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Photo: Tourisme Outaouais
Log-Off and Disconnect in the Outaouais
Published on October 21, 2025
/ Updated on October 13, 2026
For a day or a weekend, take on the challenge of completely disconnecting from social media and your screens. See the beauty of nature with your own eyes, enjoy a few board games, take in all kinds of works of art or retreat to a rustic, off-grid cottage. Enjoy authentic experiences in the Outaouais, far from digital pollution! You'll see, the benefits are instant!
Parks and trails: uncrowded places
Time to stop scrolling through the endless digital landscapes on your phone and immerse yourself in the real world, full of small or lesser-known natural gems in the Outaouais. Avoid the seasonal crowds, take part in new activities and contribute to sustainable tourism.
Bowman Forest Regional Park
Where
Chemin du Lac du Brochet, Bowman
Good to know
Located north of Gatineau, the park is home to diverse wildlife and offers views over several lakes. The site is still being developed, but you'll have access to a trail of nearly 5 km. If you're up for it, climb a rock face on the mountain with the team from École d'escalade de l'Outaouais.
Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve
Where
300, ch. Saddler, Mayo
Good to know
Discover one of the oldest forests in eastern North America along 12 km of trails. Learn more about this ecological reserve, home to rare forest stands, including trees more than 400 years old.
Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon
Where
39, ch. de la Montagne Noire, Ripon
Good to know
From the top of the 12-metre observation tower on Mont Grand-Pic, which rises to 426 metres, you'll enjoy a 360-degree view of the Petite-Nation.
Parc régional de Champboisé
Where
1521, route 309, L'Ange-Gardien
Good to know
Along the Rivière du Lièvre, walk 5 km of trails and explore the Sentier des arts. You'll see, the tranquillity here is more than soothing. Access is free, and many activities are offered depending on the season: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, geocaching, disc golf and much more.
Aventure Hélianthe
Where
257, rue Principale, Mansfield-et-Pontefract
Good to know
Explore 30 km of trails through the Davidson Forest. Take the time to admire the magnificent habitat of the white-tailed deer and the sheer size of the mature pines and oaks. Guided adventures are available to help you unplug in nature.
PERO Trails
Where
295 Montée du Lac-des-Trente-et-un-Milles, Bouchette
Good to know
Discover the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau along 12 hiking trails open year-round. Go hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Simply connect with nature!
Games and culture: an evening digital detox
For one evening, take a break from social media! Head out with friends to see shows that put people and local talent front and centre. Enjoy an original play, take part in cultural workshops or play a board game over a good local beer. In short, turn off your phone and savour these shared moments of happiness.
Cabaret La Basoche
Where
120, rue Principale, Gatineau
Good to know
Catch a wide range of shows, from world music to blues, as well as comedy and theatre for young audiences.
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Cultural Centre
Where
54, Makwa Mikan, Maniwaki
Good to know
Learn about Algonquin culture through the artifacts, photos and paintings on display. Take part in a variety of workshops on Indigenous traditions.
Théâtre de l'Île
Where
1 Wellington St., Gatineau
Good to know
Set in a historic building, the venue is sure to impress. Spend a memorable evening at one of its classic or contemporary productions.
Pärlē—Bistro Ludique
Where
325 Gréber Blvd., Gatineau
Good to know
Come play games on a table, not on your phone! Enjoy a wide selection and advice from passionate game hosts. While you're there, treat yourself to the bistro's dishes by chef Hugo.
Le Rond-Point Milieu de Jeux
Where
170 Deveault St., Gatineau
Good to know
Kids are often glued to screens too! Bring them to play at this fun centre featuring slides, craft areas and much more.
Accommodations completely off-grid
After all these ideas, still finding it hard to escape digital distractions? Here are cottages without Wi-Fi and restorative, secluded places in the heart of nature! Enjoy every moment of connection with your surroundings. Head home relaxed and more in tune with yourself.
Centre de Vie
Where
14 Chemin du Petit-5e-Rang, Ripon
Good to know
Treat yourself to a retreat in a place where everything is designed to take care of you: yoga classes, a holistic clinic, natural treatments, vegetarian cuisine and many rejuvenating activities.
Domaine Lockbøw
Where
1110, route 315, Lac-Simon
Good to know
In a private forest bordered by the Petite Nation River and Lockbow Falls, choose between a warm, minimalist Scandinavian-inspired cottage or a rustic camping experience in the heart of nature. Private trails and absolute tranquillity: the ideal place to slow down and unplug.
Domaine du Lac des Loups
Where
1250, chemin Pontbriand, La Pêche
Good to know
Nestled in the hills and surrounded by forest, this estate offers two cottages on the shores of Lac des Loups. Peaceful mornings by the water, wildlife watching and evenings around the fire: an ideal refuge to reconnect with what matters most.
Base de plein air Air-Eau-Bois
Where
32 Base de Plein Air Rd., Denholm
Good to know
Enjoy a memorable stay in a dome, micro-refuge or micro-cabin with a splendid view of the Poisson Blanc Reservoir and the rocky hills. With no cell service, you can fully take in the scenery.
Kenauk Nature
Where
1000 Chemin Kenauk, Montebello
Good to know
Stay in one of the largest nature reserves in North America. Tucked away in the forest, sleep in a private cottage with no signal, right by a lake. You'll find plenty of activities for outdoor enthusiasts.
Spas: the luxury of slowing down
Want to extend your disconnection experience? Recharge your batteries (not your phone's!) at one of the many spas and wellness centres in the Outaouais. Clear your mind and savour the present moment, far from screens and notifications.
Nordik Spa Village Chelsea
Where
16, ch. Nordik, Chelsea
Good to know
In a hyperconnected world, North America's largest spa stands out as a true digital disconnection refuge: no notifications, no screens, just the essentials. Enjoy a ritual to the gentle sounds of nature among the site's 10 outdoor pools and 9 saunas.
Huma Spa
Where
10, allée de Hambourg, Gatineau
Good to know
On the rooftop of the Agora district, this urban spa offers three personalized thermotherapy circuits, meditation cocoons and a panoramic terrace overlooking Gatineau Park. A stop right in the city, yet miles away from digital noise.
Disconnecting, even just for an outing, gives you the chance to truly experience the Outaouais: hearing the wind in the leaves instead of a notification, tasting a meal without a camera in hand, falling asleep to the sound of a lake rather than a screen. Whether for an hour, an evening or a full stay, the region is full of places designed to help you slow down.
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Want to take the experience even further? Discover how to travel slowly and responsibly in the Outaouais.
Caroline Cloutier
A traveler at heart, I love to explore forest trails and kayak on our beautiful lakes and rivers. For me, every outdoor adventure is done in duo with my canine best friend and ends with good food and a local microbrewery beer! The Outaouais is my adopted region and a huge territory to discover where nature is never far away!
