A different way to explore the Outaouais: by quad!
Can you really claim to know the Outaouais if you’ve never experienced the freedom of steering a quad down forest trails as far as the eye can see? Imagine riding through countryside where the forest covers almost 80% of the landscape. On your ATV, you become an explorer, discovering natural treasures accessible only to the bold.
Your quad bike adventure will take you through an incredible diversity of scenery. Stop off to climb an observation tower, where the panoramic views will take your breath away. Get on your four-wheeler, safely equipped, and follow the well-marked trails. The great outdoors beckons: whether you’re up for a thrilling outing, an adrenaline-packed ride or a leisurely day trip, the Outaouais is ready to reveal its secrets!
Plenty of accommodation for quad bikers
The Outaouais is adjacent to Ontario to the south, and the cities of Gatineau (Quebec) and Ottawa (Ontario) are directly across the Ottawa River from each other. The region is bordered to the north and west by Abitibi-Témiscamingue and to the east by the Laurentians. Its elevation varies from 37 metres at the Ottawa River to 610 metres at the Cabonga Reservoir. There are many ways to discover the hidden charms of the Outaouais!
Many types of accommodation are accessible by four-wheel drive, including hotels, motels, campgrounds and outfitters.
A good way to explore the region is to use the trails managed by the Fédération Québécoise des Clubs Quads (FQCQ).
A trail pass is compulsory. The trails are marked and maintained by local clubs, including the Club Quad de l’Outaouais and the Club Quad Vallée-de-la-Gatineau. For short trips, you can ride in the Outaouais Zecs (Zones d’Exploitation Contrôlée, or environmentally managed areas) under certain conditions.
The Club Quad Vallée-de-la-Gatineau is based in Maniwaki, 90 km north of Gatineau. It maintains 340 km of federated trails, which are linked to other trails that offer even more opportunities to get away from it all. Three heated shelters are available for visitors to enjoy a break in the heart of nature. Most of the trails take you through wooded areas such as the Forêt de l’Aigle. You can follow the Route des Draveurs (“log drivers’ trail”), named for the men who drove logs down the river in the heyday of the lumber industry. Further north, the Baskatong Reservoir will delight you with its many inviting beaches and vast expanse of water.
Maniwaki is a good starting point for quad biking. There are several hotels, restaurants and bars in the area, including the Auberge du Draveur and its restaurant, Resto pub Le Rabaska. The Château Logue Hotel is another popular destination, with its indoor pool, fitness centre, spa, and massage therapy services.
Camping Lac 31 Milles is a great option for nature lovers. Head north towards Grand-Remous along Trail 20. Further south, stop off at Mont Morissette Regional Park to climb the observation tower and admire the lakes and vast Outaouais forests stretching as far as the eye can see. Quad riders are allowed to use the service road to reach the mountaintop shelter and lookout.
You can also take Trail 02 to Lake Cayamant, some 30 kilometres farther down. Don’t miss the unique opportunity to climb to the top of the observation tower for an impressive view of the surrounding area. Stop in at the Rustik 55 restaurant for a drink or a meal in the cozy indoor dining room or on the terrace.
Farther south, the Club Quad de l’Outaouais is located in L’Ange-Gardien, at the corner of Chemin Industriel and Chemin Henri-Charland. The club’s large parking lot is a convenient starting point for many rides. The trail leads to the Chartrand heated shelter, where you can take a short break. Other rest stops along the trail include the Gauvreau shelter and the Wabassee refuge.
Even more tour routes!
There are many tour routes in the Outaouais: for detailed information, visit the Facebook pages of the partner quad clubs and Outaouais Tourism.
You can check which trails are open and create your own routes using the iQuad app on the FQCQ website.
There’s a tour of the Pontiac that starts at the parking lot of the Shawville arena. The 117-kilometre route is at its most spectacular during the autumn foliage season, but can be enjoyed throughout the summer. The federated trail passes through the surrounding villages of Thorne, Doherty and Clarendon.
Another trip worth trying starts from the Otter Lake recreation centre parking lot and passes through Leslie Park, which has a campground with an inviting sandy beach. You can stay at Chalet Rivière Coulonge in Mansfield-et-Pontefract. Stop at the shelter run by the local Pontiac Quad Club. The J&A Bowers Restaurant in Mansfield is a good place to eat. Return to Otter Lake via the Picanoc Trail. The loop is 115 km long.
In Petite Nation, Saint-André-Avellin is a good starting point as you head up the 321 towards Chénéville. Your destination is Duhamel, where deer roam free (and are generously fed by the locals). All the more reason to eat at Le Rendez-Vous du Chevreuil, unless you want to push on to the Auberge Couleurs de France, a spacious log inn with a gourmet French restaurant.
Tips for novice quad riders
Quads and side-by-sides are attracting a new clientele who aren’t always familiar with the spirit and rules of the trails. The first reminder concerns speed, which must never exceed 50 km/h. Near residential areas, the speed limit is reduced to 30 km/h for safety and noise reasons. Trails are not divided highways: remember that traffic flows in both directions. Be careful not to take excessively wide turns, as head-on collisions can happen very quickly. If you see deer or other animals, slow down and don’t chase them or force them to run.
There are several ATV dealers in the Outaouais, including Équipements Maniwaki, a Can-Am dealer, and 819 Motosports in Gatineau, who are ready to help if you need it. Don’t forget to visit the club websites for more information, and consult the FQCQ’s interactive map to plan your route.
Take advantage of your quad trip to (re)discover the Outaouais, whatever the season. Visit farmers’ markets to buy fruit, vegetables and local products direct from the producers. Fill your reusable bag and chat with passionate artisans. Take a break and get back to nature in the region’s parks, reserves and outdoor centres. Explore magnificent attractions along the Chemins d’eau, a tourist route that winds along the Ottawa River from Petite Nation to Gatineau, through the Collines-de-l’Outaouais to the Pontiac.
Feeling hungry? Look no further! Find the perfect place to enjoy a good meal after your quad ride. To round things off in style, stay in the accommodation that suits you best. Whether you prefer a cozy cottage, an inn under the stars, or a charming B&B, the Outaouais has a warm welcome in store for you.
Are you ready for the adventure? Fire up your quad—the Outaouais awaits!
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By François Cominardi
