A weekend in Wendake: Family fun and Wendat Traditions

Looking for the perfect weekend getaway with the kids? Let me share our recent trip to Wendake, a First Nations community just outside Québec City. This itinerary can immerse yourself in Wendat culture—from traditional cuisine and history to outdoor activities and family fun. Here’s what to do in Wendake with the family!

Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations: Comfort and a splash of fun

The moment you step inside, the hotel’s stunning is breathtaking. The wooden entrance, stone accents, and fur details celebrate the community’s heritage beautifully. We stayed in a spacious room with two king-sized beds—perfect for the five of us—and a luxurious bathroom. On the beds, we found thoughtful little touches: handmade soaps, treats, and oils.

The big hit for the kids (and a lifesaver for parents!) was the indoor heated pool. Full of toys and games, it kept the kids entertained even in winter. Downstairs, there’s a cozy lounge with a fireplace—ideal for reading, enjoying a drink, or just relaxing by the fire.

Huron-Wendat Museum: Don’t miss it

While we didn’t get the chance to visit this time, the hotel houses the Huron-Wendat Museum, which is perfect for families. You can join guided tours right on site and visit the national longhouse Ekionkiestha’ just outside. It’s a hands-on way for kids (and adults!) to see how Wendat families lived in the past.

Dinner at Sagamité: Exceptional hospitality

For dinner, we went to Sagamité. I’d been there many times before—either with friends or for work—but this was our first visit as a family. I have to mention the outstanding service and the waiter’s patience with my three hungry kids (including my littlest, who had clearly had a full day!).

The menu did not disappoint. We savoured:

• Seared venison and smoked bison ribs
• Pan-seared foie gras on golden bannock bread (traditional bread), accompanied by the iconic Calumet Fumant.

For a future date night, I’d love to try their signature dish, Potence des Trois Panaches. It’s visually stunning—a tipi-shaped presentation, with deer and elk flambéed right at your table—and it even includes a maple pie to finish the meal on a sweet note.

Onhwa’ Lumina: Winter magic at its best

After dark, we headed to Onhwa’ Lumina. I had experienced it before, but never with the kids or in winter. I truly believe this is the best way to experience it. With the blanket of snow, the lights and projections stand out even more—it’s absolutely magical.

The 1.2 km forest trail takes you through stories, traditional music, and forest sounds. My kids were captivated—sometimes enchanted, sometimes intrigued—especially in the ‘stars’ section (tihchion’ in Wendat, which we learned along the trail).

The trail is well-cleared (we did it in regular winter boots) and stroller-friendly. The great thing is you can adjust the length of the walk to match your family’s energy, while enjoying the interactive sections with QR codes that let you learn about the Wendat Nation as you play and explore.

Breakfast at La Traite

The next morning, we tried the “L’éveil du Wendat” menu at La Traite, open to all, even if you’re not staying at the hotel. The kids devoured bannock French toast with apples and salted caramel, and homemade pancakes topped with fresh wild berries. I went with “La Pêche” (Endawihch): smoked salmon and sage Eggs Benedict on bannock bread. Pure heaven!

Extra tips to make the most of your trip

If you have a little extra time, the community offers plenty of activities to keep the fun going. I would have loved to try the craft workshops with the kids—making a talking stick or a traditional necklace would be such a meaningful keepsake.

For families who love to move, the Rallye Ahaha’ is a fantastic way to explore the trails while having fun, or you can take a stroll around Kabir Kouba Falls to enjoy some fresh air and beautiful scenery.

So, is Wendake worth the trip?

Absolutely! It’s a destination where families can have fun while discovering the rich culture of the Wendat Nation through the Hôtel-Musée Premières Nations and the community. Whether you’re planning just an afternoon visit or a full weekend getaway, Wendake won’t disappoint!

My Tools to Help You Plan Your Trip

Car Rental: For great prices and a wide selection of vehicles, I recommend DiscoverCars. We’ve often found really good deals with them!

Travel Insurance: I never travel without insurance—like VisitorsCoverage.

Mobile Data: To stay connected without paying roaming fees, you can use Airalo. This eSIM (digital SIM card) gives you internet access in over 200 countries as soon as you land. It saves money and reduces stress, since you don’t have to waste time searching for a local SIM card at the airport. With Airalo, you don’t even need to swap a physical SIM card!

Need help planning your next trip? My “Ready-to-Travel!” service is here to take the stress out of your trip planning.

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