An evening in Saint-Sauveur: hidden terrace and illuminated toboggan run

The Viking Odyssey, an alpine roller coaster on the slopes of Mont Saint-Sauveur, just opened this evening. I went there with my girlfriend to try it out.

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But first, we sat down at the terrace of Vieilles Portes, an institution in Saint-Sauveur.

The Old Doors

At the foot of a Victorian house and beneath the trees, this intimate terrace, hidden from view, discreetly overlooks Main Street. It is one of the most beautiful, if not the most beautiful, in Saint-Sauveur.

Renowned for its nightlife for nearly three decades, the establishment, after being closed for several years, reopened under new ownership last year. It now houses a French-inspired bistro that is both chic and relaxed.

The cocktails are astonishingly original. My girlfriend opted for a darling daiquiri, made with white rum and strawberry and rhubarb syrup. I sipped a botanical smash , made with gin and Lillet, with lavender and basil.

After an unexpected starter of strawberry burrata, we enjoyed lobster thermidor with asparagus and mushroom bisque, topped with aged Comté cheese. As it was almost 9 p.m., we had to leave to head to the nighttime Alpine carousel.

A roller coaster... in the mountains

Several years ago, I had the opportunity to try The Viking Odyssey with my daughter. I was curious to try it out as a party favor.

We arrived around 9 p.m., but it wasn't quite dark yet. After getting into the same sled, the climb began. Expected duration: four minutes.

A narrative about a Viking story, accompanied by intriguing music, enlivens the course. After a large moon, the descent begins. The turns follow one another at a brisk pace. It's very fast.

The descent lasts two and a half minutes. Since there's so much action, it doesn't feel too short. We're even glad to reach the foot of the mountain to recover from our emotions.

On the way back, it's dark. We decide to make another descent. The total darkness brings out the play of light even more, creating an even more intense atmosphere. It's a rather unique experience.

French-inspired bistro, with Quebec products depending on availability

Terrace

Bar with DJ later in the evening

www.lesvieillesportes.com

THE VIKING ODYSSEY

Saint-Sauveur Summit, FUN Park

Sleds for one or two people

Price: from $25

www.sommets.com/fr/quoi-faire/parc-fun/

Omega Park in the evening

A nighttime projection trail, called ONIRO, has just been launched. The theme: what animals dream about. The walking trail is one kilometer long. Sounds and lights in the heart of a mysterious forest.

www.parcomega.ca

Climb to the Old Port

Voiles en Voiles, a boat you climb on, is equipped with new suspended courses, a brand-new climbing wall, and a revamped ground park. The park features more than 100 challenges for everyone.

www.voilesenvoiles.com

Alain Demers is the author of the book Rediscovering Quebec: 101 Destinations , published by Les Éditions du Journal.