Jean-François and His Family’s Accessible Adventure
June 4
On June 4th, we had the pleasure of welcoming Jean-François and his family, who came to try out our mini-chalets and discover our many adapted facilities. Jean-François uses a wheelchair, but that doesn’t stop him from being a true adventure enthusiast: he has already climbed Mount Oxford in a joëlette and gone adapted kayaking. This time, he was able to share these adventures with his family — a first, filled with emotion and pride, both for him and for us.
We started the day by introducing them to our nature interpretation trail. Thanks to the Paws — a motorized wheel with handlebars that attaches to the front of a wheelchair, turning it into an electric three-wheeler — Jean-François was able to easily keep up with his family along the way. And since he’s not the type to get cold easily, he even took the opportunity to race his son!
In the afternoon, his family took on a new challenge: trying out the Joëlette for the very first time—an all-terrain chair that makes it possible to transport a person with reduced mobility along trails. Together, they worked as a team to accompany Jean-François on the course.
lake morgan
Afterward, we headed to Lake Morgan. Under the bright sun, the whole family was eager to cool off and enjoy some kayaking. Together, they formed a big star in the middle of the lake with their boats—a moment of pure shared happiness.
BBQ
We ended this wonderful day with a good BBQ and a campfire. On the menu: burgers grilled by none other than Jean-François himself. While he cooked, the children had fun out in the field, playing Mölkky, ball, and badminton. A family overflowing with energy and laughter.
Campfire and s'mores
It was Marcus, Jean-François’s son, who lit the campfire. They say he’s an expert at it — and watching his fire burn, we had no trouble believing it! Everyone gathered around the fire to end the evening on a beautiful note, while the children enjoyed toasted s’mores… the perfect classic to conclude such a memorable day.
June 5
On the morning of June 5, we began the second day with a session of outdoor adventure course and games in the park for the children. They climbed trees, played volleyball, ultimate frisbee, soccer, bucketgolf, and explored the play structures. It was a fun-filled morning, which Jean-François was able to fully enjoy thanks to the Paws and the Hippocampe chair. He even joined in a game of bucketgolf — a beautiful moment of inclusion and shared joy.
cape azarias
In the afternoon, we set off for Cape Azarias! It was a fairly short hike, but quite steep. The goal: to give Jean-François the chance to enjoy the same view as his family. Mission accomplished! Accompanied by volunteers and his loved ones, he reached the summit thanks to the Joëlette. A great success for everyone, and a moment filled with pride and accomplishment. We managed to give him what he loves most: a good dose of adrenaline — because Jean-François is a true thrill-seeker.
lake Lamoureux
We spent part of the afternoon at Lake Lamoureux Beach. The children swam and played frisbee in the water. Jean-François was able to enjoy the water with his family thanks to the Sofao chair. His children were even happier than he was to see him in the water.
Early evening gathering
Finally, we ended the day on the dock at Lake Morgan with a well-deserved early evening gathering. The children swam out to the floating dock in the middle of the lake, from which they enthusiastically leaped into the water. Meanwhile, the adults savored the moment: good food, a drink in hand, and above all, the soothing tranquility of the lake at the end of the day.
Jean-François was able to enjoy an exceptional family stay, sharing activities with his loved ones that are often inaccessible to him elsewhere. Not all accommodations in Quebec offer so many adapted facilities… but at Chalets Lanaudière, inclusion is not optional: it is a core value. We believe that everyone deserves to experience unforgettable moments, regardless of their circumstances..
And this family? They’ll already be back in August! We can’t wait to see them again, for more adventures, more laughter… and even more shared memories.
