3 Days in Outaouais Quebec for Amazing Outdoor Adventures

Outaouais is the perfect destination for outdoor adventure seekers. Naturally, that goes hand in hand with its beautiful landscape of river gorges, waterfalls, and dense forests. With 3 days in Outaouais, we enjoyed exploring by water and by land, and stayed in some amazing accommodations along the way.

This is our 3 days in Outaouais itinerary, exploring Pontiac region. Have you heard of the Pontiac? This area of Outaouais is not overwhelmed by tourism. We had many places all to ourselves. Our trip was all about balancing adventure and relaxation, and that’s easy to do in a destination that isn’t over-touristed.

We went kayaking one day, and floated down a lazy river the following day. Justin and I ziplined across a river gorge, and then simply admired a stunning waterfall. Go axe-throwing in one moment and later, relax in the hot tub at the A-frame cabin.

Outaouais is part of The Explorers’ Route, made up of three regions of Quebec that were once ventured by early explorers. You’ll find many outdoor activities and cultural experiences along the way. Across 10 days, we took a road trip of the Laurentians, Abitibi-Témiscamingue and Outaouais, Quebec. Please feel free to follow along our same journey, as outlined in our blog posts.

Getting to Outaouais, Quebec

Outaouais is located in western Quebec, north of Ottawa and west of Montreal. You need a car to get around and this destination is best explored on a road trip. We drove our car from our home in the Toronto area. If you’re travelling from afar or don’t have a car, here’s what I suggest.

Fly to the Ottawa International Airport or the Montréal–Trudeau International Airport. Here’s where you can find the best prices on flights to Ottawa and the best prices on flights to Montreal. After arriving at the airport, it’s important to pick up a rental car.

I suggest comparing rates for car rentals at Discover Cars. Search between multiple companies (including reviews) to find the best rental car for you. Here’s where you can search for car rentals in Ottawa, and here’s where you can search for car rentals in Montreal.

3 Days in Outaouais, Quebec: Day 1

As we only had 3 days in Outaouais and it’s quite a large region, this trip is devoted to the Pontiac area of Outaouais. This lesser known and lesser visited area of Outaouais is a peaceful retreat without the tourists. It’s such a gem. We adored our trip here!

We aren’t visiting the more popular city of Gatineau at all during this trip. If you have a couple more days at the beginning or end of your trip, I suggest adding a city break in Gatineau.

In the morning, we drove to Fort-Coulonge and Mansfield-et-Pontefract where we’d be spending the day. These are communities on the Quebec-Ontario border. The Coulonge River flows down into the Ottawa River. In fact, Outaouais region has so many rivers and little lakes, making it an ideal destination to get out on the water.

Cafe Downtown

We stopped for a bite to eat at Cafe Downtown in Fort-Coulonge. Located inside a 1940s building on the main downtown street, Rue Baume, Cafe Downtown is a warm and inviting establishment with a rustic vibe. There’s a small stage for music performances that happen on occasion and vinyl records decorating the walls.

Their menu consists of pizza, sandwiches, soups, salads, and pastries made from local products and ingredients. There’s also a wide selection of microbrewery beers and a cafe menu of coffee and tea, too.

While the menu is very vegetarian-friendly, it wasn’t super vegan-friendly. However, I had no issues discussing some options with the server. I started with bruschetta toast and ordered the Chef Alex Linguine with the cheese removed. Both dishes provided a delicious Italian-inspired feast before our first adventure.

Aventure Hélianthe

Just a short two minute drive from Cafe Downtown, it’s time for our first activity of our 3 days in Outaouais itinerary. Aventure Hélianthe is an outdoor adventure tour operator in Pontiac with a focus on eco-tourism and sustainability. They’ve forged 30km of marked trails through the Davidson Forest that lead to lookout points over the Ottawa River.

Owned and led by Guillaume Lavoie-Harvey, Aventure Hélianthe is a hub for outdoor activities. There’s a campground on site for tents and RVs, and their homebase is situated right beside the Coulonge River and Pont Blanc Beach. It’s possible to rent canoes, bicycles and standup paddleboards on site.

Justin and I opted to try the lazy river float. The large raft fits up to six people, though it was fun with only the two of us. Aventure Helianthe provides the raft, paddles, lifejackets and transportation. They’ll drive you to a launching point up the river and you’ll gently float down to the starting point at Pont Blanc Beach.

The starting point has some small rapids that add a bit of a thrill, but the majority of the trip is a gentle float down the river. There are so many trees and beautiful scenes all around. The entire journey takes a few hours, depending how much or how little you paddle.

When we returned, Justin and I tried our hand at axe-throwing. Guilliaume has a professional axe-throwing setup with official target boards and scoresheets. We learned how to properly throw the axe at the target and even a couple of trick shots. It’s fun to get a bit competitive against your partner.

Guilliaume also shared some beer from the local German-inspired microbrewery, Brauwerk Hoffman. Aventure Hélianthe is such a great place for locals and visitors alike. Gather your pals for a lazy river float in the afternoon and axe throwing in the evening.

Pont Couvert Marchand

Pont Couvert Marchand (Félix-Gabriel-Marchand Bridge) is the longest covered bridge in Quebec, spanning 153 metres. Built in 1898 by Augustus Brown of Beachburg, this bridge allows car transportation across the Coulonge River. The bridge is held up by six pillars and built entirely of pine.

The bridge was covered so it wouldn’t rot, protecting it from the elements. It’s classified as a heritage building. Justin and I admired the bridge from both sides and drove across it twice. Only one vehicle can drive across it in either direction, so you’ll need to make sure there’s no one coming first.

Stay at Natural Resting Point (Geodesic Dome)

Natural Resting Point is the ultimate romantic retreat in the Pontiac. Stay in a spectacular luxury lakeside geodesic dome. We spent the night in the dome called “Vinyl” with a style inspired by the 1970s and vinyl records. This dome has everything you need for a comfortable stay.

There’s a queen-sized bed facing massive windows and a skylight above for stargazing. There is a full bathroom inside the dome with a shower, toilet and sink. We cooked our dinner inside the dome as there’s a full kitchenette with fridge, stovetop, coffee maker, kettle, pots, pans, dishes and utensils.

I love all of the little details in its design and decor. In the kitchen, there’s a backsplash made up of vinyl records. On the dining table, there are vinyl coasters and a magic 8-ball should you wish to ask it any questions about your future. There’s a blue lava lamp on the bedside table. There is also a record player and a collection of vinyl records.

Outside, there’s a BBQ grill, outdoor furniture, a fire pit and a private sauna. If there’s time, it’s possible to borrow a kayak and go paddling on the nearby lake. This is an all-season destination. Paddle in the summer or go skiing at nearby Mount Chili in the winter. There’s both air conditioning and heating inside the dome, as well as an indoor electric fireplace.

Natural Resting Point is a little slice of paradise in the forest of Mansfield-et-Pontefract. It’s not far from the town, but you’ll feel like you’re far removed from civilization out in nature. The dome is luxurious and the perfect place to call home for the night. We’d love to return!

3 Days in Outaouais, Quebec: Day 2

It’s day two of our 3 days in Outaouais itinerary. We’ll start the day at an adventure park going ziplining and admiring the most brilliant waterfall. Then, it’s off to a little town and a unique cidery. We spent the night (and the following day) at one of our favourite accommodations to date, a charming A-frame cabin in the woods.

Chutes Coulonge Adventure Park

Chutes Coulonge Adventure Park features giant canyon ziplines and ropes obstacle courses for all skill levels. This park was once the site of a log drive in the 19th century. Giant logs were transported down the river to the sawmills. As Coulonge Falls was an obstacle for the cut wooden logs, they constructed a wooden passage around the falls for safe transport.

Following the log-driving era, this space was transformed into a recreational park where the waterfall can be appreciated for many future generations to come. It’s possible to go hiking, ziplining, or participating in the treetop adventure courses. You can learn more about the heritage of the park when you visit, too.

The two of us participated in the canyon ziplines, which consists of two giant ziplines across the river canyon. It’s only a short walk to the first, and most thrilling zipline. Fly across the gorge from one side to the other, witnessing the beauty of the river and the cliffs from high up above.

Then, we hiked up the escarpment to the second, shorter zipline, which didn’t have as impressive of a view but was equally as fun. The ziplining experience allows visitors to go ziplining twice on the same course, so we happily did it all over again!

After ziplining, we explored the trails on our own. It’s only a short hike to a bridge overlooking the river. Then, continue walking down the path until you reach the mighty waterfall. Coming from Southern Ontario, I’m generally used to sharing waterfalls with dozens of people at a time. It’s quite amazing that we managed to have this waterfall all to ourselves. It’s stunning.

Justin and I enjoyed a picnic lunch on the property before continuing on our road trip. From Mansfield-et-Pontefract, we drove to our next destination, Shawville, Quebec.

Shawville

Shawville is a cute small town in the Pontiac, centered around its main street. It’s a pretty small town, so you will be able to see it all in around an hour or so. Stop by Cafe 349 for a coffee or a small bite. Check out some local shops, like White Buffalo Blanc Vintage.

Just up Centre Street, we popped into Renaissance Variety. You really can’t miss this colourful building, covered from top to bottom with murals featuring Pokemon characters and the Super Mario Bros. As a retro video game fan, I was naturally drawn to this building! Inside, there are tons of video games across many vintage platforms, as well as a wide collection of used books and DVDs.

Shawville is also a great place to stop at the SAQ and at the grocery store. We needed to stock up on some groceries for the next couple of days. Justin and I planned to cook our own meals at our A-frame cabin in the woods.

Coronation Hall Cider Mills

Coronation Hall Cider Mills is a local apple cidery in Bristol Village featuring hard ciders, apple baked goods, as well as a variety of preserves and products made from apples. Their apple orchard has 12 different varieties of apples that go into their products.

We suggest arranging for a tour of the property so you can sample the products and chat to the knowledgeable owner, Greg Graham. He possesses a wealth of knowledge about apple growing, cider making, and the history of the town. Learn more about the production process and the history of the property at Coronation Hall. Sit on the patio and enjoy a beverage or a snack, too.

The cider mill houses the equipment required to produce apple cider, as well as the picked apples themselves. The cold room can store up to 800 pounds of apples. Juice is extracted from apple pomace (crushed apples) while the waste remaining from the apples is taken to a local animal farm for feed.

They bottle sweet apple cider and ferment the hard cider in large vats. Then, the hard cider is canned and bottled. This is a family owned and operated business with Greg and his family working hands on for every step of the production process.

The Coronation Hall building itself is a nearly centuries-old dance hall that was once a focal point of the community. It was home to dances, parties and musical performances over the years. Then, by the late 1960s, it closed down and was largely forgotten.

Thankfully, Greg has given new life to Coronation Hall. He regularly hosts events, parties, plays, performances, and even weddings there. When you spend 3 days in Outaouais, don’t miss a trip to Coronation Hall Cider Mills.

Stay at Chalets Prunella

Chalets Prunella is a magnificent nature retreat in Outaouais that we truly adored. In fact, this is one of our favourite accommodations in Canada! There are four secluded A-frame cabins at Prunella, each situated on its own expansive property in the forest, so you’d never know you had any neighbours.

Nestled on the shores of Johnson Lake, Chalets Prunella is a tranquil, rejuvenating place to stay. Our A-frame cottage, Prunella No. 2, offers a luxurious experience with many modern amenities. The architecture and design, cozy living space, and Scandinavian-inspired kitchen are among many reasons why you’ll never want to leave.

There’s a bright master bedroom on the main floor, along with the main living room, kitchen and bathroom. On the second floor, there is a second bedroom with two single beds, perfect for families or small groups of friends. Then, there’s a ladder that extends to a third floor, large indoor hammock. I love this space as a reading nook or place to simply unwind.

There are so many added little touches that make this such a wonderful place to stay. First, there’s an outdoor private cedar hot tub, fire pit, and outdoor seating area. The kitchen has just about any pot or utensil that you could need to prepare an epic meal.

There’s even a Nespresso machine and a French press, depending on your preference. I love an accommodation that prioritizes coffee consumption! At night, there is a portable movie projector that connects to your phone, so you can watch your favourite films or TV shows projected onto the wall.

Spend a cozy evening enjoying the home and its amenities. Soak in the hot tub, make a bonfire in the outdoor fire pit, cook a decadent meal to eat at the indoor or outdoor dining table. Tomorrow, we will go for a wander around the property and participate in the activities that come with every stay.

3 Days in Outaouais, Quebec: Day 3

It’s the final day of our 3 days in Outaouais, Quebec. Since we’ve had so many amazing outdoor adventures in Outaouais (and over the past 10 days in Quebec, in both Laurentides and Abitibi-Temiscamingue), this is a day for relaxation. We took one short day trip to a nearby enchanting farm. Otherwise, it’s a day for exploring the property at Chalets Prunella and enjoying the cabin itself.

Herboristerie La Fée des Bois

Herboristerie La Fée des Bois is an apothecary and medicinal plant farm, located not too far from Chalets Prunella outside of Ladysmith. We met the owner, Mariane Dejardins Roy, who showed us their product line and took us on a tour of the farm. We also sampled some refreshing herbal iced tea.

As a knowledgeable herbalist, Mariane exactly which plants to grow and cultivate according to scientific and ancestral wisdom. These plants and herbs help us in our daily lives and help treat specific conditions. Everything here is done by hand, from planting the seeds to picking the crops.

This is a regenerative farm that’s completely organic without the use of any chemicals. The soil is balanced and full of nourishment, which is a natural way to fight pests and disease.

If you aren’t able to visit the farm shop in person, it’s easy to order the products online. For those who are able to visit in person, you’re in for a treat. I would love to return during their plant sales in May to purchase some for my own home garden. They also have a Christmas market on the farm in December that looks lovely!

Enjoy the Property at Chalets Prunella

Back at Chalets Prunella, it’s time to explore the property. From the cabin, walk through the forest following the arrows towards the lake. When we reached the lake, we could choose between kayaks, canoes and standup paddleboards to get out onto the lake. There is a little dock and a hut with lifejackets and places to store your belongings.

The lake itself is so picturesque and silent. The views are so beautiful and we felt like we had it all to ourselves. There are two docks and and lake access that’s shared among the four cabins, though we didn’t encounter anyone else during our stay.

In the winter, there are more snowy activities around the property. Each cottage comes with snowshoes, a sleigh, snow scooters, and walking sticks. The hiking trails are accessible in all seasons. There are also board games and outdoor family games, too. We were content to round up our 3 days in Outaouais in such an idyllic setting.

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