Nestled along the northern banks of the Ottawa River, Quebec’s Outaouais region makes for some of the best road trips from Ottawa. After all, it’s only a 20 minute drive from the Ottawa International airport.
Seamlessly blending nature, history, and vibrant city life, this captivating region offers the perfect mix of outdoor adventures, rich French-Canadian culture, and lively urban energy. From exploring the stunning Gatineau Park with its lush forests and hiking trails to wandering through the heritage-filled streets of Gatineau and experiencing the region’s renowned museums, Outaouais is a playground for adventurers, history buffs, and culture seekers alike.
Whether you’re relaxing at North America’s largest spa, sampling local artisanal treats, or enjoying the scenic beauty of the changing seasons, this article will help you see why this is one of the best road trips from Ottawa.
Gatineau
Located right across the river from Ottawa, literally within walking distance of Parliament Hill, Gatineau makes for one of the best road trips from Ottawa for travellers who crave a blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty.
This dynamic city boasts a unique French-Canadian flair that sets it apart. Visitors can immerse themselves in the breathtaking exhibits at the Canadian Museum of History, one of the country’s most celebrated cultural landmarks. Outdoor enthusiasts will be thrilled by Gatineau Park, a vast expanse of pristine forests, crystal-clear lakes, and panoramic lookout points perfect for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. Gatineau’s lively restaurant and arts scene adds a touch of modern excitement, with local eateries serving up Québécois specialties and art galleries showcasing regional talent.
These are some of the best things to do in Gatineau.
Canadian Museum of History
Perhaps the best museum in the country, the Canadian Museum of History brings the country’s rich and diverse past to life engagingly and interactively. Its stunning architecture alone, with sweeping views of Parliament Hill, is a reason to visit alone. Inside, however, the museum features incredible exhibits, including the Grand Hall, showcasing the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles, and the Canadian History Hall, which walks visitors through 15,000 years of history, from Indigenous cultures to modern times. The museum is family-friendly too, with the Canadian Children’s Museum offering fun, hands-on learning experiences. Whether you’re exploring ancient artifacts, learning about Canada’s diverse heritage, or watching an immersive film in the IMAX theatre, this museum is a must-visit for anyone curious about the country’s past, present, and future. We try to visit every time we’re in Ottawa or Gatineau as it never gets old.
Voyageurs Pathway
Stretching for 30 km along the north shore of the Outaouais River, the Voyageurs pathway follows the route taken many years ago by First Nations people, explorers, coureurs des bois and Jesuit missionaries. It offers spectacular views of Parliament Hill and the Canadian Museum of History.
Canadian Children’s Museum
The Canadian Children’s Museum lets your kids travel the world while enriching their lives and broadening their experience by exploring other cultures. Travel the world together on the colourful Pakistani bus, load packages onto a cargo ship, visit homes in India, Indonesia and Mexico, and get creative with crafts in the family studio.
Downtown Gaitneau’s Culture Trail
The Culture Trail is a 2km urban pathway that connects outdoor artworks, points of interest, and exhibition and entertainment spaces. It’s a great place to explore on a warm summer day and a wonderful way to see some of the best public art in the city.
Old Chelsea Village
Located just north of Gatineau and only 15 minutes from Ottawa, Chelsea is a cool place to visit thanks to its charming village, vibrant artsy atmosphere, and beautiful nature. It’s also the gateway to Gatineau Park and some other popular attractions that make it one of the best road trips from Ottawa. During our recent trip, we spent the night here in a beautiful loft, which gave us time to explore more of the village itself, which is home to unique boutiques, art galleries, and cafés, making it a great place to explore for nature lovers and those looking for a peaceful yet enriching getaway.
While in Chelsea, don’t forget to eat some pizza at Roberto Pizza. It’s on the expensive side but offers some of the most unique pizza-by-the-slice we’ve seen.
Nordik Spa-Nature
This is one of our favourite places in Canada. If you’re looking for the ultimate place to relax, it’s really hard to find something better than Nordik Spa-Nature. While they operate a couple of other spas in Canada, including Winnipeg and Whitby, this was their first location and it sets an example for the rest to follow.
Nestled on the edge of Gatineau Park, this expansive spa offers a serene, tranquil setting surrounded by lush forests and stunning views, allowing guests to truly escape and unwind. It’s the largest outdoor spa in North America, featuring a variety of thermal baths, saunas, steam rooms, and outdoor pools, all designed to promote relaxation through hydrotherapy. In addition, they have a unique Källa saltwater floating pool, high-end massages, body treatments, and great restaurants as well.
Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park is a year-round playground thanks to its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and wide range of outdoor activities. Located just minutes from downtown Ottawa and steps from Chelsea, this massive 361-square-kilometre park offers everything from lush forests, rolling hills, and pristine lakes to dramatic lookouts with panoramic views of the Ottawa River Valley.
In the warmer months, visitors can hike or bike along its extensive trail network, paddle on peaceful lakes, or enjoy a swim at one of its many beaches. During the fall, Gatineau Park is a top spot for seeing vibrant autumn foliage. In winter, the park transforms into a snowy paradise with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and skating. It’s truly an outdoor paradise.
Pink Lake
Pink Lake is Gatineau Park’s most outstanding lake, because of its unusual makeup. Its rare beauty makes it one of the most popular sites in the Park. It has a three-season trail and a lookout. Despite having the name “Pink,” the lake is actually green. It is named after the Pink family who settled the land in 1826. The Pink Lake Trail is a 2.3-km loop around the lake, which has several sets of stairs and interpretation panels. It is closed during the winter but is one of the top spots during the fall.
Héli-Tremblant
If you want to see Gatineau Park from the sky, as well as the nation’s capital, make sure you book yourself a flight with Héli-Tremblant, which is based out of the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in Ottawa. They offer a range of personalized helicopter services, including charters, aerial photography and excursions, and summer helicopter tours over Ottawa and Gatineau. We did this tour and it was such a cool way to see Parliament Hill and the beauty of Quebec’s wilderness.
Wakefield
Another charming village just north of Chelsea is Wakefield. Nestled along the scenic Gatineau River, Wakefield is known for its natural beauty and bohemian vibe, making it a popular place to visit. The village has a strong artsy vibe, with local galleries and live music venues, making it a hotspot for creative types and those looking for a cultural escape.
One of Wakefield’s iconic attractions is the historic Wakefield Covered Bridge, a beautiful spot for a stroll with great views of the river. We visited on a weekend and the bridge happened to be hosting a massive party where we could see many families hanging out. Aside from the bridge, nature lovers can enjoy outdoor activities like hiking in nearby Gatineau Park, kayaking on the river, or skiing during the winter months. The town is also home to the beloved Fairbairn House Heritage Centre, which gives visitors a glimpse into the area’s rich history.
Another unique experience and one of the largest draws to the area is the eco-friendly Wakefield Mill Hotel and Spa, set in a converted mill overlooking a waterfall, where guests can enjoy a peaceful retreat. We stopped here for lunch, enjoying a table with views over the waterfall. However, the next time we visit we hope to stay a night or two and enjoy the spa.
Montebello
Located only one hour from Ottawa, Montebello is a charming village that feels like a page out of a storybook, offering visitors an inviting mix of rustic elegance and natural splendour. Nestled along the Ottawa River between Ottawa and Montreal, Montebello is home to some unique attractions, such as the world’s largest log structure and Parc Omega, which provides a unique opportunity to drive through and observe Canadian wildlife up close, from majestic elk and bison to playful black bears. History enthusiasts will be fascinated by the village’s heritage, including the picturesque Manoir Papineau National Historic Site. Add to this the quaint local shops, cozy bistros serving up classic Québécois fare, and an array of year-round outdoor activities such as hiking, cross-country skiing, and river kayaking, and it’s clear why Montebello is one of the best road trips from Ottawa.
La Belle Pâtissière
If you’re craving some sweets while in Montebello, you definitely don’t want to miss a stop at La Belle Pâtissière, which has won numerous awards, including Canada’s Baking and Sweets Show’s wedding cake content and has been featured on the Food Network’s The Big Bake 2.
Château Montebello
This beautiful and historic Fairmont hotel is the largest log cabin in the world. Even if you don’t spend the night, we highly recommend visiting and stepping inside this incredible structure. Built in 1930, this architectural marvel is set on 65,000 acres along the scenic Ottawa River, offering breathtaking views and year-round outdoor activities like golfing, skiing, and hiking. Inside, the rustic yet elegant décor, massive stone fireplaces, and rich wood interiors create a cozy, inviting atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy world-class amenities, including a spa, fine dining, and luxurious accommodations. You will not find another hotel like this in the world.
Parc Omega
This wildlife park is an amazing place to see deer, bison, wolves, and more. Whether you’re visiting as a couple or as a family, it has become one of the top attractions in the province. Many things make Parc Omega stand out but two of the most popular things to do here are feed carrots to the deer that approach your car as you drive around the park and admire the wolves from your bed if you stay in one of their wolf chalets. While spending the night in a wolf chalet is arguably one of the coolest accommodation experiences you’ll ever have, it’s also a great experience to watch them from the elevated boardwalk, especially during one of the feeding sessions. In addition, there are many other animals to spot around the property and they have a lovely restaurant as well, which also offers tables with views of the wolves and other animals.
Whether you’re kayaking on the Outaouais River, hiking scenic trails, or indulging in local Quebecois cuisine, Montebello promises a unique and memorable experience.
Conclusion
As you can see, Quebec’s Outaouais region is one of the best road trips from Ottawa. However, it is also less than two hours’ drive from Montreal, which means it is also one of the top road trips from Montreal.
Outaouais should be at the top of your Quebec bucket list whether you’re looking for the ultimate spa experience, some of the best natural attractions to explore, charming towns, or spectacular hotels and accommodations.
For more things to do nearby, check out these guides below:
said says
Thanks for sharing this! Montebello sounds like such a charming spot, with its mix of nature, history, and cozy vibes. The idea of driving through Parc Omega to see wildlife up close is amazing, and that log structure sounds so unique. Definitely adding this to my road trip list! 🚗🍁