Pointe Claire Village is a beautiful spot to spend a sunny spring/summer morning, with a hidden treasure of a park just one block away.
Here's the toddler hangout at Bourgeau Park.
Just south of Lakeshore Rd. (the main drag) is Alexandre Bourgeau Park (view map) and the Pointe Claire Village Pool (which has a wading pool). The park has two fenced-in areas for toddlers and older children, a picnic table and a fair bit of shade. If the kids will consent to a break from playing, you can walk across the adjacent soccer field and stand on the rocky shore of Lake St. Louis, and watch people sailing.
Behind the digger and the turtle is the big kids' hangout.
The water view … hey, are those people available for babysitting?
If the field is free, it's a wide open space for practising goals, flying kites or chasing down children who don't want to leave yet. Back at the park area, the pool is open to non-Pointe Claire residents and the circular, shallow splash pool is perfect for toddlers. The main pool has a slide.
OK, great, so where's the closest bathroom?
Well, head back to Lakeshore Rd. Almost across the street from the park is a casual cafe where you can use the bathrooms (no changing table, though) if you buy something (the muesli muffins are delicioso!). It's got indoor and outdoor seating for lunch.
Good to know: If you can't find parking on Lakeshore Rd., turn on St. Joachim Rd. and park in the school parking lot. You can walk from there to Bourgeau Park.
Other family-friendly attractions in Pointe Claire Village (view map to see the following locations):
Babar Books, 46 Ste. Anne St., an independent children's bookstore that's been in business for 20 years. Note: It's closed on Sundays.
Rêve d'Enfant Jeux et Jouets, 290 Lakeshore Rd., an independent, family-run toy store.
Bummis cloth diaper boutique, 278 Lakeshore Rd., which sells eco-friendly baby and parent accessories.
Bonnidée, 270 Lakeshore Rd., sells stamps and paper craft accessories.
Wild Willy's Ice Cream parlor, 20 Cartier Ave., has TONS of crazy flavours and vanilla, too.
