Outaouais Travel Guide

Explore the natural and cultural attractions of Outaouais, Quebec, and discover the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and when to go in this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Outaouais

Outaouais is a Canadian city located in the province of Quebec, Northeast of Ontario. The city is popular for its lush green parks, vibrant cultural scene, and natural attractions. It is also the gateway to Ottawa, Canada’s capital city. In this travel guide to Outaouais, we will explore the natural and cultural attractions of the city, including the best things to do, places to visit, where to stay, what to eat, and when to go.

List of Places to Visit in Outaouais

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Canadian Museum of History - One of the country’s most important museums, showcasing the history of Canada and the First People.
  2. Canadian War Museum - A museum dedicated to Canada’s war history that lets you explore the country’s military history through engaging exhibitions and collections.
  3. Gatineau Park - One of the largest public parks in Canada, Gatineau is an outdoor adventure paradise spanning 361 square kilometers with plenty of hiking/biking trails, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and camping opportunities.
  4. Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) Museum - A museum entirely dedicated to the Canada’s national police force, showcasing exhibitions of Canadian police history through the ages.

Natural Attractions of Outaouais: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Parc Omega - Wildlife park showcasing a variety of Canadian animals, including deer, wolves, bison, and more.
  2. Nordik Spa-Nature - A luxury spa in a natural setting, offering outdoor hot tubs, saunas, and an infinity pool.
  3. Wakefield Covered Bridge - A picturesque and historic bridge located in the village of Wakefield, with stunning views of the Gatineau River.
  4. Meech Lake - A beautiful lake located in Gatineau Park, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and picnicking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Outaouais

  1. Carbide Willson Ruins Trail - A scenic trail with great views of Wilson Lake through the forest.
  2. Luskville Falls Trail - A 4 km trail located in Gatineau Park, with a steep hike and views of Luskville Falls.
  3. Leamy Lake Park Trail - A 4 km path that circles Leamy Lake, with a beach, playground, and picnic areas.
  4. Parc des Cèdres Trail - A 5 km trail with many picnic areas and a beach located beside the Ottawa River.

Best Things to Do in Outaouais: Activities and Tours

  1. Take a hot air balloon ride over Gatineau - Experience the beauty of the city from high up in the sky.
  2. Ride on the Hull-Chelsea-Wakefield Steam Train - Take a step back in time as you ride through the beautiful Gatineau hills.
  3. Take a tour of Parliament Hill - Learn about Canada’s government system and history.
  4. Visit the Casino du Lac-Leamy - A casino with over 1800 slot machines and 64 table games, located on the shore of Lake Leamy.

Week-Long Itinerary for Outaouais

Day Activity
1 Canadian War Museum
2 Gatineau Park hiking trails
3 Canadian Mounted Police Museum
4 Parc Omega
5 Nordik Spa-Nature
6 Parliament Hill and Wellington Street
7 Leamy Lake Park

Food and Drink Scene of Outaouais

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Poutine - A quintessential Quebec dish that is made of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy.
  2. Tourtière - A traditional meat pie with beef, pork, or game meat.
  3. Sugar Shack Menu - A breakfast-style meal that includes eggs, bacon, sausages, pancakes, and plenty of maple syrup.

Local Beverages

  1. Gamay Wine - A red wine that is exclusively grown in the Quebec region.
  2. Belle Hop Beer - A locally brewed craft beer named after the Belle Island in the Ottawa River.
  3. Ice Cider - A Quebec specialty, ice cider is made from apples that have been frozen naturally.

Where to Stay in Outaouais: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Andaz Hotel Ottawa Byward Market - Located in the Byward Market neighborhood of Ottawa, this hotel features stunning views of Parliament Hill and offers luxury amenities.
  2. Camping de l’Ile - A relaxed and family-friendly campsite located on the River Outaouais.
  3. Auberge de la Gatineau - A quaint bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of Gatineau, offering cozy rooms and great hospitality.

What to Buy in Outaouais: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Maple Syrup - A quintessential Quebec product that is known worldwide.
  2. handmade wooden bowls - Unique wooden bowls crafted from the wood found in the Outaouais forests.
  3. Local Cheese - Cheese curds are a must-try local delicacy in Outaouais.

Local Culture and Customs of Outaouais

Outaouais is a primarily French-speaking city, and the French culture is prevalent throughout the region. Treat everyone with respect, and try to learn a few phrases in French to show your courtesy.

Best Time to Visit Outaouais

The best time to visit Outaouais is during the summer months, from June to August. The weather is mild, and there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy. Winter is also an excellent time to visit if you love winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Outaouais

Do:

  • Respect the French language and culture of the region.
  • Try the local delicacies, especially the poutine and tourtière.
  • Explore the natural beauty of the region by hiking, biking, or kayaking.
  • Visit Canadian museums and learn about the country’s history and culture.

Don’t:

  • Speak loudly in public places or be disruptive.
  • Litter or damage the natural beauty of the parks and waterways.
  • Neglect to book a tour of Parliament Hill or other important attractions.

Safety and Health

Safety in Outaouais

Outaouais is a safe city to visit, with low levels of crime. However, it is always wise to take precautions in unfamiliar areas.

Health in Outaouais

Outaouais has advanced medical facilities and is considered a healthy city. However, it is always advisable to apply sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and take appropriate measures while engaging in outdoor activities.

Getting to Outaouais: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Outaouais

  1. Ottawa International Airport - located in the city of Ottawa, approximately 10 kilometers from downtown Ottawa.
  2. Gatineau-Ottawa Executive Airport - located across the Ottawa River from Ottawa, in Gatineau.

Bus Stations Near Outaouais

  1. Quebec City Bus Terminal - located in Quebec City, approximately 194 kilometers from Outaouais.
  2. Montreal Bus Terminal - located in downtown Montreal, approximately 162 kilometers from Outaouais.

Other Options

  1. Private car or rental car - The most convenient and flexible transportation option.
  2. Train - Via Rail Canada operates several daily train services from Montreal to Ottawa, which are an affordable and comfortable option for traveling to Outaouais.

How to Get Around in Outaouais

The primary mode of transportation in Outaouais is the car. Taxis and buses are also available. If you are feeling adventurous and love cycling, bike rentals are available in the downtown core.

Where to Go Next from Outaouais: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Ottawa - The capital city of Canada, Ottawa is just across the river and offers numerous attractions, shopping districts, museums, and gourmet delights.
  2. Montreal - A vibrant and exciting city, located 2 hours from Outaouais, offering plenty of attractions, festivals, historical neighborhoods, and modern skyscrapers.

Conclusion

Outaouais is a city that offers a beautiful blend of natural scenery and cultural attractions. It is ideal for a week-long getaway or a quick weekend escape. Whether it’s outdoor adventures, cultural attractions, or indulging in local cuisine, Outaouais won’t disappoint. So, pack your bags, grab your camera, and experience the magic of Outaouais.

Biking along one of the many trails in Gatineau Park Biking along one of the many trails in Gatineau Park The cantelivered levels of the Curatorial Wing represent the outcropping bedrock of the Canadian Shield The cantelivered levels of the Curatorial Wing represent the outcropping bedrock of the Canadian Shield Pink Lake in October Pink Lake in October


    Chelsea
    Gatineau
    Gatineau Park
    Grenville
    Pontiac
    Wakefield