3 Delicious Days in the Outaouais Region

DAY 1: Downtown Gatineau and a taste of Chelsea

Upon arrival in Gatineau, it was lunchtime and we were hungry, so we made our way to Bobino Bagel, the first bagel factory in the region. We opted for the classic bagel with smoked salmon, with its generous filling consisting of homemade cream cheese, onions and capers, as well as the absolutely delicious turkey club. We enjoyed our meals with homemade drinks; we particularly enjoyed their matcha and lemonade drink and an iced Americano.

We also gave in to the temptation at the next-door ice cream counter belonging to Bobino Bagel, tasting delicacies like the strawberry matcha affogato and even a slice of cheesecake, dipped in chocolate and covered with sprinkles.

An afternoon of culture and adventure

After lunch, we took a stroll through downtown Gatineau and tried three enriching activities.

• The culture trail is an urban trail that allows you to learn more about various public works of art, such as murals, sculptures and art installations.
• INTERZIP is the world’s only interprovincial zipline. It has users soaring over the Ottawa River more than 36 metres in the air. It also allows you to take in the view of the Parliament buildings in Ottawa, the Chaudière Falls and Old Hull.
• The Canadian Museum of History, which is one of the most visited museums in the country. It’s housed in a curved building designed by Indigenous architect Douglas Cardinal, and has exhibitions on the history, culture and heritage of the First Nations.

After a full day, we drove off towards Chelsea, right near the entrance of Gatineau Park, to drop off our bags at Lofts du Village, charming accommodations close to nature and the village. It’s the perfect place for those looking for a quiet haven to sleep.

And then back out we went, for dinner at Les Fougères, a must-visit establishment in the region. It boasts a seasonal menu featuring local products, as well as a lovely wine list. The sweet pea arancini with mint and pancetta was delectable, as was the Saveur des Monts grain-fed chicken breast. It’s also possible to stop by the shop to procure a few to-go meals, as well as edible gifts.

DAY 2: The village of Wakefield and Gatineau

Before starting our day, we had breakfast at one of the best-known cafés in the area, Biscotti & cie, whipping up homemade dishes made from fresh ingredients, as well as desserts and pastries. And then, along with our swimsuits and beach sandals, we headed to Nordik Spa Village Chelsea, the largest spa in North America, for some relaxation. It’s the perfect place to unwind in nature.

Afterwards, we hit the road to Wakefield, located just a few kilometres north of Gatineau. It’s a picturesque village, known for the artistic flair of its locals, its tiny shops and restaurants. Before arriving, we made a stop at the Gendron covered bridge, which spans the Gatineau River, with its pretty red colour making it look like something right out of a postcard. We then followed the path that led us to the Fairbairn House Heritage Centre, which tells the history of the Gatineau River Valley. Nothing could stop us afterwards from visiting the Wakefield Mill that’s located on the other side of a waterfall and has been transformed into a hotel and spa, along with a restaurant.

Stroll on main street

We then headed down Riverside Street in the middle of Wakefield, where we wandered, stopping at one charming shop after another for many gorgeous finds.

• Khewa, consisting of Indigenous art and artwork.
• Confiserie Wakefield for all types of sweets.
• End of the Line Boutique, which sells unique items, such as clothes and jewellery. 

In the heart of Wakefield village, we stopped for lunch at Café Le Hibou. From a classic burger with fries to their Tom Yum soup and the house salad with watermelon and feta, every dish is colourful, flavourful and varied. And if the weather’s nice, as it was during our visit, be sure to sit on the terrace, which has an unbeatable view of the Gatineau River.

We then got back on the road to head to the certified organic Juniper Farm. Visitors can stock up on tomatoes, garlic, fresh herbs and cucumbers, and can even enjoy a healthful meal made with vegetables harvested on site. On this family-run farm, we met donkeys, chickens and even a little black piglet. In August, you can even get lost in their sunflower maze. It’s a visit that surely made us want to eat more mindfully.

We ended our day back in Gatineau to enjoy happy hour at La Petite Soif. This new project by renowned sommelier Véronique Rivest, native to the region, and her partner, Roxanne Mant, features a selection of privately imported wines (including several from Quebec), a seasonal cuisine restaurant and a gourmet shop.

We continued our culinary journey at Véronique Rivest’s first restaurant, SOIF bar à vin, on Montcalm Street in the heart of Old Hull. There for an authentic gastronomical experience, we shared many small plates in order to try a variety of dishes. We just fell for the snow crab rolls, the scallop crudo and the bison tartare. And to pair with these dishes, we chose a trio of Quebec wines from the Vent Maudit, du Nival and Joy Hill vineyards. Everything was fresh and refined, and the flavours worked in perfect harmony. We left nourished by all these wonderful discoveries.

DAY 3: Gatineau, Gatineau Park and Chelsea

To get our third day off to a good start, we hit the road towards Gatineau to visit Maison Oddo. This bakery, run by chef-owner Benjamin Oddo and his wife Amélie, will have your mouth watering from the moment you step through the door. Not only was there a wide variety of fresh bread and pastries made with care, we also tried a few viennoiseries that went off the beaten path, like Ça roule, made with croissant dough, pistachios, blackcurrant and raspberries, or the Rocher roulé, also made with croissant dough, along with hazelnut cream, homemade praline and Rocher milk chocolate icing. We also set our sights on the Escargot au citron, which is a spiral-shaped croissant filled with lemon crémeux. It’s definitely a must-visit spot the next time we’re back in the region.

After a gourmet breakfast, there’s nothing better than going for an electric bike ride in Gatineau Park. We stopped by Nomades du Parc, located at the park’s entrance, which has all kinds of outdoor equipment for rent. Afterwards, you can even relax by the fire or enjoy a drink at their outdoor bar.

Once on our bikes, we rode for a few minutes before reaching the park gates. Nicknamed the green lung of the Outaouais, the vast green space stretches across 360 square km of forest. It’s the second most visited park in Canada, and we were left speechless by its lush greenery. And the electric bike lets you enjoy it all without getting too out of breath. We returned from our ride happy, our minds full of beautiful landscapes and our bellies hungry.

Gourmet discoveries

After returning our e-bike rentals, we walked across the street to Roberto Pizza Romana. We simply loved this pizzeria, born out of a movie-worthy encounter. Roberto Catervi, an Italian chef who earned his first Michelin star at 27, and Geneviève Parent, a Canadian tourist travelling through Italy to explore the local cuisine, met and fell in love: she with a dish, and he with her. Together, they opened this traditional restaurant blending both Italian and local inspiration. We were instantly won over by their mortadella, pistachio and fior de latte pizza, the margherita, and their potato and truffle version. Once again, we left feeling full and delighted.

After our delicious lunch, we took a stroll down Old Chelsea Road before heading home, hoping to pick up a few souvenirs. We stopped by La Petite Grocerie, a shop offering gourmet finds and home goods, and then at Distillerie du Square, where you can find spirits made in house, like their Bella Ciao! Aperitivo, Mediterranean garden gin, and even ready-to-mix cocktails. Their most recent product, Pom! Pom! Cello, is an Italian-inspired local liqueur that combines pink grapefruit, blood orange and Quebec corn alcohol. It’s extremely refreshing and perfect for summer.

We wrapped up our lovely Outaouais escape at La Cigale, an artisanal ice cream shop known for its flavourful ice creams and unique sorbets, like pecan pie and ginger snap and chai. We tried their Pabana sorbet, consisting of passion fruit, banana and mango, as well as a blackberry sorbet that was utterly satisfying. Once our cones had been consumed, we drove back home, our heads full of beautiful memories and a strong desire to come back more often.

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This article is a collaboration between RICARDO and Tourisme Outaouais.