place outdoors!
Our Night Skate!
It was -14 the night we visited and the ice was already 9 inches thick which is completely safe for skating! Éco-Odyssée has a mini zamboni to keep the ice groomed for good skating conditions throughout the season! There is 2.5kms of ice maze fun to explore and as cheesy as this sounds, the night we went was absolutely magical! Clear skies overhead, we watched the stars as we navigated the maze and the snow glittered like shiny crystals! The LED lights and festive music completed our experience!
Day 2 Begins!
We stayed overnight in one of Éco-Odyssées’ glamping accommodations (blog to follow). Bright and early we rose to visit the skating maze once more but this time during the day! Daylight brings a different experience but a fun one none the less! Guests arrived at 9am for their opening skate and were just as excited as we were to explore! It was nice to see other skaters out enjoying the maze too!
Cozy Comforts!
Éco-Odyssée has an onsite hot chocolate/coffee truck and a centrally located campfire. An outdoor activity, this ensures some cozy comforts with their different warm up opportunities! Perfect for our “Water Maze near Ottawa transformed into an Ice Skating Labyrinth!” adventure!
Feeling the seasonal blues and not eager to venture out lately? Click here to learn how a staycation like visiting Éco-Odyssée can actually be beneficial for your mental health! https://jenzjourneys.com/5-benefits-of-travel-for-mental-health-you-may-not-know/
For a sneak peek of what to expect check out my Instagram reel here and follow for more!
Info:
➡️ https://www.eco-odyssee.ca
➡️☎️ 1-819-459-2551
➡️ 52, Chemin des Sources
La Pêche (Wakefield area) QC
➡️Daytime, Twilight and Night Maze options available
➡️Adults $20
➡️Children $15
➡️Under 2 free
➡️Jan 12th – Mar 5th Thurs – Sun only
➡️ Thurs – Fri 1p.m. and 10p.m.
➡️Sat 10a.m. – 10 p.m. & Sun 10a.m. – 6p.m.
Tips:
➡️Bring your own equipment
➡️They have cool accommodations for a longer stay
Facts:
➡️Established in 2008 it is a worldwide unique find!
