The right format for each activity!

Summer is filled with occasions to enjoy the great outdoors! Take advantage of sunny days to spend some time with family and friends.

Author Équipe SAQ

Published on July 13, 2020

Let’s make the most of these last warm days with barbecue picnics, family and friends. Here’s a short list of parks where barbecues are allowed and, in some cases, even provided. And our practical drink formats will help uncomplicate the travelling.

Parc des Chutes-Dorwin, Rawdon

Nothing beats relaxing in nature and admiring the majestic scenery! After an invigorating hike, head on over to the park’s picnic area to enjoy your meal in the picturesque countryside. We suggest accompanying your food with a glass of white beer. Delicate and refreshing, witbier, weisee or hafeweizen pair nicely with unflavoured chips dipped in caramelized onion hummus. Opt for 500-ml formats as they are easy to share.

Parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques, Pierrefond

Pierrefond is hardly an exotic locale. Use your imagination and take a fantasy trip to Spain with a picnic spread of chorizo, Manchego cheese and Serrano ham. Pair your tapas spread with a delicious and refreshing rosé that’s Fruity and Light. You’ll definitely appreciate the wine’s thirst-quenching properties after a day spent outdoors! Pack a small selection of olives and you’ll be whisked away to Spain! Salud!

Parc de la rivière Mitis, Sainte-Flavie

Sainte-Flavie is the point of entry to the Gaspé Peninsula, and you can soon smell the salt air sweeping in from the Gulf, making it the ideal spot to enjoy a grilled seafood snack. Wondering what to pair with your meal? We suggest a crackling cider with an invigorating texture and bright aromas of green apple. You’ll find 250-ml formats in-store, which are as easy to transport, as they are to share.

Gatineau Park, Outaouais region

Are you and your friends looking for a green space to spend the day? Well then head to Gatineau Park! It’s a sprawling terrain that’s perfect for large gatherings. For your fun-filled day, we suggest packing a 3-or-4-litre box of wine. Boxed wine contains the equivalent of four regular-sized bottles, which means there’ll definitely be enough to go around. Whites from the Fruity and Vibrant taste tag category pair nicely with a wide array of salads. Here’s a handy tip: remove the bag from the box and pack it in a cooler filled with ice, that way it’ll be chilled and ready to drink in a flash!

For those who’d rather stay put, there are a few other options to let you benefit from the good weather and not have to stray too far from home. In Montreal, for example, outdoor barbecues are allowed in all the nature parks (in designated areas, although some restrictions may apply). There are also some other fun ways to organize a picnic without having to visit a park. All it takes is a little imagination.

Note: Due to the current situation related to COVID-19, please contact the relevant municipalities or organizations before planning an outdoor event (City of Montréal, Parks Canada, Sépaq, etc.).