The Outaouais by Motorcycle
Fire up your motorbike and ride for miles along the roads of the Outaouais. Watch the panoramic scenery change through your visor, follow new routes, and discover a multitude of places to stop along your way.
Gatineau: Patios and sunsets
Cruise down Principale Street in Old Aylmer and stop by the 5e Baron microbrewery to stock up on craft beers. Enjoy a meal on the terrace or try some local street food if there’s a food truck nearby. In summer, many food trucks travel around the area, each with a different tempting menu. If you feel so inclined, go down the street to the Aylmer Marina to take a break and watch the sailboats. The beach at Des Cèdres Park is a great place to cool off or have a picnic.
Next, discover the treasures of Jacques-Cartier Street on the Gatineau side. Park at De la Baie Park and head to the Quai des Légendes on the waterfront for the Trad Jams, free folk music jams. You’ll be charmed by the music, the beauty of the landscape and the talent of the musicians. While you’re there, share a meal or a drink on one of the many streetside terraces with a magnificent view of the Ottawa River. The sunset is magical here!
End your day with a good night’s sleep in a comfortable lounge-style room at the Hotel V. The establishment is very popular for its location, conveniently close to the region’s main arteries as well as local tourist attractions.
Collines-de-l’Outaouais: Covered bridges and lookouts
Head into Gatineau Park and ride up to the Champlain Lookout, the highest viewpoint in the park. Take in the impressive views of the surrounding area from the edge of the Canadian Shield. Check the park’s opening hours before you go, as it’s closed to motorized traffic a few days a week.
On your way down from the lookout, stop in at Old Chelsea Square, a neighbourhood in the heart of the village of Chelsea with many shops and restaurants within walking distance. Sip a drink at the Chelsea Pub, eat pizza at Roberto Pizza Romana, have a coffee at Biscotti & cie, shop for local products at La Petite Grocerie, or spend the night at the Lofts du Village. Before leaving Chelsea, take a detour to the Meech Creek covered bridge, a relic of a bygone era.
Cross to the Wakefield side of the Gatineau River and drive under the mythical Wakefield covered bridge. The Eco-Odyssée Nature Park lookout is the next stop on your journey. Watch a breathtaking sunset, then end the day with an Indigenous-inspired meal at the Nikosi Bistro Pub.
Petite Nation: Waterways and agritourism
Take the road towards Montebello. If you leave from Gatineau, the sun will be behind you on your way there and on your way back. There’s so much to do in Montebello, the time will fly by! The village welcomes motorcyclists, and there’s plenty of motorbike parking.
On your way there, stop at Plaisance Falls. Learn the history of the falls and take a moment to marvel at the power of the torrent crashing to the foot of the rock face, 63 metres below. If you have some time to spare, follow the Plaisance heritage trail and view the municipality’s historic sites before you head back to Montebello.
Once on site, choose from a wide selection of beers at Brasseurs de Montebello to share an authentic taste that values local know-how, and stock up on supplies in the small boutiques for a great picnic. Start at the Fromagerie Montebello where you can buy fine cheeses, charcuterie and fresh bread. If you want a ready-made takeout meal, check out their new snack bar. Afterwards, head to the ChocoMotive chocolate shop and stock up on chocolate products for dessert. Then make your way to the Montebello municipal marina to enjoy your feast while watching the boats go by.
Stop by the Montebello tourist information office, right next door to ChocoMotive, for more information about things to see and do in the Outaouais.
Want to drive a little farther? You can also take Route 309 and, between curves in the road, enjoy the panoramic views of forest and farmland.
Vallée-de-la-Gatineau: Observation points and wide open spaces
Take Highway 105 and pull into the rest stop on the shores of Lac à la Truite to admire the beautiful scenery around the village of Blue Sea.
Continue your journey towards Maniwaki. Once there, stop at the theme park to see the Pythonga Tugboat, a logging boat that once towed wood on the Baskatong Reservoir. Enjoy a good hamburger at the Resto pub Le Rabaska before turning in for the night at the Auberge du Draveur.
Visit the Maniwaki tourist information office for more suggestions.
Pontiac: Poutine and historic sites
Go on a hunt for the best poutine in the region by following the Great Pontiac Poutine Trail. Stop at the various locations along the way to sample their specialties, and find the best poutine recipe in the Pontiac!
Your next stop is Little Red Wagon Winery, where you can stock up on local wine and take a stroll through the vineyards. While you’re there, view the exhibition of works by local artists.
Cross the Félix-Gabriel-Marchand bridge, the longest covered bridge in Quebec, and continue to Chutes Coulonge Adventure Park. Try a zip line descent or climb along the rock face on the Via Ferrata course.
Follow the water
For an iconic motorcycle tour, take the official Outaouais tourist route, Les Chemins d’eau (“waterways”). Follow in the path of the explorers who travelled through the region. Learn more about the Outaouais’ cultural and natural heritage through a podcast and interesting viewpoints. Follow the Ottawa River along Highway 148 and discover picturesque villages that have been somewhat overlooked since the advent of Highway 50. This route links nearly 100 attractions, including places to visit, places to eat and places to stay.
For motorbike maintenance, visit 819 Motosports Inc. Take advantage of their expertise to find all the equipment you need.
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For more suggested itineraries in the Outaouais, discover our tour routes.
