Doe a Deer

One of the things we look forward to every summer is our annual visit to Le Parc Oméga, where the deer and the antelope roam. It’s a “drive-thru” habitat for up-close observation of about a dozen different species of wandering animals including deer, bison and wild boar. It is an absolute hoot and the whole family loves it.

Here’s the best part: feeding the deer is encouraged! Just make sure it’s good stuff. You can buy carrots on site but you’re better off bringing your own. A two pound bag of carrots for each person will avert backseat arguments. Breaking the bigger ones into thirds will make them last a little longer. And spread out the carrot feeding so it lasts the entire circuit.

There is no fooling the deer. They’ll see you coming from a mile away, recognizing you as the Food Delivery System you have become. In fact, the deer will gladly stuff themselves into any passing car in search of food. Keep your doors closed and windows open part-way. That is, unless you want to be covered in slobber, in which case please go right ahead. (Kids do find deer slobber totally hilarious.)

Other animals in full view include wolves and bears (each in their own enclosed areas), as well as bison.

This is the kind of all-ages experience that everyone enjoys, so invite Grandma and Grandpa to come along for the ride (but if they drive a fancy car be sure to leave it in the garage). Parts of the route are dusty and rocky, and excitable animals may scratch the car. At the very minimum you’ll need a good wash.

Bring a picnic, as there are a few pretty spots to break bread. The best ones are at the halfway point (at the top of the driving loop), which is also the only place you are allowed to stop and get out of the car. You can find it on this map.

Don’t forget to check out the easy (not to mention totally underused) hiking trail near the park entrance. The trail turns into a high boardwalk which overlooks a bear and wolf habitat, and it’s more interesting than the one along the driving route. No feeding the bears please! Two-legged visitors might even spot a wolf cub or a young bear climbing a tree. 

Now that’s worth a bag of carrots!

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