In collaboration with Tourisme Outaouais, we’re sharing the itinerary for our winter getaway to the Outaouais region, from Gatineau to Montebello. We’re there to discover the joys of the season with a 3-day plan that features fat biking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter running, in addition to foodie stops, and charming chalets to stay in. Because yes, Outaouais has it all!
Departure to Outaouais
The Outaouais region is a top destination for enjoying winter to the fullest. Even after a long workweek, it’s just a 2.5-hour drive from Montreal, making it an easy getaway—especially when you’ve got good company to accompany you for the trip. The best way to maximize your experience is to take a Friday off from work, and head out on Thursday evening to give yourself the best time to unwind and enjoy the area’s offerings.
That said, if the week has left you completely wiped out, you can just as easily set off Friday morning. Outaouais is practically Montreal’s neighbour.
Where to Stay?
While we’re in Outaouais, we choose to stay at Kenauk Nature in Montebello. Only 1.5 hours from Montreal, the chalets offered here can accommodate anywhere from 4 to 19 people, making them the perfect spot for any occasion, whether you’re heading out as two couples or a larger group. Nestled within one of the largest private nature reserves in North America, Kenauk Nature’s chalets are all eco-friendly and offer a true escape into the wild. As environmentally conscious people ourselves, we admire the preservation efforts spearheaded by the Kenauk Institute—it’s just another reason why we chose this incredible area.
Day 1: Fat biking in Montebello
The first morning of vacation kicks off with a delicious homemade breakfast before heading out to explore the historic property of patriot Louis-Joseph Papineau with Montebello Mountain Bike. With over 30 km of biking trails winding along the Ottawa River, the views are absolutely stunning! About halfway through, we pause to enjoy some hot chocolate we packed in a thermos in our backpack. Warming our hands around the cup, we take in the scenery before diving back into the heart of this enchanting forest.
To make the most of the adventure while staying warm—especially during hot chocolate breaks—we choose moisture-wicking clothing, like merino wool garments. This material keeps us warm while efficiently managing excess moisture because sweating in winter can render the experience less enjoyable, and we don’t want that, do we?
We’re also incredibly grateful for our padded cycling shorts, which keep us comfortable throughout the ride and ensure we can enjoy the rest of the weekend pain-free (cyclists might know what we mean). And our polarized sunglasses? A necessity to help keep the midday sun from reflecting into our eyes–a real recipe for snow blindness. If the sky’s overcast, we stash them in the backpack—but at least we’re prepared for whatever the day brings.
It’s with burning legs that we finish our bike ride. Between the activity and the cold, we feel a bit of gnawing in our stomachs, and head straight to Bistro Montebello, a charming restaurant famous for its wood-fired pizza. In a warm and friendly atmosphere, we share pizzas and salads, pairing them with a refreshing beer. Feeling fully satisfied, we head back to the chalet to unwind with a good book by the fire.
Day 2: Exploring Gatineau Park
We pack our bags and leave Montebello bright and early, heading to Gatineau Park, the second most visited park in Canada. Before setting out to explore the trails, a brunch stop is essential to fuel up, and our choice inevitably lands on Biscotti et cie. This charming restaurant, located opposite of Gatineau Park, offers exquisite breakfasts and delicious coffee. We also make sure to stock up on tasty snacks to slip into our backpacks—little rewards we plan to savour throughout our hike.
Over a coffee, we take our time choosing a route from among the park’s 50 trails, carefully selecting the length and difficulty that suits us best. With a cross-country ski network totalling 200 km of groomed trails, there’s no shortage of options! Once ready, we strap on our cross-country skis and venture into the heart of the park, enjoying the excellent trail conditions. Every now and then, we challenge ourselves with little goals, just to get the heart rate up a bit!
We could just as easily have opted for snowshoeing—Gatineau Park offers 15 trails spanning 80 kilometres. Whether it’s cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, we make sure to wear warm, breathable clothing to avoid freezing halfway through, just as we would for cycling.
Pro Tip: Before heading out on a trail, research the different routes based on their difficulty, the hike duration, and the viewpoints. Plan your outing accordingly to avoid, for instance, tackling a 15 km trail when you would’ve preferred a 7 km loop.
Rainy day?
Indulge in relaxation at the Nordik Spa-Nature, North America’s largest spa with a world-class saltwater floatation pool. On par with floating in the Dead Sea itself, it’s a must-visit experience.
Where to stay?
Spend the night in one of the cozy Terre & Neige forest cabins, charming cabins that are both snug and rustic. It’s the perfect spot to relax by the wood stove after a day of outdoor fun. With just 48 hours’ notice, you can even reserve a gourmet dinner! Opting for this service means you don’t have to venture out in the evening; instead, a food basket is delivered between 5 and 6 p.m., complete with all the necessary ingredients and a step-by-step guide to whip up a festive meal featuring local products. Simple and delicious—we’re in love.
Day 3: Running & Bagels
Last day, we’re heading back to Gatineau Park, to the Champlain lookout, for a little winter nature run, just to get moving before hitting the road back to Montreal. Plus, access to the walking trails is free in winter, so we might as well take advantage of it!
After the run, it’s time to treat ourselves for the last time, and we head to the very first bagel shop we come across on our way out of Outaouais. Bobino Bagel has quickly become the go-to place for amazing bagels in the region. Whether you buy them individually, by the dozen, or as a sandwich, you definitely should consider stopping in before heading back to Montreal. They boast the best bagels in town (and it’s hard to disagree)! Good thing they don’t have a location in Montreal, or the Fairmount vs St-Viateur debate would have a new contender.
Conclusion
With bagels in hand, we hit the road, already planning our next weekend in the region. Luckily for us, this trip isn’t too far, so there’s no reason not to return to the Outaouais region at a moment’s notice. With a wide range of winter activities, delicious food stops, and charming accommodations that offer a true immersion in nature, there’s no shortage of options—and we still have so much left to explore. So, if you’re planning to visit as a couple, with friends, or family, Outauoais has something to offer for everyone.
If you want to plan a trip for yourselves, check out Tourisme Outaouais’ website, which offers plenty of helpful information. See you there!
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