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As I wrap up my six-day Quebec road trip adventure, I’m thrilled to share the final leg of my journey with you – Outaouais, a region that’s perfect for both families and solo travelers alike. The vibrant atmosphere is infectious, and even if you’re traveling alone, you’ll quickly feel at ease. This leg of the trip marks part three of my Quebec escapade, following days one and two in the Laurentians (read about it here) and days three and four in Abitibi-Témiscamingue (check it out here). Joining me on this adventure were my girlfriends Krystle, Isabelle, Brooke, and Julia, as well as Braedin, who kindly lent a photographic hand. For those unfamiliar, Quebec is home to 21 distinct regions, each boasting its own unique character. Spanning from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the Ontario border and from the Arctic Ocean to the United States, this vast province offers an abundance of experiences waiting to be had. Last fall, I explored two additional regions – Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean and Côte-Nord (Quebec Maritime), which you can read about here.
Outaouais Region – Our Route
As we departed the Abitibi-Témiscaming region and Opémican National Park, our five-hour odyssey to the Outaouais region was set in motion. The route, marked by various stops along the way, would ultimately culminate in Montreal, where we would catch our flights home. For a more immersive experience, I invite you to watch my trip vlog below or on YouTube for optimal quality.
Biscotti & Cie
As we took a much-needed lunch break at Biscotti & Cie in Chelsea’s bustling center, the aroma of freshly baked goods wafted through the air, drawing us in. But it was the culinary delights that truly stole the show – from the chef’s carefully crafted selection of pastries to the specially prepared gluten-free, vegan fruit tart, tailored just for me. The tofu chef’s salad I ordered was a feast for both the eyes and taste buds, leaving me wanting more. In fact, I was so impressed that I found myself wishing I had a closer proximity to this gem, as I’m sure I would be frequenting it regularly.
Gatineau Park / Pink Lake
As we continued our journey, we made a brief stop in Gatineau Park, situated just outside Ottawa-Gatineau. A short hike around Pink Lake, measuring 2.5 kilometers, proved an absolute delight. Despite its Instagram-inspired name, the lake doesn’t boast pink sand or water, but it’s just as photogenic! The origin of the name dates back to Mr. Pink, one of the area’s earliest settlers. The trail surrounding the lake is primarily composed of a boardwalk and stairs, carefully constructed to preserve the natural environment. The striking greenish hue of the water is courtesy of microscopic algae growth. I’m already looking forward to a future visit in autumn, when the trees will be aglow with vibrant colours.
Fairmont Montebello
After our invigorating hike in Gatineau Park, we headed to Fairmont Le Château Montebello, an awe-inspiring log castle situated along the Ottawa River between Ottawa and Montreal. This majestic retreat exceeded all expectations, making it a must-return destination for us. It served as the perfect culmination of our road trip adventure.
As one of Canada’s most iconic properties, Fairmont Le Château Montebello offers an array of activities to keep guests entertained, including swimming in both indoor and outdoor pools, biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, and tennis. For a memorable dining experience, we indulged in the property’s renowned barbecue feast on the scenic terrace overlooking the Ottawa River, where the sheer abundance of delicious offerings left us thoroughly satisfied.
Parc Omega
As we bid farewell to Ottawa, we embarked on a scenic journey to Montreal airport with one last stop at Parc Omega. This wildlife haven allowed us to experience Canada’s natural beauty up close. We opted for the bus tour, which provided an immersive experience amidst wolves, wapitis, foxes, and bears in protected environments.One of the highlights was feeding carrots to adorable deer, a unique opportunity that left us grinning from ear to ear. Parc Omega also offers an unconventional overnight stay in wolf cabins – sleeping surrounded by a pack of wolves! Though we didn’t have time to indulge, it’s definitely on our bucket list for the next trip.With old and new friends alike, we had an absolute blast exploring Outaouais and other regions. The trip was nothing short of breathtakingly beautiful. If you’re an outdoor enthusiast or simply looking to experience Quebec’s natural charm, I highly recommend following a similar itinerary.Quebec has something for everyone; it was an unforgettable trip, and we can’t wait to return and relive the adventure.