Do you remember the drive-in? I sure do.
Sometimes, a train of thought can lead to a genuine discovery. Hearing from a dear old friend the other night conjured up memories of high school, of fun Friday nights out and of classic 1980′s teenager movies. Then, my mind wandered again. “Are there any drive-in theatres left around town?”, I thought to myself, and “when was the last time you went to a drive-in?”.
So, as quickly as my curiosity was aroused, the research began (thanks, as always, to my good friend Google). As it turns out, there is indeed a drive-in still open right here in the Outaouais! Who knew? (I sure didn’t).
Cine-Parc Templeton, owned and operated by Mr. Paul Touchet since 1974, is still going strong on Maloney Blvd. in Gatineau, Quebec. Showing first-run films from Friday to Sunday all summer long, the drive-in features 2 screens for double bills in both official languages. Admission is only 9$ for adults, gates typically open at 8 and the show starts at dusk. For September screenings, it seems things get started an hour earlier, since the sun does set faster this late in the season.
I do remember that my last trip to the drive-in was way back in the 12th grade. It was at the old Airport Drive-in, which is now the site of an overflow park and ride. I went with a classmate on a double date that was less than a success, but for all of our brashness and bravado, I’m quite sure we were unaware it would be our last experience like it for a long time to come.
Looking back, I feel quite nostalgic for what I never realized I was missing. Looking forward though, I am perfectly pleased by the prospect of making new drive-in memories!
What about you? Do you have any drive-in stories?
For more information, visit Cine-Parc Templeton or click here for a video interview with owner operator Paul Touchet.
haha actually, I used to live about 10 mins away from there and only went about just over a handful of times in all the time I lived there (in my childhood). It’s a nice place and the movies they play are current movies, not older ones, which is good. Only thing that’s bad that I recall from my last time there about 7 years ago was the mosquitos… tons of them. Had to roll the windows up and it sucked. But it might have been pre-mosquito spray time, so I don’t know.
This is the drive-in close to Star Island.
http://www.portelmsleydrivein.com/
This is the article where I read about it.
http://www.ottawacitizen.com/story_print.html?id=1874830&sponsor=
Never could escape the island… but there is always next year.
When I was a little kid, I spent every weekend at my aunt’s place. She lived right behind a drive in, and I remember vividly watching the movies every weekend without any sound, and wishing I could be with one of the cars that parked at the drive in.
we used to load up the pick up truck and go to the airport one. not a whole lot of movie watching going on, just tons seeing and being seen. so much fun. not one particular memory stands out, i just remember really fun times.
I’m glad to hear there’s still a drive-in in the Ottawa area.
Every time think of drive-ins I think of my mum. I was just driving age, so maybe 17, and I guess I had nothing else to do of a Saturday night. I think we both realized how odd it was – it’s a place to make out, after all! – but we enjoyed it none the less. We saw Creepshow and Cujo, double bill, at the Britannia.
Thanks again cura for bringing me back. And yes, there is always next year!