You don’t have to settle when planning your weekend getaway or summer vacation. You can have it all—culture, history, and heritage. From city sights to nature’s natural treasures, discover the beautiful Outaouais region that has, well, just about everything: parks, great restaurants, museums, unique accommodations, and much more.

What’s in a name? The region bears the moniker of the French name for the Ottawa River, named for the Indigenous Odawa that lived near the region. Shaped by the river itself, OUTAOUAIS forms a natural border between Ontario and Quebec, and it’s a lovely combination of all that modern cities have to offer and the  beautiful great outdoors to explore. There’s no better place to relax, take in generous hospitality, revel in nature and make some memories.

Where to start?

Credit: Myriam Baril-Tessier

It's one of the prettiest regions in the country. Check out this itinerary for a road trip to remember along Les Chemins d’eau Tourist Route, which runs parallel to the Ottawa and Gatineau rivers. The route takes you on a journey, passing through villages to reveal fragments of the past, where you can admire lush nature and wildlife, visit historical attractions and gourmet stops, and enjoy relaxing accommodations.

What to See?

Credit: Myriam Baril-Tessier

Nod to nostalgia: Set in Montebello, Manoir Papineau National Historical Site takes a page out of 19^th century history. Tour the magnificent manor home, landscaped gardens, wooded areas, and a stream at the grand estate of Louis-Joseph Papineau, who went on to become a leading political figure.

Crédit: Myriam Baril-Tessier

Take a hike: Visit Plaisance Falls. With a huge vertical drop, the falls offer breathtaking lookout points on a trail that lets you get up close to natural beauty. Pack a picnic, take in the views of the cascades, and relax in nature.

Credit: Sébastien Lavallée

Dip into history: Housed in a scenic riverfront building designed by Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal, the popular Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau lays out 15,000 years of social and human history.

Crédit: Myriam Baril-Tessier

Be amazed : Laflèche Cave in the Collines-de-l’outaouais is a cave filled with mysteries. Follow along on a guided tour, hear the anecdotes, and discover hidden passages in the dry galleries, tunnels, and chambers located on two levels underneath a hillside.

Crédit: Charles-Édouard Carrier

Chase a Waterfall: Luskville Falls flows over the Eardley Escarpment, a unique natural habitat in the western sector of Gatineau Park, the National Capital region’s Conservation Park. Stop here to picnic, stargaze, bird watch, and cycle.

Crédit: Five2Nine

Go on an adventure! Get ready for fun at Chutes Coulonge Adventure Park in the Pontiac, where obstacle courses make a great introduction to heights in a natural setting of Centennial White Pines. Learn more about the history of log drivers with the historical trail and feel the thrill on the park’s giant canyon ziplines, guaranteed to take your breath away.

3 Must-Try

Crédit: Myriam Baril-Tessier

1. For nature enthusiasts: Rent a paddle board, kayak, or canoe at Corporation plein air de la Lièvre in Gatineau, and relax on a calm water ride on the Lièvre River.

2. For art lovers: Take in a show, see an exhibition, or sign up for a class at Le Fab sur Mill in Chelsea, where you can shop for unique gifts and souvenirs too.

3. For thrill riders: Ride the waves with world-class rapids at Rafting Momentum’s ultimate white water rafting experience. Book for a day or an overnight package, only an hour from Gatineau–Ottawa.

Where to Eat, Drink and Sleep

Brasseurs du Temps: Grab a seat at the Outaouais region’s first microbrewery in Gatineau. Order a delicious menu and complement it with one of the 17 beers available.

Les Fougères Restaurant in Chelsea: Do you like fine dining? Head to this restaurant featuring seasonal and regional products with excellent reviews and an extensive wine list.

Café Downtown: Located in a 1940s building in the heart of Fort-Coulonge, this restaurant offers a menu made with local products, featuring pizza, soups, sandwiches, gourmet platters, pastries, and more.

The British Hotel: Recently restored and renovated, the hotel rooms in this Gatineau resting spot offer modern comforts within the unique charm of a 19^th-century heritage building.

Les Trois Érables: It’s a historic bed-and-breakfast in Wakefield across from the Gatineau River. While you’re there, explore Wakefield’s fine restaurants, entertainment venues, and recreational activities.

Auberge Spruceholme Inn: Discover why this heritage home is one of the most important historic landmarks in the Pontiac. Located close to the Ottawa River, the estate is just minutes from golf courses, a bike path, and canoeing options.

The Outaouais invites you to make the most of every season. Throughout the year, countless gourmet, sport, cultural, artistic and historical activities await you!