Love and entrepreneurship in the Outaouais
The Month of Love in the Outaouais is not just about roses and chocolate: it is also about thriving projects! Behind several local businesses are love stories, ideas and, above all, passionate couples who have come together to make a dream come true. Whether it’s a cozy bed and breakfast, a family vineyard born of love at first sight or a gourmet project, let yourself be seduced by these inspiring entrepreneurs from the Outaouais!
Roberto Pizza Romana
A story of love and passion for gastronomy, that’s what lies behind Roberto Pizza Romana. It all began in Italy, where Geneviève, a Canadian tourist in search of local flavors, fell under the spell of a dish… and the chef who created it. That chef was Roberto Catervi, a talented Italian who won his first Michelin star at the age of 27. It was love at first sight, the kind you see in the movies. Unable to let her go, Roberto took the plunge and moved to Canada. Together they opened their pizzeria, a place where Italian and Quebec traditions meet on every plate. Some love stories are told not only with words, but also with tastes!
Carpe Diem Adventures
For Vicky and Michael, CarpeDiem Adventures is first and foremost a family adventure rooted in their adopted region, the Vallée-de-la-Gatineau. They are two teachers with the same career and the same passion for instilling a love of nature in young people. They combine their teaching with their business, and it’s impressive! Founded in 2018, CarpeDiem offers adventure enthusiasts the chance to explore the Haute-Gatineau by kayak, paddleboard, canoe or bike, or to stay at their unique campsite, to better savor the immensity and beauty of the Outaouais.
“We couldn’t have found a better place to live with our children,” says Michael. And their love for this place is evident in their business, where the family spirit is at the heart of the experience. Their oldest son, Édouard, lends a hand in various activities, while their youngest, Emy-Rose, enjoys playing cashier.
HOM Mini chalets
It all began with a quest for tranquility. As young parents, Dominique and Martin dreamed of an intimate refuge, a place where they could get together and recharge their batteries in the heart of nature. The obvious solution quickly emerged: why not create their own cocoon in the heart of the enchanting landscapes of the Outaouais?
And so HOM mini chalets was born, a concept combining luxury and simplicity in Val-des-Monts. What started out as just an idea has been transformed into a true haven of peace, a place of rejuvenation for both body and mind. Through energy management, carbon neutrality targets, local partnerships and civic engagement, the owners are committed on a daily basis to ensuring that their business has a positive impact on ecosystems and on the local economic and social fabric.
Today, 12 mini chalets offer visitors a wellness break, 365 days a year. Their motto? Do good around you while doing good for yourself. Their project was born out of a personal need, and has become an invitation to slow down, to reconnect… and to fully savor every moment.
Little Red Wagon Winery
Behind every visit to Little Red Wagon Winery is Jennifer Dale and Scott Judd’s love of hospitality. From the moment you arrive, you will be greeted by the farm dogs, Jennifer’s genuine smile and Scott’s infectious laugh. “Hosting parties and entertaining our loved ones has always been a part of our lives. The winery came about naturally as a wonderful extension of our desire to welcome more people into our home,” says Scott enthusiastically. As a farmer in the Pontiac, Scott has been working the land for four generations. It was during a visit to a vineyard in Luskville that he and Jennifer had the idea of planting vines on their land. Since then, Little Red Wagon has come to life, growing in step with their passion and connection. Today, their project reflects their love for the land and their desire to share this little corner of paradise with those who cross their path.
Terre & Neige
In 2020, Julia and William left Paris with their children to settle in Val-des-Monts to launch a project close to their hearts: Terre & Neige. Driven by the desire to slow down, to anchor themselves in a more sustainable way of life and to introduce people to local agriculture, they have created a place that reflects their values. Terre & Neige is a happy blend of unusual, luxurious accommodations and responsible dining. Passionate about seasonal cuisine and the discovery of local products, Julia loves to showcase the Outaouais terroir through her culinary creations. As for William, his passion is woodworking. Together, they share this adventure with their children, who are always there to add a family touch to this wonderful experience.
La Confiserie Wakefield
Marc and Sylvie, a warm and passionate couple, have made La Confiserie Wakefield a true place of sweet delights since 2003. While working at the Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa, Marc went to the Jamboree to pick up Valentine’s Day gift baskets for the hotel, and that’s how he found out that the jam-making business was for sale. The story begins a few weeks before the birth of their first child, when they decided to take over the business together and add sweet products such as chocolate and sweets to the range.
Marc, who grew up making cakes and treats, turned his passion for chocolate into a real job. At the age of 16, he was already working in a health food store where he learned how to make artisanal sweets. Today, he shares his love for chocolate and confectionery with Sylvie, creating homemade treats every day.
These business stories are not just local success stories, they remind us that when you share a vision and put your heart into it, the greatest successes come to life! + It’s never too late to celebrate love in the Outaouais. Here are some blog posts to inspire you:
