Log-Off and Disconnect in the Outaouais
For one day or a weekend, challenge yourself to completely disconnect from your screens and social media. Experience the beauty of nature with your own eyes, have fun playing games, appreciate all kinds of artwork or get away from it all in a rustic chalet with no service. Enjoy yourself in the Outaouais with authentic experiences out of reach of digital pollution! You’ll instantly notice the benefits!
Parks and trails: places off the beaten path
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
Chemin du Lac-du-Brochet, Bowman
North of Gatineau, this park has several viewpoints on different lakes and lots of diverse wildlife. Although the site is still being developed, you can explore the nearly 5 km trail. And if you feel up to it, you can scale a side of the mountain with the help of the École d’escalade de l’Outaouais.
Forêt-la-Blanche Ecological Reserve
300 Chemin Saddler, Mayo
Discover one of the oldest forests in North America with 12 km of trails to explore. Learn more about this ecological reserve with rare forest populations and trees over 400 years old.
Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon
39 Chemin de la Montagne-Noire, Ripon
From the top of the Mont Grand-Pic observation tower, you’ll have a 360-degree view of Petite Nation from 426 metres up! You can enjoy many outdoor activities in every season: hiking, mountain biking, fatbiking, tobogganing and other boardsports.
Champboisé de l’Ange-Gardien
1521 Route 309, L'Ange-Gardien
Walk along the banks of the Lièvre River on the 5 km Trail of the Arts. The area is incredibly calming and refreshing. Entry is free and you’ll be able to participate in various seasonal activities: snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, petanque, disc golf and more.
Aventure Hélianthe
257 Principale St., Mansfield-et-Pontefract
There are 30 km of trails in the Davidson Forest. Take your time to soak in this incredible white-tailed deer habitat. The huge pine trees and mature oaks are very awe-inspiring. Guided adventures are also available so you can make the most of your time in nature.
PERO Trails
295 Montée du Lac-des-Trente-et-un-Milles, Bouchette
With 12 trails open all year round, this is a great way to discover the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau on foot. You can go hiking, cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Reconnect with nature through the simple things!
Games and culture: a night of digital detox
For an evening, take a break from social media! Go out with your friends to shows that centre around human experiences and local talent. Your entertainment could come from an original work, cultural workshops or even playing games with a delicious local beer. So get off your phone and appreciate these shared moments of joy.
Cabaret La Basoche
120 Principale St., Gatineau
Attend various shows from blues music to comedy and even theatre for younger audiences.
Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg Cultural Centre
54 Makwa Mikan, Maniwaki
Learn about Algonquin culture through the artifacts, photos and paintings on display. Take part in various workshops about Indigenous traditions.
Théâtre de l'Île
1 Wellington St., Gatineau
Located in a historical building, this place is sure to impress you. Spend a once-in-a-lifetime evening watching a show, whether classic or contemporary.
Pärlē—Bistro Ludique
325 Gréber Blvd., Gatineau
Come play board games, and not the kind on your phone! You’re sure to find something you’ll love from our wide selection with suggestions from our passionate staff. Take this opportunity to taste the delicious offerings from Chef Hugo’s bistro.
Le Rond-Point Milieu de Jeux
170 Deveault St., Gatineau
Kids are often addicted to their screens too! Give them a chance to play in this amusement centre with slides, crafting spaces and much more!
Accommodations completely off-grid
After all these suggestions, are you still struggling to find something worth putting down your phone for? Here are some chalets with no Wi-Fi, where you can retreat and rejuvenate in the heart of nature! Really take in each moment of connection with your natural environment. Then you can head home relaxed and more in-touch with yourself.
Centre de Vie
14 Chemin du Petit-5e-Rang, Ripon
Treat yourself to a retreat where everything has been planned out and taken care of for you: yoga classes, a holistic clinic, natural treatments, vegetarian cuisine and multiple replenishing activities.
Terre & Neige (Chalet C°3)
30 Chemin du Lac-Clair, Val-des-Monts
One kilometre from the main entrance, you can get to the chalet on foot or by snowshoeing to experience a stay with no signal. You’ll find a wood stove, a small kitchen and everything you need for some deep relaxation.
Base de plein air Air-Eau-Bois
32 Base de Plein Air Rd., Denholm
Have an unforgettable stay in one of our domes, micro-retreats or micro-chalets with a stunning view of the Poisson Blanc reservoir and rocky hillsides. The lack of signal gives you the perfect opportunity to make the most of these magnificent landscapes.
Kenauk Nature
1000 Chemin Kenauk, Montebello
Stay in one of the largest natural preserves in North America. Nestled in the forest, you get to sleep in a private chalet with no signal, right next to a lake. There are a bunch of activities for outdoor lovers to enjoy.
Want more time offline? Recharge your batteries (and not your cell phone) in one of 8 relaxing spas in the Outaouais. Whether in the thermal baths on the roof of the Huma Spa or during a ritual at the Nordik Spa-Nature, savour the present moment and rest your mind.
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