Sustainable mobility: alternative ways to explore the Outaouais!
Sustainable mobility combines fun, adventure and responsibility! Visit the Outaouais’ most beautiful attractions while reducing your ecological footprint. It’s doable and much simpler than you think! Whether on foot, by bike or by public transit, here are our suggested routes so you can do your part all while exploring the area.
What is sustainable mobility?
According to Tourisme Durable Québec’s Sustainable Tourism Lexicon, the definition of sustainable mobility is: “a model of the movement of people and goods, including concrete policies and measures that focus both on land use planning and on different modes of transportation in order to reduce their negative impacts, such as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that contribute to climate change…”
In the spirit of sustainable mobility, we invite you, when you can, to choose cycling, walking, electric vehicles and public transportation to get around our beautiful region. Whether in part, in whole or according to your preferences along your journey!
You will have a completely different travel experience with more opportune encounters, reduced stress and even nature will be more present during your travels. Avoid traffic and reduce pollution, all while saving time and energy as you visit the region in a whole new way. Discover all the physical and psychological benefits it provides!
From September 1 to 30, 2024, take the Défi sans auto solo de MOBI-O (Solo car free challenge). Sign up in the Défi mobile app. Visit the website for more information.
In an electric vehicle
For just a few hours, a full day or several weeks, rent Trotti-Loue electric scooters to get around Gatineau! Go around Lac-Leamy on the Leamy Lake Park trails before going for a brunch at the Saint-Éloi Café Bistro. The following day, ride down the bike path on Jacques-Cartier Street where you’ll find Café Fwanest and À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale.
Discover the Rideau Canal from Dows Lake to the Ottawa River on a 100% electric boat from Ottawa Cruises. More interested in crossing from one bank to the other? Try the eco-friendly Aqua-Taxi shuttle service. Start at the Canadian Museum of History and head to the canal locks in Ottawa. Once on the other bank, you can rent an electric bike from Rentabike and admire the rich heritage of Gatineau-Ottawa on a ride along the Capital Pathway Network.
Using an electric bike is not only good for the environment, but it also allows you to travel long distances and admire more beautiful landscapes. The Relais plein air du parc de la Gatineau and Nomades du Parc offer rentals and provide choice spots to introduce you to sports.
Must-sees to visit on foot
You can leave your car at home, a tonne of activities are within walking distance in the Outaouais! Travel by public transit to La Maison du Tourisme, then get started on the Culture Trail public art pathway, where you can admire 45 art installations of all kinds. When you’re at the halfway point, take a break at one of Old Hull’s restaurants and then catch a show at the Théâtre de l ‘île.
Near Chelsea, it’s always nice to go on a calming walk and find your guilty pleasures no more than 5-10 minutes away! After hiking in Gatineau Park, enjoy an Italian pizza at Roberto Pizza Romana. Continue on foot to La Petite Grocerie for local finds. Finish the day with a cocktail at the Distillerie du Square or one of the popular events at La Terrasse du Square.
Go even further by bike
With many bike paths in the area, it’s easy and so much fun to choose sustainable mobility. Ride your bike to try out a new microbrewery or a good restaurant. The Voyageurs Pathway takes you directly to the Parc des Cèdres. If you walk up the main street of Old Aylmer you’ll find a host of gourmet locations: The British Café, Ras L’Bol and the 5e Baron Microbrewery. While you’re in the area, take part in the Old Aylmer Historical Tour, visit the Symmes Inn Museum or catch a show at Cabaret La Basoche.
Starting in Chelsea, pedal the greenway to the picturesque village of Wakefield. Admire the beautiful covered bridge, grab a hearty bite at Café Le Hibou, then stay the night at Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa.
The Cycl-O Ottawa River Route is a must in Petite Nation. Along the way, you’ll come across the iconic Fairmont Le Château Montebello, local beers from Les Brasseurs de Montebello and unique wildlife at the Parc national de Plaisance.
For more tour ideas, check out the bike map and certified Bienvenue cyclistes accommodations!
Take the bus anywhere
Take the first step toward sustainable mobility by using the NCC shuttle to visit beautiful Gatineau Park (plus, it’s free)! Easily make your way to the popular hiking trails, near the walking paths. See the historic gardens and ruins of the Mackenzie King Estate as well as the popular Champlain Lookout.
For even more activities within your reach, use the Société de Transport de l’Outaouais’ Planibus mobile app or consult the Transcollines bus schedule to plan your travels by bus.
List of #OutaouisFun attractions easily accessible by public transit
For those who like the finer things in life: Azta Taqueria, Caméline, Le Saint-Éloi Café Bistro and Maison Oddo.
For those who like to learn: Canadian Museum of History, The Regional Museum of the Outaouais, Scott-Fairview House and the L’Imagier Exhibition Centre.
For lovers of the great outdoors: Gatineau Park and Gatineau Outdoor Centres.
For those who love physical activities: Altitude Gym, Espace Hygie and the Gatineau Sports Centre.
As you read through these suggestions, remember that every little action counts. Travelling sustainably is not only good for the environment, it’s also a more rewarding and fun experience!
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