5 routes to cycle in the Outaouais
Discover the best of the Outaouais by bike by riding through five circuits. Watch rural and urban landscapes unfold before your eyes, come across deer and stop for a local beer on a sunny terrace. This summer, take to the trails and bike paths of the Outaouais on your bike!
Gatineau Park
It’s no wonder that Gatineau Park is nicknamed the green lung of the Outaouais! Despite its proximity to the city, its 361 km2 of unspoiled nature make it an exceptional place to breathe the fresh air. Many trail options are available, including the Capital Pathway, recreational trails, and, in season, mountain bike trails. On your way home, take a break in Chelsea to quench your thirst with a craft beer at the Chelsea Pub or a unique ice cream at La Cigale!
No matter which trail you choose, remember to follow the code of ethics and safety rules. Share the road, respect the speed limit, ride on the right side and pass on the left.
Gatineau, a bike-friendly city
With close to 300 km of trails, the City of Gatineau’s cycling network gives cycling enthusiasts access to various parks and attractions where they can stop to relax and spend time with family and friends. Whether you choose to ride the Trans Canada Trail or the Route verte, the versatility of the trails and the beautiful natural surroundings make them ideal for a family getaway away from traffic. Take a break on a patio in downtown Gatineau, or end your day watching the sun set over the Ottawa River at the Aylmer Marina or enjoying dinner at one of the many restaurants on Principale Street!
Along some of the busier trails, you’ll find bike repair stations at strategic locations.
The Pontiac
Built around a disused railway line in the Pontiac, the Cycloparc PPJ offers a fairly flat and accessible ride for the whole family. Reserved for cyclists and pedestrians, this 92-km recreational path traverses the Pontiac from east to west. Ride through farmland, marshland, plains and forests, admire exceptional views of the Ottawa River, and discover local treasures in the small communities along the way. A stop in Fort-Coulonge is a must to have a bite at Bryson’s Bistro du Bucheron and admire the Coulonge Falls. And why not extend the pleasure by spending the night at the Spruceholme Inn?
The Cycloparc PPJ is not paved along its entire length, so it’s advisable to have a mountain or hybrid bike.
Vallée-de-la-Gatineau
Part of the Trans Canada Trail, the Véloroute des Draveurs (“log drivers’ bike route”) is a trail over 70 km long, 28 km of which are paved. The picturesque scenery will amaze you, and the rest areas along the way will allow you to enjoy the views to the full! En route, take the opportunity to discover the wealth of local products at the Les saveurs de la Vallée public market. For an unbeatable view, take a well-deserved break at Blue Sea to admire its majestic lake. At the end of the day, load your bike onto the car and head to Village Majopial and the L’Huile d’Olive restaurant for a meal prepared with local products.
There are several parking lots along the route.
Petite Nation
For a road trip on two wheels, the Ottawa River Cycl-O Route is the way to go! Start your adventure with a night fit for royalty at the Fairmont Le Château Montebello. After a hearty breakfast, hit the road and ride along Route 148 from Montebello to Thurso, stopping in at local attractions. Les Brasseurs de Montebello brewpub, the 75th meridian sundial in Papineauville, and Plaisance National Park are some of the must-see attractions along the way. For a longer ride, leave the 148 at Papineauville and go through Saint-André-Avellin instead. A stop at the Brasse-Camarade, a convenience store specializing in microbrewery beer, is a must.
Depending on the route you take, this is an intermediate-level ride of about 130 km.
Share the road and the path!
At all times, when cycling, apply the few rules that ensure everyone’s safety! Ride on the right and pass on the left; don’t block the path (ride in single file, and if you have to stop, step completely away from the path); be careful and alert at all times; and make sure you’re visible at night. Having fun is good, but doing it safely is better! ?
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Want to explore the region by bike? Check out the cycling map and the Bienvenu cyclistes! certified accommodations.
